On Friday, Voices for Virginia’s Children, students, mental health providers, and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers will host a virtual press conference calling on the General Assembly to step up and support children’s mental health in Virginia.

Before the pandemic, depression, anxiety, and behavioral concerns for students were increasingly prevalent trends in children’s mental health. Only five counties in Virginia had enough child psychiatrists to meet the demand. Now, the pandemic has overwhelmed the children’s mental health system at every point from outpatient, residential, and hospitalization care. Emergency departments confront the surging need for psychological services on top of COVID-19. Inadequate compensation and fatigue are creating workforce shortages in hospitals and public mental health agencies.

Current resources dedicated to children’s behavioral health services by Community Services Boards (CSBs) and Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is less than 10% of the behavioral health agency budget. Gaps in services lead to long wait times, behavioral challenges in schools, and frustration for children and parents. Bipartisan lawmakers are committed to increasing support to address the needs of children and build-out services connected to school settings. New initiatives proposed in the budget will improve access and address rising concerns.

WHAT: Virtual press conference calling on state lawmakers to invest in children’s mental health.

WHO: Amy Strite, CEO, Voices for Virginia’s Children; Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond); Delegate Emily Brewer (R-Suffolk); Delegate Carrie Coyner (R-Chesterfield); Delegate Cia Price (D-Newport News); Chanel Hill, Student from Williamsburg; School-based providers

WHEN: Friday, January 28, 2022 at 9 am EST

WHERE: Virtually on Zoom

CONTACT: Sheri Shannon, (202) 322-6898, media@shannonstrategies.com