Virginia Governor McAuliffe Proposes $37 Million Behavioral Health Overhaul

On December 14, 2016, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced plans for amendments for the fiscal year 2016-2018 budget that include $37 million to strengthen the state’s behavioral health system. The amendments seek to expand and improve treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorder services in state facilities, community services boards, and local and regional jails. The Governor also announced he will submit legislation in the upcoming General Assembly session to further enhance Virginia’s approach to behavioral health and providing opioid use disorder treatment.

The budget amendments provide new funding to cover the costs of enhancements to . . .