Aug, 12 2020
Mental Health Advocacy Needing During
August Special Session
The 2020 – 2021 Virginia state budget that was approved by the General Assembly and Governor Northam in March 2020 is now facing significant funding freezes due to COVID-19. The General Assembly will reconvene on August 18th for a Special Session to revisit the state budget.

  • STEP-VA: One item of great concern is the freeze on new funding for System Transformation, Excellence, Performance in Virginia (STEP-VA). New spending has been placed on hold until economic circumstances improve and revenues can be reevaluated. While we certainly understand the need to manage spending during COVID-19, mental health services and funding is needed now more than ever. Please contact Governor Northam and request he re-allot the $54 million for STEP-VA to improve access, increase quality, and strengthen accountability across Virginia’s public mental health system.

Call Governor Northam at 804-786-2211 or email him by clicking HERE.
  
Join NAMI advocates across Virginia in reaching out to state officials to ensure mental health is given the priority it deserves! Together we make a difference! 
Kathy Harkey, MAPP, BSP, BSMDS
Executive Director
NAMI Virginia is the Virginia state organization of NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness). Our mission is to promote recovery and improve the quality of life of Virginians with serious mental illness through support, education, and advocacy. We envision a world free of stigma and discrimination where all people impacted by mental illness get the help, hope, and support they need.

NAMI Virginia is a 501 (C)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our most recent financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.
NAMI Virginia | P.O. Box 8260 Richmond, VA 23226 | 804-285-8264