Grant Part of Federal Response to Pandemic-Related Health Issues
OAKTON, Va. (September 7, 2021)—PRS, a behavioral health nonprofit serving Northern Virginia, has received a $72,000 grant from Virginia Association of Community Based Providers (VACBP) to ensure more vulnerable people can access mental health services. With the rise in mental health issues related to COVID-19, the VACPB grant will enable PRS to reach more people who are uninsured or otherwise would not qualify for needed services, with additional emphasis on diverse communities.
“COVID has intensified mental health issues. Communities of color have had higher rates of the disease, creating more need for mental health services at a time when services are stretched,” explained Joseph Getch, CEO, PRS. “Adding capacity and access to outstanding mental health services—for all income levels and in diverse communities—is critical to help people and our region recover.”
The pandemic has exacerbated need and stretched resources. In fact, 36% of callers to PRS’s CrisisLink Program—Virginia’s crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline, text and chat service—identified COVID-19 as the primary stressor in their lives with a third of those experiencing acute suicide thoughts. PRS case managers report seeing younger children with increasingly aggressive behaviors and teens with increased hospitalizations, suicide ideation, risky behaviors and drug use. In addition, PRS has had increased referrals and more requests to serve clients who do not have Medicaid and do not qualify for other payer sources.
The grant will enable PRS to add additional staff to serve more people who currently are not able to access help. The VACBP grant of $72,000—made possible through federal COVID-related funds provided at the state level—will help people get support through PRS’ Mental Health Skills-Building Service, which provides services to individuals benefiting from person-centered skills-teaching. Clients are typically funded through either Medicaid or the local Community Services Boards. Funding will target populations who lack access because they do not meet the strict requirements of these two payer sources.
Recognizing the negative impact COVID-19 has had on black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations and communities of color, PRS will implement strategies to reach and encourage those individuals to access these free mental health services as well as hire staff members who have experience serving diverse populations. Those needing free services should visit PRS’ website at www.prsinc.org or call (703) 536-9000.
About PRS, Inc.
PRS is a leading local nonprofit helping those living with serious mental health issues and anyone who faces life crises achieve independence and self-sufficiency. PRS provides people they serve with skill training and support to help them recover and rebuild their lives through programs such as: Recovery Academy Day Programs and Community Readiness Support Program, Community Support Services, Employment Services, Peer Support Services, Community Housing, Coordinated Specialty Care and CrisisLink—a 24/7 phone, text and chat hotline. www.prsinc.org. For 24/7 support from CrisisLink, call 1-800-273-TALK. For 24/7 chat support, visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
Established in 1963, PRS is a community-based nonprofit that provides skills training and supports to adults living with serious mental illness in Northern Virginia. PRS has grown to be a leader and innovator in the “recovery” model of rehabilitation, which tailors services to each individual’s needs and goals. Today, PRS serves over 800 persons yearly with a variety of rehabilitation services designed to facilitate clients’ recovery from mental illness and assist them in achieving satisfying and productive community lives. With Centers in McLean and Mt. Vernon, and residential sites throughout Northern Virginia, PRS offers day programs, employment services, residential services and home-based support services. For more information about PRS, please visit their website at www.prsinc.org.
