Virginia to decide on spending to improve mental health care

Abstract

When the General Assembly reconvenes in August, it will decide how to spend about $4 billion Virginia is getting from the American Rescue Plan, The Associated Press reported June 21. A joint subcommittee studying mental health services is preparing recommendations for how to use the funds in time for the session. Advocates say the state needs more intervention centers, where people in crisis can get immediate mental health treatment without an emergency room visit. Most states spend 75% of public mental health dollars on community services and the rest on inpatient hospitals, but Virginia does the opposite, Anna Mendez, board president of the nonprofit advocacy group Mental Health of Virginia and executive director of the Charlottesville affiliate, Partner for Mental Health. Advocates say the state needs more intervention centers, where people in crisis can get immediate mental health treatment without an emergency room visit. The state has contracts with private mental health facilities to divert patients from public hospitals and plans to add more, she said. The state has also launched a multiyear effort to add more community services to every region.