Virginia’s 988 Crisis Response System: A Call for Improvement

A recent report from the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable has brought attention to the need for improvement in Virginia’s 988 mental health crisis response service. The report, titled “A Better Response,” revealed that there is an 87% response rate to 988 calls in the state. This indicates that there is a significant room for enhancement in the current system.

Bruce Cruser, the executive director of Mental Health Virginia, acknowledged the progress made in funding for mental health services in the state. However, he also emphasized that more efforts are necessary to further improve the system and provide better care for those in crisis. This shows that while positive steps have been taken, there is still work to be done to meet the needs of individuals seeking mental health assistance.

Additionally, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration has designated all of Virginia as experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals. This shortage further underscores the importance of improving mental health services in the state, as there may not be enough professionals available to meet the needs of those experiencing a crisis. It is clear that continued investment and support are needed to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the care and support they need.