Democratic Board Majority Delivers Expanded Mental Health Services

Regional Mental Health Facility to be Located in Occoquan District

LAKE RIDGE, VA – Supervisor Kenny Boddye (D-Occoquan) celebrated Prince William County’s purchase of a permanent home for wraparound mental health services.  The site – used in recent years as a mass COVID-19 vaccination site – was already slated to be leased by the county to house the Crisis Receiving Center and Department of Community Services. The Board of Supervisors authorized the purchase at the end of their meeting on Tuesday night with a motion made by Supervisor Boddye.

“This is groundbreaking for our County,” Boddye said, “It is unfortunate that two of my Republican colleagues chose to oppose this needed and prudent investment, but their opposition only underscores the importance of electing a Board that believes in investing in our community.”

The investment in the Crisis Receiving Center fulfills key 2019 campaign promises by Boddye. The walk-in center will have 16 beds for adults and 8 beds for youth experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis who need intervention and 24 recliners where people can receive assessment and treatment for up to 23 hours. The Crisis Receiving Center will also establish a dedicated facility for Community Services on the eastern end of the county and would aim to help divert people from the criminal justice system.

“I lost my mother to complications surrounding mental health, substance abuse and homelessness,” Boddye said. “A facility like this may have saved her life, so I know it will save many others.”

The facility is on schedule to open in 2024.

Releated

VA Legislative Black Caucus condemns conditions at Red Onion State Prison

by John Reid Earlier this month, the PW Perspective reported on a petition by Concerned Citizens and Community Action Network to address reported incidents at Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison. Today, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement on the atrocities: “The VLBC is horrified at recent reports of incarcerated individuals setting themselves on […]