$38 million to improve Virginia’s mental health system

In a recent announcement by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, a task force has been created to study improvements in mental health services and crisis response. The Governor’s package of reforms and funding for mental health and substance abuse disorder programs totals $38.3 million over the next two years. “Clarity and resources are what is needed going forward,” he said. In addition to the $38 million that McDonnell announced, the state is spending $95.8 million as part of a U.S. Department of Justice settlement for the state’s intellectual and developmental disability system and other Virginia medical assistance services resources, according to McDonnell’s office.