Virginia’s Gov. Bob McDonnell has announced for $38.3 million for mental health services today.
According to CNN, this announcement comes after Democratic state Sen. Creigh Deeds was stabbed by his son, Gus, multiple times, before he shot and killed himself.
ABC News reported the attack on Nov. 19. The 55-year-old had been stabbed in the head and upper torso multiple times, but he was able to talk to police. While recovering in the hospital Deeds condition changed from critical to fair.
Gus had been getting mental health evaluations before the incident, but was released from treatment due to the facility not having enough psychiatric beds.
McDonnell’s proposal includes increasing the amount of psychiatric beds and the availability of crisis centers noted the Washington Post.
The governor also issued an executive order to create a task force that aid mental health services by asking for suggested improvements from people and places that deal with people that have mental health issues. “This is about fixing the system for all Virginians,” he said.
Although McDonnell term is ending and his successor Gov. Terry McAuliffe will be taking office in January, the effort will not end once he is out of office. McAuliffe has promised to continue to build on McDonnell’s executive order. “As governor I will work with the General Assembly to build upon the solid foundation Governor McDonnell laid today so that all Virginians can access the care and resources they need to live safe, healthy and productive lives here in the Commonwealth.”
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
