Governor Glenn Youngkin marked the third anniversary of the “Right Help, Right Now” initiative, highlighting its impact on Virginia’s behavioral health system since its launch in December 2022. The program was created to address longstanding gaps in crisis response, substance use recovery, workforce development, and family support across the Commonwealth.
When the initiative began, Virginia’s behavioral health system faced significant challenges. There were only 36 mobile crisis teams and 249 crisis care beds or chairs statewide. Law enforcement often responded to mental health crises even when no crime had occurred, diverting resources from public safety and placing people in inappropriate settings. Families experienced long waits for services such as developmental disability supports while fentanyl-related overdoses increased.
Since then, $1.4 billion has been invested in the system alongside more than 60 bipartisan laws and 130 coordinated initiatives. These efforts have led to improvements including faster access to care, expanded support during crises, and enhanced recovery opportunities.
“From Day One, we set out to rebuild a behavioral health system that truly puts people first,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “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.”
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin emphasized community involvement: “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 stated: “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 described the initiative as both effective and rooted in respect: “The Right Help, Right Now initiative is special and effective because it foundationally assumes that each Virginian has inherent dignity and worth… 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 added: “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 quality care at an appropriate level in their own community.”
The initiative’s progress covers six pillars:
– Same Day Crisis Care: Engagement with suicide prevention hotlines rose sharply; mobile crisis teams expanded from 36 to 110; monthly crisis responses increased from 500 to over 7,500; capacity for crisis beds is set to triple.
– Supporting Law Enforcement: Co-response programs grew from 10 communities up toward nearly three times as many; alternative custody options reduced law enforcement travel by nearly two million miles.
– Community Based Capacity: Teams supporting high-needs residents grew; school-based services now reach over 20,000 students; developmental disability waivers increased significantly.
– Reducing Overdoses: Fatal fentanyl overdoses dropped by almost 60 percent since January 2022; naloxone distribution reached hundreds of thousands; peer recovery workers doubled.
– Strengthening Workforce: Regulatory requirements eased by a quarter; early career pathways promoted through dedicated websites; loan repayment programs helped retain clinicians.
– Innovation & Medicaid Modernization: Commercial insurers now cover certain stabilization services statewide; Medicaid reforms improved access for youth; accountability measures updated oversight across programs.
A recent event at the Library of Virginia showcased visual displays chronicling these changes—highlighting expanded services across communities along with declining overdose rates.
Governor Youngkin concluded: “This work is not finished. Every Virginian deserves hope. Every Virginian deserves help. And in Virginia, they will receive it.”
The “Right Help, Right Now” program represents a comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring timely intervention for those experiencing behavioral health crises while building long-term capacity throughout Virginia’s communities.
