Asheville Joins Groups Across the State in Candlelight Vigil to Expand Medicaid

Pisgah Legal Services Attorney Jackie Kiger speaking at June 5 Candlelight Vigil

“Healthcare Can’t Wait” was the theme of  22 simultaneous Candlelight Vigils across the state held at 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 5th, to call attention to  the fact that Medicaid Expansion is a matter of life and death. The statewide vigils were coordinated by the NC Justice Center, and the Asheville vigil was led  by Indivisible AVL in partnership with Pisgah Legal Services.

Well-known community leader Reverend L.C. Ray opened the vigil with an interfaith prayer and a moment of silence, while we lit the memorial candle in honor of those who have died or suffered because they couldn’t get the care they needed.

Local residents Leslie Boyd, who lost her adult son because he could get the care he needed, and Jody Read, whose children qualify for Medicaid but who falls into the coverage gap herself, shared their experiences, followed by Asheville City Councilwoman Julie Mayfield and Pisgah Legal Services Attorney Jackie Kiger, who addressed the impact the issue has on our community.

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The event concluded with these 5 Actions we can take to ensure that the state accepts Medicaid Expansion in the current legislative session.

Note: Photos on this page (c) Jeffrey DeCristofaro 2019