Before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2023, Don Davis served two terms in the North Carolina Senate State Senate (2009 – 2011 and 2013 – 2023). Davis also served eight years in the Air Force. He earned an undergraduate degree from the Air Force Academy and advanced degrees from Central Michigan University and East Carolina University. Davis is married and has three sons.
Our Q&A with Don Davis
NC Health News reached out to Don Davis’ campaign multiple times looking for answers to our list of questions and received no response. To give readers information, we combed the internet and social media for statements by Davis and material from his official website that could address the themes in our questions. Unfortunately, we were not able to find material to answer every question.
What would be your plan for ensuring the future security/ strength of Medicare?
In 2023, Davis supported Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.
“After more than a decade, today’s bill signing will provide much-needed health insurance for nearly 100,000 eastern North Carolinians,” said Congressman Davis in a press release. “I join the residents of North Carolina’s First District in expressing gratitude for ensuring the stability and well-being of our hardworking families and rural hospitals. As a co-chair of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I will continue leading the charge in Congress to expand Medicaid across the country to guarantee everyone has access to the lifesaving care they deserve.”
What would you support in Congress as a plan to help control health care/pharmaceutical costs?
Davis made the following statement in an News and Observer article published Oct. 3, 2024.
“Many are concerned about high costs and access to quality health care, which impact seniors and those living in our most rural areas. We must keep working to make prescription drugs more affordable, expand Medicare and Social Security benefits, and fight to bring an end to the opioid and fentanyl crisis. I recognize the pressing need for better mental health and telehealth services.”
Where do you stand on time limits for Medicaid and work requirements for the program?
The following statement was pulled from Don Davis’ Congressional website and may provide insight into his thoughts about support for rural healthcare.
“Congressman Davis is leading the effort in the House to expand access to affordable care for North Carolinians. That’s why a few of his first official acts in Congress included cosponsoring H.R. 31 COVER Now Act, which would help find a federal alternative to states who have yet to expand Medicaid and relaunching the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus (SMEC) to advance solutions to expand Medicaid for those trapped in their state’s coverage gap.”
What can the federal government do to support rural hospitals?
In May 2024, Congressman Don Davis […] announce[d] that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded […] more than $17 million, to help promote the economic and social well-being of […] communities in eastern North Carolina through new health services programs.
“For many residents of eastern North Carolina, healthcare is a top-of-mind concern,” said Davis in a statement. “We’ve been fighting for more healthcare funding to modernize facilities, improve infrastructure, and give residents easier and more affordable healthcare options. These grants will provide the needed boost to excel our healthcare system to the standard our community deserves.”
Where do you stand on restoring funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
“Affordable and reliable broadband connections are necessary for the long-term success of eastern North Carolina. It’s essential for kids at school, workers, and communities,” Rep. Don Davis, said in a statement in April, 2024 released by the Problem Solvers Caucus.“Constituents continue to voice a deep interest in the Affordable Connectivity Program and the need to keep it.”
PFAS contamination is a country-wide issue; How do you balance public safety and business interests with this issue?
In 2023, Don Davis announced a $563,932 grant to East Carolina University from the EPA to “provide technical assistance to manufacturing facilities in distressed communities to reduce the use and release of hazardous substances and increase water and energy efficiency,” a press release read.
“Ensuring safer, cleaner drinking water to enhance the well-being of our families across eastern North Carolina is crucial,” Davis said.
Is the federal government ready for the next pandemic?
NC Health News could not find anything in the public record on this topic.
In 2009, Congress required more transparency from hospitals on their charitable work. Do you think the federal government should enforce stricter requirements for nonprofit hospitals to justify their tax exemptions? Why or why not?
NC Health News could not find anything in the public record on this topic.
Where do you stand on federal abortion limits? What gestational limits, if any, would you set?
“Don understands the pressing need to protect women’s rights, especially now when they are under attack,” his campaign website reads. “Congress must take action and codify Roe v. Wade. He firmly believes that a woman’s health decisions should remain private between her and her doctor. Don recognizes that choosing when to start a family is deeply personal. He is fighting to improve maternal health outcomes in eastern North Carolina, where the rates of maternal mortality and morbidity are alarmingly high.”
Support for the EITC/ child care tax credit?
NC Health News could not find anything in the public record on this topic.
What steps would you take to improve access to mental health services and to address the opioid overdose crisis?
In an article published Spt. 2024 by Targeted News Service, Davis offered a comment about mental health services.
“Congress must take decisive action to improve the delivery of mental health care services, particularly in underinvested communities across eastern North Carolina and rural America,” he said. “Telehealth is one of the most powerful ways to achieve this goal. We must pass this crucial legislation that will bring real and lasting improvements to our healthcare system.”
Any other issues you’d like to weigh in on?
Davis […] announce[d] that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded […] more than $17 million, to help promote the economic and social well-being of […] communities in eastern North Carolina through new health services programs.
“For many residents of eastern North Carolina, healthcare is a top-of-mind concern,” he said. “We’ve been fighting for more healthcare funding to modernize facilities, improve infrastructure, and give residents easier and more affordable healthcare options. These grants will provide the needed boost to excel our healthcare system to the standard our community deserves.”