Virginia Private Mental Hospitals Offer To Open Beds If State Allocates Funding

Now that 5 of Virginia’s 8 commonwealth-run mental hospitals suspended admissions, a private hospital system is offering space – for a price. The Richmond Times Dispatch reports the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association is willing to make 58 licensed beds for adolescents and adults with behavioral health disorders if Virginia makes $8.5 million available to pay for the staff. Association CEO Sean Connaughton says the commonwealth can use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to pay for staffing at private psychiatric facilities.