Dr. Andrews speaks in NMB

By Jennifer Ulrich

On Monday, May 18, Dr. Annie Andrews, candidate for the U.S. Senate, inspired some 200 women and men during a luncheon hosted by the VOICE organization. She outlined reasons for running at this time, citing concern for her children’s future and for healthcare issues. As a pediatrician, Dr. Andrews has extensive insight into the health challenges posed by poverty, inequality, and mental health issues. She highlighted her desire to not become a career politician but to help solve problems. “I’m type A, goal oriented, with tenacity and grit, and I will bring all of that with me if given the privilege of serving.”

A key driver for Dr. Andrews is fixing our healthcare system. She believes implementing pragmatic steps will help drive reforms in the current system – noting that 15 counties in South Carolina have no OB/GYN providers. (Note: Per DPH.SC.gov, SC ranks eigth highest for maternal mortality rates in the U.S. Most of which are ruled preventable.)  She knows Congress must address cost of living issues and proposes cancelling tariffs that are driving inflation. She will protect Medicare and Social Security for our seniors and those less fortunate financially. She supports a fight against medical disinformation by returning qualified experts to the CDC and NIH. Dr. Andrews highlighted the need to root out corruption in government: starting with partisan gerrymandering; insider stock trading; and corporate influence in elections. As a medical doctor, she is an advocate for women’s health and rights to healthcare. “If you don’t have experience with women’s anatomy, you shouldn’t be writing laws on women’s anatomy.” And finally, she addressed the need for common sense gun laws, such as universal background checks.

Dr. Andrews is fearless regarding her chances to win this election and recent polling shows her down just two points in a contest with Lindsey Graham. She encouraged the largely Caucasian women in the room to get out the vote – and especially to stand shoulder-to-should with and draw strength from, women of color. She reminded the listeners that women are 51 percent of the S.C. population and we need to join together to vote in our common interest.

Dr. Andrews gave knowledgeable responses to a wide array of questions on voter suppression, ICE, Education, political violence, Supreme Court reform and domestic violence. She addressed the rise of Artificial Intelligence noting that developments have gotten ahead of policy, similar to what happened with social media. But she emphasized that scientific development should not stop or be impeded by the lack of policy if we are to remain competitive. The audience rose multiple times to applaud Dr. Andrews for her comments and positions and showed strong support for her candidacy.

VOICE is a growing civic network of nearly 300 women from North Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, united by a shared commitment to staying informed, engaged and active in our communities. VOICE mission is to empower women, one woman at a time. In addition to monthly speaker luncheons, VOICE hosts monthly social hours. For more information and activities calendar, visit www.voicenmb.org.