Governor Glenn Youngkin has initiated the construction of the Valley Crisis Receiving Center in Fishersville, Virginia. The facility is part of the state’s efforts to improve behavioral health crisis response under the “Right Help, Right Now” initiative. The groundbreaking event took place at Augusta Health Medical Center, located about a mile from where the new center will be built.
“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 have 16 chairs for crisis receiving and 16 beds for crisis stabilization. It will operate around the clock under the management of Valley Community Services Board (CSB). Services offered will include medical screening, clinical evaluation, peer support, and care coordination at all hours. Once open, it will also house the region’s Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center for faster transfers and more therapeutic environments for those under Emergency Custody and Temporary Detention Orders.
According to officials, local crisis teams currently handle over 1,180 interventions each year across Augusta and Highland Counties as well as Staunton and Waynesboro. These teams coordinate closely with area law enforcement and 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 considerations focus on privacy and quick clinical engagement. Transfer of Custody agreements between Valley CSB and Augusta Health security aim to minimize time officers spend waiting in emergency departments so they can return more quickly to their 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.”
Hallie Pence, Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now added: “I am proud to see this groundbreaking in the Valley where I grew up. 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 center’s operations involve 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 Valley Community Services Board. “Every person who enters will be welcomed into a place where calm, care, and connection are the standard. Recovery can begin immediately, and no one will face a crisis alone.”
Local elected officials stressed how this investment supports both public safety needs as well as broader quality-of-life improvements.
“Our region is strongest when solutions are designed here by people who understand the needs of our communities,” said Senator Mark Obenshain. “This investment supports public safety, strengthens our workforce, and improves quality of life in the Shenandoah Valley.”
“With this center families will know exactly where to turn any time of day,” said Delegate Chris Runion.” By creating a reliable process for officers to transfer individuals into clinical care we are supporting both community safety and timely treatment.”
“This center has been a long time coming. I’m so grateful for Governor Youngkin and this administration for recognizing importance of this in our community,” said Delegate Ellen McLaughlin.” Many families will benefit from getting right help & resources they need.”
Funding for construction exceeds $16 million through state behavioral health allocations combined with regional partnership investments.
Governor Youngkin’s Right Help Right Now initiative represents an ongoing three-year effort with $1.4 billion dedicated toward expanding crisis services statewide while strengthening related programs across Virginia.
