Governor Glenn Youngkin attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Valley Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) in Fishersville, Virginia. The event marked the start of construction on a new facility aimed at improving crisis response services as part of the state’s Right Help, Right Now behavioral health initiative.
“This is how we build a system that responds to every Virginian with urgency, dignity, and compassion,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Instead of waiting in a hospital hallway or in the back of a police vehicle, people in crisis will walk into the new Valley Crisis Receiving Center — a space designed to help them reclaim stability and hope. The Valley region is demonstrating innovation, accountability, and a commitment to public safety in action. Together, we are delivering the right help, right now.”
The center will feature 16 CRC chairs and 16 Crisis Stabilization Unit beds. It will be operated by the Valley Community Services Board (CSB) and offer 24/7 medical screening, clinical evaluation, peer support, and care coordination. After opening, it will also house the region’s Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center to streamline transfers for individuals under Emergency Custody and Temporary Detention Orders.
Valley crisis teams respond to over 1,180 interventions each year across Augusta and Highland Counties as well as Staunton and Waynesboro. These teams work closely with law enforcement agencies and local hospitals.
“The Valley has a history of building smarter pathways into care, and this center continues that leadership,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Families will gain faster access to treatment, hospitals will stay focused on medical emergencies, and individuals will receive care with dignity at the moment they need it.”
Facility design emphasizes privacy for patients along with quick access to clinical staff. Transfer of Custody agreements between Valley CSB and Augusta Health security aim to reduce time officers spend in emergency departments so they can return sooner to public safety duties.
“We are designing the future of crisis response. This approach connects therapeutic care, modern infrastructure, and efficient law enforcement coordination,” said Nelson Smith, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. “By reducing processing times and creating a consistent statewide model, we are building speed into the system and helping officers return to their core public safety duties more quickly.”
“I am proud to see this groundbreaking in the Valley where I grew up,” said Hallie Pence, Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now. “This facility will provide the resources Virginians need regardless of the day of the week or the hour of the day. People deserve real care without delay, and the Valley is proving what happens when compassion and collaboration drive bringing resources to serve its own community.”
The project is supported by partnerships among Augusta Health, Western State Hospital regional CSBs as well as first responder agencies.
“This center is deeply personal for our community,” said Dr. Kimberly McClanahan, Executive Director of the Valley Community Services Board.“Every person who enters will be welcomed into a place where calm, care,and connection are thestandard.Recovery can begin immediately,and no one will face acrisis alone.”
Local officials highlighted benefits for both families seeking help during crisesand law enforcement officers responsible for initial response.“Our regionis strongest when solutions are designed here by people who understand theneeds our communities,”said Senator Mark Obenshain.“This investment supports public safety,strengthens our workforce,and improves qualityof lifein ShenandoahValley.”
“With this center,familieswill know exactly whereto turn any timeof day,”said Delegate Chris Runion.“By creatinga reliable processfor officersto transferindividuals intoclinicalcare,weare supportingboth communitysafetyand timelytreatment.”
“Thiscenterhasbeenalongtimecoming.I’m sogratefulforGovernorYoungkinandthisadministrationforrecognizingtheimportanceofthisinourcommunity,”saidDelegateEllenMcLaughlin.“Manyfamilieswillbenefitfromgettingtherighthelpandtheresourcestheyneed.”
Funding for construction comes from over $16 million in combined capitaland operating investments provided through state behavioral health fundingand regionalpartnerships.GovernorYoungkin’sRightHelpRightNowinitiativeisa three-year,$1.4 billion transformationofVirginia’sbehavioralhealthsystemthat aims toenhancecrisisservices,supportcommunity-basedcare,increasetheworkforce,and ensurethoseincrisishaveaccesstoassistancewhentheyneedit.
