New funding and task force proposed for mental health services in Virginia

Governor Bob McDonnell announced budget proposals Dec. 10 to expand crisis response and crisis prevention services for Virginia’s behavioral health system.

The governor’s proposals would infuse $38.3 million over the biennium into critical mental health and substance-use disorder programs. 

Separately, funding for the DOJ mental health and training center settlement and DMAS resources, a total of $95.8 million, will be provided during the next biennium. 

Governor McDonnell also announced through Executive Order 68 the convening of a Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response. 

The Task Force calls for leaders in the mental health field, law enforcement communities, the judicial system and private hospitals along with individuals receiving mental health services and their families to seek and recommend solutions that will improve Virginia’s mental health crisis services and help prevent crises from developing.

McDonnell was quoted in a news release as saying, “Over the years, including the events of April 16, 2007, Virginians have experienced tremendous heartache as a result of mental health tragedies.  These experiences serve to underline the need to ensure that all individuals and families experiencing mental health crises have access to the needed services without delay. Working together with the General Assembly we have made progress, but there is much more to do. It has become clear that Virginia’s mental health system can sometimes be difficult to navigate for families seeking assistance, or even for workers inside the system.  While there are quality services in place to address most types of mental health needs, we must increase the capacity and availability of those services in all Virginia communities so that every person in crisis is able to receive much-needed help. Simultaneously, we must look for ways to expand the availability of ongoing treatment and support services that will prevent mental health crises. This significant and strategic investment of funds and Executive Order 68 are substantial steps forward to making critical mental health improvements.  I’m pleased to report that Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe is fully supportive of these changes and investments, and will continue the Executive Order Task Force during his term.”

The Task Force shall be co-chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Secretary of Public Safety.

Membership shall include the following individuals or representatives:

·      The Attorney General of Virginia or his representative
·      Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia or her representative
·      Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
·      Commissioner of the Department of Social Services
·      Superintendent of the Virginia State Police
·      At least three community services board emergency services directors
·      At least three law enforcement officers, including at least one sheriff  
·      At least two executive directors of community services boards
·      At least two magistrates
·      At least two private hospital emergency department physicians
·      At least two psychiatrists
·      At least one representative of a state mental health facility
·      At least two representatives from Virginia’s private hospital system
·      At least two individuals receiving mental health services
·      At least two family members of individuals receiving services
·      Two members of the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia
        More information on the Governor McDonnell’s Executive Order 68 to create the Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response will be available online later today at http://www.governor.virginia.gov/PolicyOffice/ExecutiveOrders/