Video: VA House and Senate Democrats Hold Press Conference on the Mental Health Care Crisis

House and Senate Democrats Hold Press Conference on the Mental Health Care Crisis

Richmond, VA — In case you missed it, Senate and House Democrats held a press conference on Virginia’s mental health crisis and their legislation aimed at addressing it. Senator Creigh Deeds, Senator Monty Mason and Delegate Nadarius Clark gave brief remarks and answered questions on their legislation.

“More than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime and one in five experience mental illness each year,” said Senator Creigh Deeds. “We have to rise to the challenge the mental health crisis presents with a long term strategy, and long term investments to keep people out of crisis to begin with. That’s why I am fighting to invest in community and education-based services that meet people where they are, fund competitive salaries to address staff shortages on our CSBs, and ensure Medicaid patients are able to receive the mental health services they need.”

“Mental illness does not discriminate. It crosses all socio-economic standards, professions, and all walks of life,” said Senator Monty Mason. “As we recognize mental health care is healthcare, my bill ensures that health care providers receive the care they need in order to do their jobs of providing for Virginians struggling with mental illness.”

“At a time when Virginians need help the most, the ability to seek mental health care is painfully difficult. Simply put: there are too often more people in crises than there are experts to help them,” said Delegate Nadarius Clark. “So at a time when our country, our Commonwealth, is struggling with spiking mental health crises and soaring costs for care, legislation like this gives us an opportunity here in Richmond to address both. I’m hopeful we can come together across party lines to make a real difference with this piece of legislation this session. It’s what Virginians deserve, and it is what I’ll work day in and day out to deliver.

You can watch the full press conference HERE.