The Behavioral Health Advisory Council serves as the primary, ongoing forum for articulating and building a consensus among consumers, families, advocates, providers, planners and state agencies, which will ensure a system of treatment, services, and support of high quality care for children and adults who suffer from serious emotional disturbances, serious mental illnesses, and substance use disorder.
The Council annually reviews all expenditures and budgets in the state system for mental health and substance use services to satisfy the federal mandate that monies spent do not conflict with the restrictions of the federal mandate. This review includes the Federal Block Grant Application and the Mental Health Plan(s) of Virginia, as expressed in the Performance Partnership Plan. Additionally, the Council reviews all other plans developed by the state that will impact mental health and substance use services, including—but not limited to—the state’s six year Comprehensive State Plan and the Community Services Performance Contract.
The Council makes recommendations to the various departments and agencies serving or funding services, including, but not limited to, the Commissioner, the Board of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Council monitors the activities of and makes recommendations to state Executive and Legislative Committees whose actions affect consumers and their families.
The Council continuously monitors, evaluates and reviews the implementation of the Commonwealth’s Mental Health and Substance Use Plans including
the allocation, adequacy and quality of mental health and substance use services to children with serious emotional and mental disorders and adults with serious mental illness
the congruence between existing services and the Commonwealth’s stated values, priorities and goals
the plan’s impact on improving the quality of life for individuals receiving mental health or substance use services in Virginia
direct observation, visitation, and interviews with consumers, family members, and advocates; with regard to the programs, facilities, and human rights provisions of the state.
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Virginia Behavioral Health Advisory Council?
Please fill out this application and send to Rita Utz at rutz@mentalhealthvirginia.org or mail to:
BHAC
c/o Mental Health America of Virginia
2008 Bremo Road, Suite 101
Richmond VA 23226
Fax to the Virginia Behavioral Health Advisory Council at 804-447-7786
Meetings
The Virginia Behavioral Health Advisory Council’s meetings are typically held from 10 AM to 12 PM on the third Wednesday of February, April, June, August and October, and the first Wednesday of December. Meetings currently occur virtually and the public is invited to attend.
Contact
For further information about the Council, please email Nathanael Rudney.
