Posts Tagged Mental Health Reform

Lawmakers Struggle to Find Money for Mental Health Screenings for Inmates

Creigh Deeds, James LeMunyon

Virginia State Senator, Creigh Deeds, speaks to Delegate James LeMunyon, R-Fairfax, left, during the House session at the Capitol in Richmond, VA, in 2014. Deeds is still pushing for mental health legislation, but funding is falling short. (Credit: Steve Helber / AP)

Lawmakers started the session with a resolve to do something about the problem of mental illness in Virginia jails, an effort that has urgency this year because of a tragic death that happened last year. But as Michael Pope reports, now lawmakers are saying they can’t find the money to change the system.

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Push for Easier Access to Mental Health Care Fails in General Assembly

Peter Farrell, Mark Berg

Delegate Peter Farrell, R-Henrico, during a House of Delegates session in 2014. (Credit: STE)

Lawmakers in Richmond are not moving forward with an effort to expand the number of psychiatric beds in Virginia. Michael Pope has the story.

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Jamycheal Mitchell’s Death is Sparking Discussions Over Mental Health Reform at the General Assembly

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Senator Barbara Favola is pushing legislation that would require mental health training for all correctional officers in the state. (Credit: Cliff / Creative Commons)

The death of a mentally ill man at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail is prompting lawmakers to take action in Richmond. Michael Pope has the story.

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Governor Highlights Improvements to Mental Health System in Budget Proposal

Governor Elect Terry McAuliffe

As lawmakers gear up for the legislative session beginning in January, Governor Terry McAuliffe is prepping his agenda. Wednesday, he rolled out a suite of ideas for how to improve the state’s mental health system. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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4 Out of 5 Offenders in Virginia Don’t Recommit Crimes After Release

prison-553836_1920Almost one in four criminals in Virginia will commit another crime after being released from prison or jail. Although that number may seem high, it’s actually the lowest in the country. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

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