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The Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation & Substance Abuse Services

Phone: (804) 786-3921
Voice TDD: (804) 371-8977
Toll Free: (800) 451-5544
Fax: (804) 371-6638

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1797
Richmond VA, 23218-1797
    2-1-1 is a free three digit telephone number that Virginians can call for resources for counseling services, crisis intervention, volunteer opportunities and other health and human service referrals. Visit the 2-1-1 website.

Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant (CMHS/SAMHSA)

The Commonwealth of Virginia has been engaged in a major restructuring and transformation of its mental health system since 2002. The restructuring was initiated and is actively supported by Governor Mark Warner and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Jane H. Woods. The restructuring effort includes consumers, family members and providers, the Mental Health Planning Council, seven regional Restructuring Partnership planning teams, five Special Population Workgroups and a statewide Restructuring Policy Advisory Council. Virginia’s restructuring Vision is as follows:

Our vision is of a consumer-driven system of services and supports that promotes self-determination, empowerment, recovery, resilience, health, and the highest possible level of consumer participation in all aspects of community life including work, school, family, and other meaningful relationships.

Virginia recently submitted a Mental Health Transformation – State Infrastructure Grant (MHT SIG) proposal for $3 million per year for 5 years. It builds upon the existing restructuring infrastructure and expands the focus into a comprehensive, cross-agency effort that includes Medicaid, public safety and corrections, housing, vocational rehabilitation, social services and higher education. MHT SIG funds will support the development of the Comprehensive Mental Health Plan with all of the above stakeholders.

Virginia’s MHT SIG proposal guarantees consumers, parents and family members a significantly higher level of involvement in the restructuring and comprehensive planning process than has been achieved to date. The membership of the Transformation Working Group (TWG) and all committees, task forces and project teams associated with MHT SIG activities will be half consumers and family members.

To support the above, Virginia will use MHT SIG funds for (1) salaries of the TWG Chair and staff, (2) development of consumer and parent networks, (3) leadership training for consumers and key transformation leaders, (4) two Centers of Excellence in partnership with Universities (5) a cross agency needs assessment and resource inventory, (6) development of a cultural competency plan, (7) a targeted public education campaign, (8) specialized planning (e.g., rural, elderly) and evaluation projects, and (9) information technology initiatives. Award results will be available by September 30, 2005.

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