Virginia is commiting close to a half-billion dollars to address pressing challenges in the behavioral health system. The plan announced by Gov. Ralph Northam includes targeted investments to alleviate pressure on the commonwealth-run mental health hospitals, strengthen community-based services, and increase support for substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. In 2020, Virginia had nearly 2,300 overdose deaths, a 41 percent increase from the previous year, and the 2021 number is projected to be even higher