Spring Advocacy Round-Up:

Virginia Breast Cancer Advocates on Capitol Hill, Bill Signings & More

Successful 2026 NBCC Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day

Virginia was well represented again this year at the 2026 National Breast Cancer Coalition’s annual Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, April 25-28th, in Washington, DC. VBCF awarded Karin Decker Noss Scholarships* to seven volunteer advocates to attend. 

Attendees participated in 3 days of scientific plenaries led by leading breast cancer researchers as well as advocacy training workshops to prepare for our meetings on Capitol Hill.  On Lobby Day, Virginia advocates showed amazing stamina, logging over 16,000 steps and 6 miles up and down the halls of Congress! We met with 9 of our Virginia Representatives' offices and with staff from both of our Senators.

“I am always grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of a team that works so tirelessly to be a voice for those who may not be able to speak up for themselves. My heart remembers those who have gone before and appreciate the opportunities that families like Karin Decker Noss’s provide to advance the mission of ending breast cancer.” Leanne K., VBCF Board member and advocate, Richlands, VA

Check out our full recap and more pictures HERE

*VBCF’s Noss Scholarship funds training for volunteer advocates in legislative advocacy and medical research to carry on the work that Karin Decker Noss, a dedicated board member, and former VBCF president, began.

🎉Celebrating Important Legislative Wins for Virginians

Last week, we were honored to be included in the ceremonial signing of several laws that VBCF and our advocates helped pass. Thank you to all who took action to help get these bills across the finish line!

First in the South! Paid Family and Medical Leave

Governor Spanberger signed this landmark Virginia law establishing a paid family and medical leave program with benefits beginning in 2028. The program will provide workers with up to 12 weeks of leave at 80% pay for a qualifying event such as welcoming a baby, or caring for a loved one or themselves during a serious medical event, like cancer treatment. This law will make a real difference for breast cancer patients and their families as they manage treatment and recovery.

Pictured :Governor Spanberger; bill patrons Delegate Briana Sewell (HD 25) & Senator Jennifer Boysko (SD 38); VBCF Executive Director Katy Sawyer, and Director of Policy Kirsta Millar.

Predictable Co-Pay Option for Prescription Drugs

The Governor also signed legislation that will give Virginians with state-regulated health insurance the option to choose a plan with capped, predictable co-pays for prescription drugs. This law will help breast cancer patients afford the life-saving medications they need.

Pictured: Governor Spanberger; bill patrons Delegate Rozia Henson (HD 19) &Senator Russet Perry (SD 31); Kirsta Millar; and patient group partners from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS/CAN) and Blood Cancer United.

Federal Budget Update

Congress is currently working on the federal budget for FY27. In good news, the President's proposed budget includes level funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). As you may recall, last year the President proposed eliminating the program, which Congress fortunately rejected. Last year, Congress also rejected the President's call for severe cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after much public outcry. This year, the President's budget seeks to cut $5 billion from the NIH, but it does maintain funding for the National Cancer Institute. We will be tracking developments on the budget and will send "calls to action" if needed.

Next Up:

VBCF Summer Advocacy Meeting (Date TBD)

Stay tuned for registration information for our summer advocacy meeting. We'll provide updates on the latest developments in federal and state-level policy issues related to breast cancer. We'll also discuss advocacy plans for the rest of the year, including potential in-district meetings with Virginia legislators later this summer. We hope you can join us!

Questions: contact Kirsta Millar

kirsta@vbcf.org or 804-285-1200 ext. 203.