Gov. Youngkin Launches ‘Right Help, Right Now’ Initiative to Improve Mental Health Care Access in Virginia: Addressing the Urgent Need for Immediate Assistance and Empowering Families of Those in Need

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has launched a new initiative, “Right Help, Right Now,” as part of a three-year project to improve mental health care access in Virginia. The initiative aims to provide immediate assistance to those in need and was started in 2022. During a recent event, one of the speakers was Caroline Ouko, mother of Irvo Otieno, who passed away last year while in custody at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County. This tragedy led to calls for mental health and law enforcement reform.

As part of the plan, Youngkin outlined the importance of hiring more staff at 9-8-8 call centers such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center to meet the growing demand for services. Additionally, the initiative aims to explore alternative transportation methods for individuals requiring mental health care services, reducing reliance on law enforcement for such purposes.

Youngkin recently signed 31 bills in support of this plan at Western Tidewater Community Services Board. One of these bills is named after Otieno, known as “Irvo’s Law,” which aims to provide support for families of those undergoing mental health treatment by allowing them to be present during the process. Ouko expressed her hope that Youngkin would stay committed to addressing these issues, especially given her son’s case.

Youngkin acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling mental health crises and expressed his support for finding solutions that benefit both the community and law enforcement personnel.