Governor Youngkin announces new funding to expand crisis receiving centers and stabilization units across Virginia

Fairfax, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has unveiled three new grant awards designed to expand crisis services and provide immediate support for Virginians facing behavioral health emergencies. The funding, part of the state’s historic $1.4 billion investment in the Right Help, Right Now initiative, will be used to establish and expand crisis receiving centers (CRCs) and crisis stabilization units (CSUs) across the Commonwealth.

“Every Virginian deserves to know that in a moment of crisis, help is close at hand in Virginia,” said Governor 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.”

Investing in Localized Care

CRCs and CSUs are a vital part of Virginia’s crisis continuum, working alongside the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and mobile crisis teams. These facilities provide community-based alternatives to crowded hospital emergency rooms and local jails, giving individuals in crisis a safe place to turn.

The latest projects build on $108 million already invested in 19 crisis projects since December 2023. Previous funding supported expanded services in Richmond, new youth facilities in the New River Valley, and large-scale projects in Prince William and Loudoun counties.

Janet V. Kelly, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, emphasized the long-term impact of these initiatives. “Each new crisis receiving center and stabilization unit brings us closer to a behavioral health system that is even more accessible, compassionate, and effective,” she said.

Details of the New Grants

• Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board will receive $1 million to develop new CRCs and CSUs for both adults and children. The project will involve renovating a newly purchased commercial building with the support of local law enforcement and community stakeholders.

• Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board will receive $6.5 million to expand community-based services. The plan includes opening a new adult CRC and developing a youth site offering a CRC, CSU, and substance use detox services, creating a comprehensive care network for all ages.

• Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will receive $5.5 million to purchase and renovate a large property. The project will relocate and modernize the Sunshine Lady House adult CSU in Fredericksburg while adding new youth CRC and CSU services to significantly expand local capacity.

Transforming Behavioral Health in Virginia

Since its launch in December 2022, the Right Help, Right Now plan has aimed to overhaul Virginia’s outdated behavioral health system by ensuring same-day access to crisis care. Hallie Pence, Executive Director of the initiative, noted, “Right Help, Right Now is about meeting people where they are and making sure help is available the moment it is needed.”

Nelson Smith, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, added, “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.”

With these new grants, Virginia continues to build a stronger, more accessible crisis care network, ensuring that individuals and families across the Commonwealth can find help close to home when they need it most.