I am writing in support of the DMAS's proposed 1115 Serious Mental Illness Waiver Amendment Application.  This Waiver Amendment Specifically references the Prince William County Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) which has been determined an IMD by DMAS. 

As community members, we wring our hands when mentally ill youth open fire in our classrooms, yet we fail to provide them with the care they need when they are in crisis.  Many of us have suffered through a crisis with a family member, when our only option was the Emergency Room or law enforcement.  As I understand it, Medicaid reimbursement is essential to ensuring the Prince William County CRC can operation sustainably.  Walk-in mental health and stabilization unit services should be available for citizens throughout Virginia regardless of their ability to pay.  

I urge you to issue DMAS's proposed 1115 Serious Mental Illness Waiver Amendment so the CRC in Prince William County can become a model throughout Virginia of a facility that can help address the crisis in mental health that has touched all of us one way or another.  

Thank you