Free web-based regional directory makes it easier for individuals, families, and community partners to locate care. 

The City of Richmond, in partnership with Henrico County and the Richmond Opioid Task Force, today announced the launch of the Central VA Resource Navigator, a free, public, online directory of mental health and substance use services serving Richmond, Henrico, and surrounding surrounding region.

The Resource Navigator was created to close a persistent gap in the region's care system; residents and providers alike often struggle to identify what services exist, where they are located, and which services may meet a person’s needs. The new tool addresses that gap by giving individuals, families, providers, and community partners a single place to quickly search for and connect with local services.

The online directory began as the Richmond and Henrico Regional Resource Guide to Substance Use, Mental, and Behavioral Health in 2023 to help people find support more easily. It's designed for individuals, families, service providers, and referral partners who need clear, up-to-date information. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts received a one-time grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials to support community-led work to reduce overdoses and other harm related to substance use. Resource mapping specialists documented services across the region and created a comprehensive guide to help connect people to care. That initial project was completed in June 2024.

Building on that foundation, the guide has since evolved and expanded into the Central VA Resource Navigator, broadening its reach to include Chesterfield and the surrounding region.

The online directory features:

• Searchable mental health and substance use resource filters that help users' narrow services based on their needs  
• Plain-language descriptions of services
• Information about populations served and other relevant eligibility/access details 
• Information for individuals, families, providers, and referral partners

The goal is to help people understand what services are available and choose what works best for them.

“Our team has invested more than 1,500 hours building relationships with a diverse range community organizations," says City of Richmond’s Resource Mapping Project Coordinator from the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response, Monica Kelley,  who joined the City of Richmond team from a Charlottesville non-profit as a Program Manager a year ago specifically to launch the Central VA Resource Navigator.

“We’ve also partnered with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement on language access for the directory and talked to providers to better understand where gaps still exist. More than a list of resources; we want it to be something people can actually trust and use when they’re looking for help.”

Organizations that join the directory can benefit from increased visibility of their services, strengthened referral pathways across the region, faster and more accurate connections between clients and the right services, and more coordinated, informed care across the region's provider network.

“The launch of this project is one that is very close to me because of my previous tenure with RHHD,” says Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services. “As a long-time health care provider and leader, I know what happens when residents don't get the care they need — often it means the difference between life and death. The Central VA Resource Navigator is one way our city is choosing to care for our residents along their health journey."

Regional neighbors share the same commitment to expanding accessible health resources. “Henrico County is proud to have partnered with the City of Richmond to launch the Central Virginia Resource Navigator," said  Leslie Martin Stephen, Assistant Director of Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services.  "This is another example of our localities collaborating to address substance use and promote recovery throughout the region. This lifesaving guide gives individuals the ability to identify substance use resources and service providers quickly and easily. For those who need help, accessing the Central Virginia Resource Navigator can be a vital, first step to a healthier and happier life."

How to Get Involved 

• Providers can submit their organization's information through the online form to be added to the directory: CLICK HERE  
• Organizations and community members are invited to join the Richmond Opioid Task Force:  CLICK HERE  
• Community members and partners are encouraged to share feedback to help improve the tool: CLICK HERE   
• Everyone is asked to help expand access by sharing the Resource Navigator with partners, clients, and neighbors
• Visit the Central VA Resource Navigator : www.centralvaresourcenavigator.org

For more information about the City of Richmond’s opioid response efforts: CLICK HERE