Mental Health Virginia

05/27/2026

Mental Health Virginia is pleased to announce that Rita Utz has been appointed Executive Director on a permanent basis. Rita has served as Acting Executive Director since September 2025 and steps into the permanent role following a thoughtful and thorough review by the MHV Board of Directors. The announcement comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, a fitting moment to recognize a leader guided by both her own lived experience and a career dedicated to nonprofit service.

During her tenure as Acting Executive Director, Rita demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and vision. She played a pivotal role in advancing MHV’s mission to improve the mental health of all Virginians by examining and strengthening the organization’s programs, and, most critically, by guiding MHV through a transitional period defined by both challenges and opportunities.

“The Board of Directors is confident that Ms. Utz is the right leader to continue moving the organization forward,” said Jennifer Campbell-Raab, President of the Mental Health Virginia Board of Directors. “Her dedication, experience, and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve individuals across the Commonwealth of Virginia who are experiencing challenges to their mental wellbeing.”

05/01/2026

FREE WEBINAR! Register to attend at https://mentalhealthvirginia.org

04/22/2026

Each bill outcome carries real impact for Virginia communities, shaping access, services, and support systems. Our legislative tracker is now updated so you can follow what passed, what didn’t, and what it means moving forward.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has called a special session for April 23 to bring lawmakers back to Richmond to finalize Virginia’s 2026–2028 state budget. Negotiators did not reach a budget agreement by the end of the March 14 legislative session, with key disagreements remaining around a proposed tax break for data centers, though they remain hopeful about reaching a compromise before the July 1 fiscal year deadline.

Stay engaged—share this with others who should know, and support our work if you’re able. Link in bio for our legislative tracker!

04/16/2026

04/08/2026

Check out our latest blog post going over the conclusion of the 2026 Virginia General Assembly! Link in bio.

“Mental Health Virginia monitored over 100 bills during this session; you can see which ones per our legislative tracker. MHV also participated in several workgroups, collaborating with diverse community stakeholders on a range of initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and expanding access to mental health support for Virginians. These bills collectively push for a system that is more compassionate, more equitable, and more accessible – one that recognizes health conditions (mental, cognitive, and physical) as central to how laws, insurance, and care systems should operate.” Written by: Kiersten ‘KiKi’ Szymecki, MSW Policy Intern

03/26/2026

🌟 March is National Social Work Month! 🌟

Meet Kiersten “KiKi” Szymecki, our MSW intern, in our latest blog post she reminds us: “We walk alongside our communities, understanding our positionality, and with that awareness, we intentionally engage in ways that center the voices of those we serve.” 💛

Tap the link in our bio to read the full Latest Update! ✨

03/04/2026

National Sleep Week + World Sleep Day = your reminder that rest is productive.

Sleep impacts anxiety, depression, burnout, immune health, and even decision-making. If you’ve been running on empty, this is your sign to prioritize rest.

Visit the link in our bio and check out the MHV Resources Google Doc to explore tools and research on how sleep supports mental and overall health. 🌙

02/25/2026

Our next (Re)Store webinar registration is live!

02/12/2026

February is Heart Health Month ❤️ a good reminder that mental health isn’t separate from physical health! Depression can impact heart health, and heart disease can affect mood.

Our minds and bodies are deeply connected.

Let’s commit to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms 🧠❤️

02/12/2026

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, leadership, and lasting impact of Black leaders, advocates, and community members throughout history and within the mental health system.

Systemic racism doesn’t take a month off. We remain committed to challenging inequities and dismantling harmful practices - not just in February, but every day.

Check the link in our bio ‘MHV Resources- Google Doc’ for follow up information, mental health wellness tips, and more!