Ron Scearce was the newest member of the Pittsylvania County Department of Social Services board when he strolled through the office handing out business cards in August 2017.
Community & Public Health
Because Virginia operates a decentralized social services system, employees at the local level are rarely held accountable for the life-changing decisions they make for Virginia’s families.
Roanoke Times reporter Alison Graham provides some insight into the DSS Under Strain series, and shares what's in store for the second part of the series.
Climate change is fueling devastating wildfires in California, and in some cases, low-wage immigrant workers are cleaning up after them. They sweep ash out of houses and strip debris from burned buildings.
If you’re like me, you are alarmed by the rates of complications and deaths from sepsis worldwide. As a reporter, where do you start? Hospital Compare is a good place to begin.
In October 2019, a stretch of dry weather and strong winds sparked dozens of wildfires across California, killing three people and destroying hundreds of homes. For the low-wage immigrants who work in those homes, fire season brings its own dangers.
Sam Miller can help us understand how addiction and homelessness intersect because he’s lived them both. Plus he can make us laugh. He points to one reason he was able to overcome homelessness while many others get trapped.
The stories include people like Terry and John Rubiolo, who are living on their burned-out property and delivering food to about 80 people three times a week, because they know their neighbors are struggling.
Asthma is on the rise across the U.S., and people of color are more likely to have asthma. On Native American reservations, the problem is particularly grave.
Why is sepsis such a maddening challenge, and why should reporters care?