ensure patients are given same-day assessment and screening access at 25 of 40 CSBs. The remaining CSBs will be available within the next two years. Virginia’s goal will be successfully discharging and reintroducing former patients back into the community.
The new state budget will open more funds for medication-assisted treatment and will provide easier access to medications for those suffering from opioid addiction. It would also allow more beds to be purchased for state mental health hospitals.
Additional plans outlined in his proposal include: limiting painkiller prescriptions to three days, allowing community organizations to distribute Naloxone for training purposes, authorizing public health officials and individuals to lawfully carry clean syringes, organizing a state registry of peer recovery specialists and mental health professionals, and expanding qualifications for those convicted of violent crimes to participate in drug treatment centers.
He said his state has made reforms only during a crisis. Now, instead of waiting for an emergency, McAuliffe wants to improve the aspects that are working and change what needs fixing.
“These issues, folks, did not begin overnight nor will they be solved overnight, but it’s time to get started,” McAuliffe said at a press conference.
