Congressman Subramanyam Visits Birmingham Green
Discusses CNA Shortage & Future of Elder Care
Historic Care Center Has Been Offering Affordable & Dignified Care for 97 Years
On Wednesday, July 30th, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam visited Birmingham Green, a historic and mission-driven senior living facility located in Manassas, Virginia, that has been providing affordable, dignified care for the region’s most vulnerable older adults for nearly 100 years.
Congressman Subramanyam toured the historic campus, met with leadership and residents, and addressed urgent elder care matters, including the nationwide Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) shortage of at least 100,000 CNA’s. Also discussed was the legislation, titled the Ensuring Access to Quality Care Act, that is anticipated to ease the administrative restrictions placed on CNA training programs, of which Birmingham Green offers its staff at no cost to encourage and enable aspiring CNA’s. The proposed legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Scott.
As the only facility in Northern Virginia with 100% of its Willow Oaks Assisted Living units dedicated to the state-run Auxiliary Grant program, Birmingham Green serves seniors who lack resources to pay for long-term care, many of whom are medically frail, low-income, and have nowhere else to go. This makes Congressman Subramanyam’s visit even more crucial, shining a spotlight on how policy decisions directly affect facilities like Birmingham Green and the people they serve.
“I am so impressed with your dedication and commitment and the excellence with which you serve. I want you to know that I realize how hard you work, how tough the conditions can be, and that you sometimes might not feel the full appreciation you’re due. Well, I appreciate you, and you have a friend and an advocate in Washington,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam to CEO Birmingham Green Denise Chadwick Wright.
“Congressman Subramanyam, it means so much that you have taken the time from your schedule to be with us at Birmingham Green. Having you on campus, talking with our staff and residents, sends us the clear signal that you are aware of what we do and that you care about our work. Thank you,” stated Denise Chadwick Wright CEO Birmingham Green.
Visit Highlights Included:
- 10am: Arrived with Lana Westfall, Senior Constituent Services Representative
- Toured Willow Oaks Assisted Living, where he enjoyed the Rehab Clinic and tested his gait and reflexes using Birmingham Green’s state-of-the-art equipment. He also visited the residential rooms where he spoke with both residents and staff, in addition to the Salon, the Library/Reading Room, the Outdoor Courtyards, and the Community Store, which offers snacks, personal items, and brand-new clothing donated by Pros Fore Clothes non-profit.
- Visited District Home Building (Assisted Living), which is 97 years old and the original Birmingham Building
- Toured the CNA Training Room, where the CNA training program was discussed. Birmingham Green provides this training completely for free, including all books and supplies. In addition, Birmingham graduates have the capability to work as CNA’s anywhere in the country due to Birmingham’s national certification.
- Discussed the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act, the legislation that is being formed to ease administrative restrictions that have been placed on CNA training programs due to the shortage of at least 100,000 CNA’s nationwide.
- Attended Birmingham Town Hall Meeting with staff and residents. The Congressman spoke with the group for about 35 minutes and took questions, from changes in Medicare and Social Security to sponsoring tax incentives and loan forgiveness for those who enter the medical field. He also offered to help residents and staff schedule tours of the Capital and the White House!
ABOUT BIRMINGHAM GREEN
For more than 90 years, Birmingham Green has provided long-term care to Northern Virginians who lack the personal resources to afford it. Located on a 54-acre site in Manassas, Birmingham Green serves residents from Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, and the City of Alexandria. As the only 100% Medicaid facility in Northern Virginia and home to Willow Oaks Assisted Living—the region’s only fully Auxiliary Grant-funded facility—Birmingham Green operates through a vital public-private partnership with local governments to close funding gaps. Recognized by Newsweek as the #1 Best Nursing Home in Northern Virginia in 2024, the organization has also earned national awards for excellence and continues to make a generational impact through compassionate, community-based care.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Ashley Bernardi | Ashley@nardimedia.com | 202-316-3298