Jessica F. Simmons is a Reporter & Strategic Communications Producer for COURIER, covering community stories and public policies across the country. Featured in print, broadcast, and radio journalism, her work shows her passion for local storytelling and amplifying issues that matter to communities nationwide.
Jessica F. Simmons
Latest from Jessica F. Simmons
-
Gov. Youngkin vetoes contraception protections—again
For the second year in a row, Virginia’s governor rejected legislation that would have guaranteed access to birth control. Advocates said the decision continues to leave Virginians vulnerable.
-
Virginia HBCU launches first doula certification program, targeting Black maternal mortality in the South
Felicia D. Cosby wasn’t expecting a student’s casual comment to spark a public health initiative. But when a student told her she’d love to be a doula, the idea stuck. Months later, Virginia Union University became the first HBCU in the state to launch a doula certification program.
-
Virginia repro clinics face uncertainty as Trump administration halts federal health funding
Without Title X federal support, repro clinics in Richmond, Hampton, and other cities may be forced to scale back essential care for low-income patients.
-
Amid growing threats to repro rights in Virginia, a local clinic is still trying to expand access
Gov. Youngkin’s recent changes to the Virginia Right to Contraception Act and the Contraceptive Equity Act will leave Virginians with fewer contraception and other reproductive health care options.
-
Richmond nonprofit fills gap left by Virginia law that requires—but doesn’t fund—free period products in schools
While state law requires menstrual products in Virginia public schools, the absence of state funding forces nonprofits to shoulder the burden.
