June 2020:

  • New COVID-19 Response Warm Line
  • Advocacy Blogs
  • Expand Alternative Responses to Mental Health Crises
  • Peer Into Recovery Podcasts
  • Training Resources
  • 2020 Mental Health Month Toolkit

Mental Health America understands that racism undermines mental health.
Therefore, we are committed to anti-racism in all that we do. This means that we pledge to work against individual racism, interpersonal racism, and institutional racism in all their forms.

Virginia COPES
New COVID-19 Response Warm Line!   

We are now operating a second Warm Line specifically to support anyone in Virginia struggling with trauma, grief and distress caused by COVID-19. Trained staff provide strength-based support, resilience building strategies and community resources and referrals.

(877) 349-6428
Call or TEXT

No cost. Anonymous.

9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Compassionate, Optimistic, Person-Centered, Empowering, Support

The project is a coordinated effort between the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Mental Health America of Virginia and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Funding is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency with technical assistance and oversight from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
No smart phone or internet service required. Virginia's statewide, peer run Warm Line for listening and mental health support:

(866) 400-6428
MHAV’s long-standing Peer Run Warm Line continues to serve anyone wanting recovery support, mental health information, or someone to just listen.

Thanks to support from the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, we have two PRS operators on the busiest shifts in order to respond to more calls. This increased capacity enables us to provide telephone support to more people. 
  College Student Perspective

Advocacy Blogs

We welcome Anna Marston, our summer intern from University of Richmond, whose timely, informative blogs on our website are getting national attention. Packed full of resources, links are below:

MHA Calls for Expanding Alternative Responses to Mental Health Crises
 
An  executive order  on police reform was signed by the President on June 16, 2020. It primarily addresses police training and procedures. Some of it touches on behavioral health. This includes identifying models of police training to use in encounters with people with mental health needs, substance use issues and homelessness. The House and Senate are working on their own initiatives.

National MHA continues to advocate for expanding evidence-based alternatives to police response for behavioral health calls in the community. MHA is calling for alternatives to jails and emergency departments for mental health crises, and expanding access to mobile crisis teams with peers, standalone crisis where people are greeted by peers, and peer-run respite.

MHA of Virginia is currently participating on a legislative work group to examine options for reimagining Virginia's Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Centers, which could help provide a framework for expanding alternatives in Virginia.

The VPRSN Peer Into Recovery Podcast!

A podcast offering unique insights into the profession of peer support.

  • Featuring interviews with Peer Recovery Specialists - about their jobs, their passion, their experience, all geared toward how they are supporting hope and recovery.

Apple Podcasts  |  Android  |  Email  |  Google Podcasts  |  Stitcher  |  Spotify  |  RSS  |  More

Jun 8, 2020 

May 11, 2020 

May 5, 2020 
Recovery Support Learning Collaborative

Our partnership with Lightworks Recovery and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health provides digital training and support for Peer Recovery Support Specialists.

Lightworks is facilitating semi-monthly peer support for Peer Supporters, and semi-monthly learning opportunities with guest presenters. Next in the series:

June 26 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom Online Training


  • How to separate work and personal life in a digital world, being purposeful while working from home, etc.

July 10 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom Online Training


  • Addressing supervision requirements for telehealth; advantages and limitations of telehealth supervision; supervision models, regulations (informed consent; technology platforms), etc.
In case you missed it!

May Is Mental Health Month 2020:
Tools 2 Thrive

The materials can be adapted for the short term because of COVID-19 and physical distancing.
 
 
This year’s toolkit includes printable handouts!
( just click on the title below )

   
MHAV's Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist Network provides professional development and networking for Virginia's peer recovery workforce. Check out the PRS job/internship opportunity site!
Your donation helps us offer non-judgmental peer support and prevent crisis situations. 

Your support also provides scholarships to our recovery education programs, and helps us to continue spreading awareness and advocating for better mental health policies across Virginia.

Please invest in mental health today. Thank you!
Mental Health America of Virginia | (804) 257-5591 | E-mail | Website

To educate, empower, and advocate to improve mental health for all Virginians
Please conside r making a donation to support mental health and wellness in Virginia! Click here to make a tax-deductible donation .
CFC#: 97281 | CVC#: 6048