Gov. Glenn Youngkin has launched the “Right Help, Right Now” initiative as part of a three-year project to improve mental health care access in Virginia, with the mission of providing immediate assistance to those in need. The initiative was started in 2022 and Youngkin recently signed 31 bills in support of the plan at the Western Tidewater Community Services Board.
During the event, one of the speakers was Caroline Ouko, the mother of Irvo Otieno, who passed away last year while in custody at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, leading to calls for mental health and law enforcement reform. One of the bills signed by Youngkin is named after Otieno, known as “Irvo’s Law,” which aims to provide support for families of those undergoing mental health treatment by allowing them to be present during the process.
As part of the plan, Youngkin outlined the importance of hiring more staff at 9-8-8 call centers, such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, to meet the growing demand for services. Additionally, the initiative aims to explore alternative transportation methods for individuals requiring mental health care services, reducing the reliance on law enforcement for such purposes.
Caroline Ouko expressed her hope that the governor will stay committed to addressing these issues, especially in light of her son’s case. Youngkin acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling mental health crises and expressed his support for finding solutions that benefit both the community and law enforcement personnel.