As a resident of Prince William County, I want to express my appreciation to DMAS for the prompt development of the proposed 1115 Serious Mental Illness Waiver Amendment Application. This waiver amendment is critical for ensuring the Prince William County Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) can deliver on its promise to provide timely, accessible mental health and substance use services for both youth and adults.

The CRC represents a transformative step forward in behavioral health care for our community. It aligns with the “Crisis Now Model,” which prioritizes local care, immediate access, and stabilization, reducing the need for hospitalization or involvement with the criminal justice system. However, the determination that the CRC is classified as an Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) jeopardizes its ability to offer vital services due to the lack of Medicaid funding.

Medicaid reimbursement is essential to ensuring that the CRC can operate sustainably and meet the needs of our community. Without it, the financial shortfall threatens the availability of critical services, particularly for youth, who are already underserved.

The 1115 waiver amendment is a vital solution. By enabling Medicaid coverage, it would reduce the burden on local law enforcement, emergency rooms, and taxpayers while ensuring care is accessible and effective. The inclusion of short-term stabilization beds and co-located follow-up services will provide much-needed support for individuals and families, reducing the need for out-of-area placements and strengthening our local community's support network.

I also urge Virginia to consider expanding Medicaid coverage for inpatient psychiatric services for children and youth, recognizing the importance of addressing mental health needs early and comprehensively.

I strongly support this waiver amendment and its goal to eliminate barriers to care for some of our community’s most vulnerable individuals. Thank you for the opportunity to share my input and advocate for the health and well-being of our community.