SUFFOLK, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin says he is in the second year of a three-year plan to improve access to mental health care in Virginia.
It’s called “Right Help, Right Now,” and Youngkin launched the effort in 2022. On Thursday, at the Western Tidewater Community Services Committee, Youngkin signed 31 bills in support of the plan.
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“These are people who are calling, crying for help, who need help right now,” Youngkin said. “These are students in the classroom, and sailors on the ship.”
Among the speakers was Caroline Ouko, the mother of Arvo Otieno, a Henrico man who died last year while in custody at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, a case that sparked calls for mental health and law enforcement reform.
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One of the banknotes signed by Youngkin is named after Otieno.
“I’m honored to have a law named after Arvo,” Ouko said. “Arvo’s Law gives loved ones in mental crisis the opportunity to be with them as they receive treatment, support, and make supportive decisions. Arvo’s Law eases the trauma that comes with separation. Family is part of our mental health, and we need them to be there for us during difficult times.”
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Youngkin said the plan also includes funding to increase staffing at the 9-8-8 call center, which is the suicide and crisis call center number.
“The volume of calls they receive is enormous, but their response times are among the best in the country,” the governor said.
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Another goal of the plan is to focus on alternatives to transport to mental health facilities rather than transport by law enforcement.
“How do we free law enforcement from a role that they don’t actually want?” Youngkin asked.
In Ilbo Otieno’s case, charges against five of the seven security officers were dropped but his mother expects the governor to follow through.
“You said what happened to Arvo was wrong,” Uco said, addressing the governor, “and you’re going to support doing something about it.”
