On any given day, Virginia’s jails house more people with mental illnesses than are housed in the state's psychiatric hospitals.  At least a quarter of those inside the City’s Adult Detention Center have a mental illness, and upwards of 70 percent have a substance use problem. 

In response, Alexandria has created a special unit at the Adult Detention Center dedicated to those with serious mental illness and a unit for those with substance use disorders. Many of our first responders have received special training to learn how to respond to people with a mental health or substance use problem. The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), Court Services, Probation and Parole, the Public Defender’s Office and the Commonwealth Attorney's Office have all worked together to help develop programs and services aimed at helping persons with mental illness live law abiding and productive lives in our community.  Is it working? What still needs to be done?

Learn more at the February 24 meeting of Agenda Alexandria at the Holiday Inn at the Eisenhower Metro.  Doors open at 6:15, buffet dinner is served at 6:45 and the meeting begins at 7:15.  The cost to attend the program only is $5.  Dinner and program is $28 for members, $35 for non-members.  Speakers include Liz Wixson, Director of Clinical and Emergency Services, DCHS; Bill Rooney, Comprehensive Recovery Team Supervisor, DCHS; Sergeant Courtney Ballantine, Alexandria Police Department; and Lisa Stapleton, Chief Probation Officer, Virginia Department of Corrections.

For information or reservations visit agendaalexandria.org/reentry or contact Agenda Alexandria Executive Director Sherry Brown at 703.548.7089. Walk-ins are not guaranteed seating.