Virginia Breaks Ground on Valley Crisis Receiving Center: A Key Component of Statewide Behavioral Health Transformation
Fishersville, VA – December 18, 2023 – Virginia is taking a significant stride forward in addressing the growing need for accessible and effective behavioral health crisis care with the groundbreaking of the Valley Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) in Fishersville. The December 9th event, attended by Governor Glenn Youngkin and key state and community leaders, marks a pivotal moment in the implementation of the state’s ambitious Right Help, Right Now initiative. This initiative represents a $1.4 billion, three-year commitment too fundamentally reshape Virginia’s behavioral health landscape.
For too long, individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis have faced a fragmented and often inadequate system. Too frequently enough, this meant lengthy waits in hospital emergency departments – spaces ill-equipped to provide the specialized care needed – or reliance on law enforcement for situations best handled by trained behavioral health professionals. The Valley CRC directly addresses these shortcomings, offering a dedicated, purpose-built facility for immediate assessment, stabilization, and connection to ongoing support.
A Model for Crisis Response: Dignity, Speed, and Effective Care
Governor Youngkin emphasized the core principles driving this investment: “This is how we build a system that responds to every Virginian with urgency, dignity, and compassion. Rather 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.”
This isn’t simply about building a building; it’s about fundamentally changing how Virginia responds to behavioral health crises.The Valley CRC will feature 16 dedicated CRC chairs for immediate assessment and 16 Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) beds for short-term residential care. Operated by the Valley Community Services Board (CSB), the center will provide a complete suite of services, including:
* 24/7 Medical Screening: Ensuring physical health needs are addressed alongside behavioral health concerns.
* Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation: Performed by qualified mental health professionals to accurately assess the individual’s needs.
* Peer Support: Leveraging the lived experience of individuals in recovery to provide encouragement and guidance.
* Care Coordination: Seamlessly connecting individuals to appropriate follow-up care, including therapy, medication management, and community resources.
Reducing strain on Hospitals and law Enforcement
The impact of the Valley CRC will extend beyond those directly served. The relocation of the region’s Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center into the new facility will streamline the process for individuals under Emergency custody and Temporary Detention Orders, creating a more therapeutic surroundings and accelerating access to care.
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly highlighted the broader systemic benefits: “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.”
This sentiment is echoed by Nelson Smith, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, who stated, ”We are designing the future of crisis response. This approach connects therapeutic care, modern infrastructure, and efficient law enforcement coordination. 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.” A key component of this efficiency is the innovative Transfer of Custody agreements already established with Augusta Health security, minimizing wait times in emergency departments.
A Collaborative Approach to a Complex Challenge
The Valley CRC is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Valley CSB is partnering with a robust network of organizations, including Augusta Health, Western State Hospital, regional csbs, and local first responder agencies, to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
This collaborative spirit is crucial, as the need for crisis intervention is significant. Valley crisis teams currently handle over 1,180 crisis interventions annually across Augusta and highland Counties, and the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro.
Investing in a Brighter Future for Virginians
The $16+ million investment in the Valley CRC – a combination of state behavioral health funding and regional partnerships – underscores Virginia’s commitment to prioritizing mental and behavioral health. this investment isn’t just about responding to crises; it’s about preventing them, fostering resilience, and building a healthier, more supportive community for all Virginians.
The Right Help, Right Now initiative is