Mental Health Funding Press Conference (2021-07-27)
Contact: Dana Schrad, VACP Executive Director - dana@vachiefs.org; Mobile: 804-338-9512
This news conference is a joint effort of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, and Mental Health America of Virginia.
On July 9, 2021, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) announced the closing to new admissions until further notice of five of the state’s eight state-run psychiatric facilities, citing a lack of capacity to meet the growing need. This creates significant delays in finding an available inpatient bed for individuals in psychiatric crisis. These delays come with significant risks both to the patients as well as to staff and others involved in their care at the community level.
Our joint concern is for an immediate solution to this crisis and to encourage a sustained commitment to community-based mental health services.
News conference speakers include:
* Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard, President, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
* Jennifer Faison, Executive Director, Virginia Association of Community Services Boards
* Bruce Cruser, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Virginia
* Janet Areson, Director of Policy Development, Virginia Municipal League
* Marion Chief John Clair, Board Member, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
Read MoreThis news conference is a joint effort of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, and Mental Health America of Virginia.
On July 9, 2021, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) announced the closing to new admissions until further notice of five of the state’s eight state-run psychiatric facilities, citing a lack of capacity to meet the growing need. This creates significant delays in finding an available inpatient bed for individuals in psychiatric crisis. These delays come with significant risks both to the patients as well as to staff and others involved in their care at the community level.
Our joint concern is for an immediate solution to this crisis and to encourage a sustained commitment to community-based mental health services.
News conference speakers include:
* Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard, President, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
* Jennifer Faison, Executive Director, Virginia Association of Community Services Boards
* Bruce Cruser, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Virginia
* Janet Areson, Director of Policy Development, Virginia Municipal League
* Marion Chief John Clair, Board Member, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
