As a resident of the City of Manassas, I want to support the 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. It will help ensure that our loved ones have access to appropriate mental health and substance use services. This Waiver Amendment will assure that in the future, walk-in behavioral health urgent care and extended stabilization units are available for youth and adults, regardless of ability to pay, Short-term stabilization beds are essential to the “No Wrong Door” mission of accepting 100% of individuals, particularly from law enforcement. 
The Crisis Now model of care should reduce the use and length of stays in ERs as well as wait times for law enforcement. It may also reduce incarceration rates in our local ADC for persons with behavioral health issues. Co-located Community Services program support staff on site will ensure follow-up care and reduce preventable readmissions.
I also hope that Virginia will recognize the IMD exception for persons under the age of 21
(Social Security Amendment of 1972, P.L. 92-603) and incorporate and expand Medicaid
coverage for inpatient psychiatric services for children and youth. Thank you for this opportunity to voice my strong support for the 1115 Serious Mental Illness Amendment Application. This is a very important issue to the community and will impact so many families and individuals in a crucial way.    
Sincerely, Lisa Nouri