July 2010
Virginia Medical-Legal Partnership Network Launches New Website
Medical-Legal Partnerships improve health outcomes by harnessing the power of doctors, lawyers and social workers working together for their patients. In 2004, the Legal Aid Justice Center, University of Virginia Medical Center and the University of Virginia School of Law formed Virginia’s first Medical-Legal Partnership in Charlottesville. There are now nine sites throughout the Commonwealth. These Partnerships serve individuals, families, children, and elders with a wide range of medical, legal, and social work needs. Visit the Virginia Medical-Legal Partnership Network’s new website, www.mlpvirginia.org, to learn more.
Legal Aid Client Joins President Obama in the Rose Garden to Urge Extension of Unemployment Benefits
On July 19, 2010, President Obama addressed the nation and urged the Senate to pass legislation that includes an extension of unemployment benefits. By his side was Leslie Macko, a client of the Legal Aid Justice Center, who lost her job in 2009. She has persistently searched for work, but to no avail. She is one of many workers who are facing termination of their benefits if Congress fails to act.
The unemployment measure has been held up for weeks in the Senate. On July 20, 2010, Carte Goodwin will be sworn in to fill the West Virginia seat previously held by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. It is anticipated that Carte Goodwin will cast the deciding vote in favor of the extension.
Watch the video of the President’s remarks from the Rose Garden and hear him tell Ms. Macko's story.
Read the Press Statement from the White House.
Read the Legal Aid Justice Center's Press Statement from July 29, 2010.