County to Receive Federal Funding for Mental Health Mobile Crisis Care
Published on March 15, 2022
ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington County is set to receive federal funding for behavioral health mobile crisis care in the amount of $390,000. This is one of ten projects Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) was able to secure funding for a total amount of $5.4 million across Virginia’s 8th District, which includes Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and parts of Fairfax County.
“I am proud to announce that bipartisan legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Biden includes funding I secured for important Northern Virginia projects,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA).
Beyer added, “This project funding will enhance pedestrian routes across our region and expand our electric vehicle infrastructure. It will support storm sewer and climate resilience improvements in Alexandria in Falls Church, improve IT services in Fairfax County, and fund mental health resources in Arlington. It will support a pilot program for the deployment of body-worn cameras for the Alexandria Police Department, and help implement recommendations made by the National Park Service’s recently-completed safety study for GW Parkway.”
The request for funding of mobile crisis care is part of an extensive assessment by the County to reorient how it responds to 9-1-1 behavioral health calls. The $390,000 will help with the purchase of equipment, including vehicles outfitted for the purpose of performing mobile behavioral health crisis response. The vehicles will house a computer aided dispatch system and allow for connectivity to Arlington County’s 9-1-1 Call Center should additional emergency response be needed.
“Arlington is extremely grateful to Representative Beyer, as well as Senators Warner and Kaine, for their efforts to secure federal funds in support of behavioral health mobile crisis care," said County Board Chair Katie Cristol. “This innovative strategy is a significant part of the County’s efforts to reimagine and improve the response to those suffering from mental health issues or in the throes of crisis. A mobile response will not only allow for timely services but will also permit professionals to meet those in need where they are, breaking down the traditional barrier of requiring patients to seek out the location of the correct service.”
Two other projects were also earmarked, including $800,000 for Glencarlyn Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project and $325,000 for the Bluemont Junction Trail.
These projects are earmarked as part of the appropriations in the Omnibus spending bill, which passed on a broad bipartisan vote in the House and Senate and signed into law by the President on Tuesday, March 15th.