Vocal Virginia Winter 2026 Newsletter

Meet the Network Program Director Jalna M. Harris

Vocal Virginia welcomes Jalna M. Harris as Network Program Director! Jalna

brings bold vision and deep commitment to peer-led-advocacy, recovery and

systems transformation. Grounded in lived experience leadership and driven by

collaboration, Jalna is dedicated to empowering Virginian’s with mental health

challenges to shape policy, strengthen communities, and lead change across

the behavioral health system.

With a passion for creative problem solving, coalition-building, and recovery-oriented

practice, she will advance Vocal Virginia’s advocacy agenda, amplify member voices, and help build a more just, responsive and people powered mental health system

statewide. Martin Mash, Vocal Virginia’s Executive Director said, “Vocal Virginia is delighted that Jalna will be joining us as Network Program Director. Her professionalism and commitment to peer leadership and recovery distinguish here as an advocate.”

According to Jalna, “All you need is People, Purpose, and a Plan.”

To read more, please click here.

Legislative Updates from the Virginia General Assembly

The Virginia General Assembly convened in January and adjourned in March,

bringing together legislators from across the Commonwealth to debate and decide

the laws and budget priorities that shape Virginia’s future. During this time,

lawmakers consider legislation affecting health care, education, public safety, and

behavioral health services. Vocal Virginia’s role during the General Assembly is to

help ensure that the voices of people with lived experience are present in these

conversations—sharing information, educating policymakers, and helping connect

the perspectives of individuals and communities to legislative decision-making.

HB43 – Suicide; Abolishes Common-Law Crime

Patron: Delegate Marcus Simon

HB43 removes outdated language from Virginia law that treated suicide as a

criminal act under common law. The legislation recognizes that suicide is a mental

health and public health issue, not a crime. By removing this language, Virginia

law better reflects modern behavioral health understanding and helps reduce

stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

This change reflects the broader shift toward treating mental health concerns

through support, treatment, and recovery-oriented services rather than

punishment.

Status: The bill passed both the House and Senate and has been sent to the

Governor.

To read more, please click here.

Chris’ Place-Northern Virginia’s First Peer-Led Wellness Stay Program

A new and innovative recovery support option has opened in Northern Virginia:

Chris’ Place, a peer-led wellness stay program created by the Chris Atwood

Foundation in partnership with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services

Board.

Chris’ Place represents a growing movement in behavioral health care—

community-based alternatives to hospitalization that provide people experiencing

emotional distress with time, space, and support in a safe and welcoming

environment.

Unlike traditional clinical settings, Chris’ Place is designed to feel more like a home

than a hospital. Individuals who are experiencing elevated emotional distress,

trauma responses, or challenges related to mental health or substance use can

step away from the pressures of daily life and focus on stabilizing their wellbeing.

To read more, please click here.

To read the entire Winter 2026 Newsletter, please click here.