RICHMOND, Va. — Two years ago, Gov. Glenn Youngkin launched a comprehensive initiative called Right Help, Right Now aimed at overhauling Virginia’s behavioral health system. The program focused on enhancing crisis response solutions, such as mobile crisis teams, and establishing a new crisis hotline to provide immediate support to individuals in need. On Wednesday, the governor announced that the state has not only met but exceeded the goals set for this initiative. Furthermore, Youngkin unveiled plans to allocate an additional $70 million in funding to continue expanding these crucial services.
A Promising Track Record
Governor Youngkin reflected on the progress Virginia has made since the launch of Right Help, Right Now, stating, “We are finding a way to get people the help they need when they need it.” He pointed to several key achievements of the initiative:
Mobile Crisis Teams: The number of mobile crisis teams has expanded across the state, providing immediate, in-person support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. These teams help prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and reduce law enforcement involvement in mental health emergencies.
Crisis Hotline: The establishment of a 24/7 crisis hotline has given Virginians a direct, reliable resource for seeking mental health support. The hotline has proven especially valuable in directing individuals to the appropriate services and connecting them with professionals who can offer immediate help.
Overhaul of Behavioral Health Services: The state has made substantial investments to reduce wait times for behavioral health services and expand access to care. These efforts have led to a measurable decrease in the backlog of individuals waiting for mental health services.
$70 Million in New Funding
As part of his continued commitment to improving behavioral health services in Virginia, Governor Youngkin pledged $70 million in additional funding to further expand the Right Help, Right Now initiative. The new funding will be used to:
Increase Mobile Crisis Team Availability: The state will continue to expand its mobile crisis teams to more areas, ensuring that residents in both urban and rural communities have timely access to crisis intervention services.
Enhance Crisis Care Facilities: Some of the funding will be directed towards improving existing behavioral health facilities and establishing new ones to accommodate the increasing demand for services.
Support Law Enforcement: Additional funds will also help law enforcement agencies in Virginia better manage mental health emergencies, particularly in rural areas. Programs such as the conservators of the peace initiative, which places officers in hospitals to assist in managing individuals in crisis, will receive continued funding.
Strengthen Prevention Programs: A portion of the $70 million will be allocated toward preventive mental health care, aiming to address mental health issues before they escalate into crises that require emergency intervention.
Challenges Ahead
While the governor celebrated the progress made, he acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. Despite the successes of the Right Help, Right Now initiative, mental health services in Virginia remain under-resourced, and demand for services continues to rise. Governor Youngkin has reiterated that further investments in mental health care will be needed to meet the long-term needs of Virginians, especially as the state grapples with issues like opioid addiction, youth mental health, and rural healthcare access.
Next Steps and Legislative Approval
Governor Youngkin’s budget proposal, which includes the $70 million in additional funding for mental health services, will be presented to the Virginia General Assembly in the coming weeks. Lawmakers will review the budget, making decisions on how to allocate the proposed funds to ensure continued progress in behavioral health care across the state.
Youngkin’s administration is committed to keeping up the momentum of Right Help, Right Now, with the hope that these expanded resources will provide Virginians with the care and support they need when facing mental health challenges.
As the state moves forward, stakeholders from mental health professionals, community leaders, and law enforcement will continue to collaborate to create a more robust system of care for individuals in crisis.
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