Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced three new grants aimed at expanding crisis receiving centers (CRCs) and crisis stabilization units (CSUs) in Virginia. The funding is part of the $1.4 billion Right Help, Right Now initiative to improve behavioral health care across the state.
“Every Virginian deserves to know that in a moment of crisis, help is close at hand in Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Through Right Help, Right Now, we are expanding access to specialized crisis care so that people can be connected quickly to the services they need. By investing in more crisis receiving centers and stabilization units, we are strengthening communities, easing the strain on emergency rooms and law enforcement, and ensuring that help is available when and where it is needed most.”
The new projects will add or expand CRCs and CSUs operated by local community services boards. These facilities provide alternatives to hospital emergency departments for those experiencing behavioral health emergencies. They also aim to reduce pressure on hospitals and law enforcement by offering same-day access to care.
“Each new crisis receiving center and stabilization unit brings us closer to a behavioral health system that is even more accessible, compassionate, and effective,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “These facilities meet people in their communities, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and connect Virginians to the right level of care from the very start. This is how we turn meaningful investment into life-changing impact.”
“Right Help, Right Now is about meeting people where they are and making sure help is available the moment it is needed,” said Hallie Pence, Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now. “These new facilities will make it possible for more Virginians to get immediate help close to home, preventing crises from escalating and connecting individuals and families to ongoing support and hope.”
“These projects represent real progress toward a crisis system that works for every Virginian,” said Nelson Smith, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). “By expanding access to local, specialized care, we are giving people in crisis a safe place to turn and the support they need to stabilize and begin recovery. Our community services boards are key partners in making this vision a reality.”
The latest round includes $1 million for Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board for developing CRCs/CSUs for adults and children; $6.5 million for Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for expanding adult CRCs/CSUs as well as youth-focused sites with detox services; and $5.5 million for Rappahannock Area Community Services Board supporting property acquisition along with expanded adult/youth CRCs/CSUs.
Launched in December 2022 by Governor Youngkin’s administration, Right Help, Right Now aims at transforming Virginia’s behavioral health system through major investments like these recent grants.
