Breaking Down Barriers: SAARA Celebrates Signing of Bipartisan Law to Address Workforce Shortage of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Counselors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2024
CONTACT: Katie Baker
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Breaking Down Barriers: SAARA Celebrates Signing of Bipartisan Law to Address Workforce Shortage of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Counselors
RICHMOND, Va. — The Substance Abuse and Addiction Alliance of Virginia (SAARA) today celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 626 and House Bill 1269, bipartisan legislation that would make critical reforms to Virginia’s antiquated laws on barrier crimes.
The new law, which takes effect July 1, empowers the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to hire qualified peer recovery specialists with past misdemeanors on their records, provided at least four years have passed from the date of conviction. These applicants still must meet all other job requirements necessary to provide critical services to people in need.
The Commonwealth is currently facing a shortage of workers who can provide substance use and mental health counseling services, especially those with lived experiences on their own paths to recovery. Many otherwise-qualified applicants are barred from these roles due to past substance use-related convictions, even though they have served their time, found recovery, and now want to be part of the solution in tackling Virginia’s mental health and addiction crises.
Senator Todd Pillion (R-Abingdon) and Delegate Marcia “Cia” Price (D-Newport News) were the patrons of the legislation.
“This law is evidence that Republicans and Democrats can work together to address real problems, including the Commonwealth’s shortage of mental health and substance abuse counselors,” said Senator Pillion. “People who have served their time for specific misdemeanors will be able to give back to their communities and help us tackle the opioid epidemic. Thank you to Governor Youngkin for signing this legislation.”
“So many of my constituents have shared their powerful stories of finding recovery and wanting to give back, only to be stopped by antiquated laws,” said Delegate Price. “With the signing of this bill, we address two major challenges. First, we break down obstacles for people who have served their time and want to find employment. Second, we pump more talent into the pipeline to tackle Virginia’s mental health and substance use needs. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to get this bill across the finish line, and I am grateful to my constituents for boldly advocating for reform.”
“SAARA is proud to have worked with a diverse coalition of stakeholders of all political stripes who came together to break down these barriers to address Virginia’s growing mental health and substance use needs,” said SAARA Executive Director Victor McKenzie. “There is a real appetite across the Commonwealth for meaningful bipartisan solutions to our biggest challenges. We thank our patrons and the governor, and we look forward to building on this progress in future legislative sessions.”
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The Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia is a 501(c)3 organizations that advocates, educates and supports individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. Visit our website at www.saara.org to learn more.