Poll shows support for stronger mental health access

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - A new poll shows Virginians overwhelmingly support new state investments to expand mental health care and substance abus...

January 26, 2023
2:36 AM

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - A new poll shows Virginians overwhelmingly support new state investments to expand mental health care and substance abuse services. This comes during rising demand for behavioral health treatment. The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association says a public opinion survey that was conducted in January found that after hearing details of a 230 million dollar state budget proposal, 76 percent of respondents expressed support.'We are polling about behavioral health issues generally about people's own mental wellness, but then drilling down to the specifics reflected in the governor's package of budget amendments,' said Julian Walker, vice president of communications at Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Julian Bussells