Governor Glenn Youngkin marked the third anniversary of Virginia’s Right Help, Right Now initiative, highlighting changes in the state’s behavioral health system since its launch in December 2022. The program was created to address gaps in crisis response, substance use recovery, workforce development, and family support.
According to Governor Youngkin, “From Day One, we set out to rebuild a behavioral health system that truly puts people first. Today, Virginians have faster access to care, more support in moments of crisis, and new hope for recovery and stability. This transformation belongs to the families, providers, and communities who stood with us to demand something better.”
The initiative has led to increased investment and legislative action. Over three years, $1.4 billion has been invested into behavioral health services across Virginia. More than 60 bipartisan laws have been enacted and 130 coordinated initiatives launched.
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin said: “We believe that every life has value and every person deserves the chance to heal and thrive. Through the It Only Takes One fentanyl awareness initiative and our work to support youth mental health, we encourage Virginians to look out for one another and have important conversations that can often save lives.”
Chief of Staff John Littel added: “This transformation has always been about the people of Virginia. We rebuilt this system piece by piece with one purpose, to serve individuals and families with dignity and compassion. The work must continue, and it will take all of us to carry it forward. What we have begun together can strengthen the Commonwealth for generations.”
Secretary Janet V. Kelly commented: “The Right Help, Right Now initiative is special and effective because it foundationally assumes that each Virginian has inherent dignity and worth. Because of the hard work of so many, Right Help Right Now is more than a plan; it’s alive in the hearts and minds of the citizens of the Commonwealth who need it.”
Hallie Pence, Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now stated: “When a Virginian is in crisis, every second matters. Across Virginia, we have built and expanded the continuum of care so regardless of the day or time, they can receive the quality of care at the appropriate level in their own community. That is the strengthening of care and the difference this transformation has made.”
Key outcomes from the past three years include:
– The number of mobile crisis teams increased from 36 to 110 statewide.
– Crisis responses rose from 500 per month before implementation to over 7,500 per month as of November 2025.
– Crisis care capacity nearly doubled from 249 beds/chairs available statewide at launch toward an expected total capacity exceeding triple initial levels.
– Integration between emergency hotlines (988) and emergency services (911) improved coordination for those seeking help.
– Co-response programs between law enforcement officers and clinicians expanded from 10 communities at launch toward coverage in more areas.
– Law enforcement agencies saved significant resources through alternative custody programs that reduced officer time spent on non-criminal crises.
– Assertive Community Treatment teams grew from 43 units supporting high-needs residents up to 64 teams.
– School-based behavioral health services now reach over 20 thousand students across more divisions than before.
– Developmental disability waiver slots increased by more than four thousand since program inception.
Efforts targeting substance use disorder resulted in a reported drop in fatal fentanyl overdoses by nearly sixty percent since January 2022 among all Virginians—with a similar decrease among those under age twenty-five—alongside expanded naloxone distribution efforts.
Regulatory reforms cut barriers for workforce entry by twenty-five percent while new recruitment pathways were established for students interested in behavioral health careers.
Commercial insurers are now required statewide to cover certain stabilization services previously only available through public funding sources.
Governor Youngkin concluded: “This work is not finished. Every Virginian deserves hope. Every Virginian deserves help. And in Virginia, they will receive it.”
Right Help, Right Now remains focused on expanding crisis care access throughout Virginia while strengthening community-based services.
