Va. panel promises changes in mental health system

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Lawmakers on a newly formed panel on Monday promised a top-to-bottom review of Virginia’s mental health system with the goal of making it a model for the rest of the country.

The panel’s first act was to elect state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, as its chairman. Deeds has made improving the state’s mental health system his top priority following his mentally ill son’s suicide last year. Gus Deeds stabbed his father then killed himself hours after he was released from emergency custody because mental health officials could not find an available psychiatric bed in the time allotted by law.