Public Hearing Sites for DMHMRSAS Comprehensive State Plan

The Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services has completed a draft of its Comprehensive State Plan 2008-2014. This plan builds on the work of the Department's transformation efforts and identifies future directions for Virginia's publicly funded behavioral health and intellectual disabilities services system. Additionally, the plan proposes specific actions for addressing critical issues and includes a summary of resources required to address identified system gaps or deficiencies.

The Executive Summary of this plan is attached for your information. A copy of the complete draft Plan is available at http://www.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov/OPD-StatePlan.htm. If you would like a copy of the draft plan sent you, please contact Gail McClure at 804-786-6148. The public comment period for the Plan will extend through November 30, 2007.

The State Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Board and Department staff will conduct a videoconference public hearing on November 27, 2007 to receive comments on the draft Plan. The hearing will begin at 1:00 pm and will continue until all comments are received. The locations for participation in this public hearing follow: Central Virginia: The hearing will be held in jury orientation room at the Chesterfield Courthouse, 9500 Courthouse Road. Please note that cell phones are not allowed in the building. For a map and directions, click here

Eastern Virginia: The hearing will be held at the Hampton-Newport News CSB office, 2501 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607. For a map and directions, click here

Northern Virginia: The hearing will be held at the Northern Virginia Training Center, 9901 Braddock Road in Fairfax, VA 22032. For a map and directions, click here

Western Virginia: The hearing will be held in the training room at the Charlottesville CSB office, 502 Old Lynchburg Road. For a map and directions, click here

Southwestern Virginia: The hearing will be held at the Southwest Mental Health Institute, 340 Bagley Circle in Marion, VA 24354. For a map and directions, click here

Southern Virginia: The hearing will be held in at the Central Virginia Training Center, 521 Colony Road in Madison Heights. For a map and directions, click here

Sign-up sheets will be available at each location on the day of the hearing for individuals who want to provide public comments. If possible, please bring a written copy of your presentation to leave with the Board and Department. If you need an interpreter or any other accommodation to participate in this public hearing, please contact Linda Grasewicz, Senior Planner, at (804) 786-0040 by November 16, 2007.

Please send any comments you might have on the draft Plan to Charline Davidson, Director, Office of Planning and Development at the Department's address by November 30, 2007. Comments also will be accepted by e-mail or by facsimile at (804) 371-0092.