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October 28, 2025 <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br /> Problem Gambling Prevention Services are targeted to increase awareness of the <br />following: definition of gambling, risk and protective factors of problem gambling, <br />alternatives to gambling, safer gambling practices, gambling laws, and help resources for <br />those experiencing problems from gambling. This is done by working with community <br />businesses, organizations, coalitions, media, local governments, and schools to carry out <br />strategies and services. <br /> <br />Discussion: <br /> <br /> The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services has <br />awarded $25,000 of funding to the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare <br />Services for Problem Gambling Prevention Services. <br /> <br /> Problem Gambling Prevention Service funds will be used by BHS for the purposes <br />of information dissemination (media posts, PSA’s, ads, website development, podcasts, <br />etc.), education (merchant education, school curriculum, worksite education, etc.), <br />environmental (policy or practice changes, social marketing campaigns with calls to <br />action, etc.), capacity building (conference participation, PG memberships, outreach, <br />etc.), and the funding of staff time or materials to carry out the administration of problem <br />gambling prevention strategies. <br /> <br />Financial Impact: <br /> <br /> <br /> A local match of funding or in-kind contribution in the amount of 10% is required <br />as a condition of the funding. The funding required to meet the match requirement has <br />previously been appropriated in the FY 2026 Behavioral Healthcare Service Fund Budget. <br /> <br />Recommended Action: <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Adoption of the ordinance. <br /> <br />Next Steps Following Council Action: <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Finance Department will make the necessary budget adjustments. <br /> <br />“ORDINANCE ACCEPTING PROBLEM GAMBLING PREVENTION FUNDING IN THE <br />AMOUNT OF $25,000 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL <br />HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT <br />IN THE FY 2026 BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE SERVICE FUND FOR USE BY BHS TO <br />PROVIDE SERVICES DESIGNED TO ADDRESS PROBLEM GAMBLING. <br />” <br /> <br />25 - 315 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting STEP-VA funding in the amount of <br />$12,440 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental <br />Services and appropriating said funds in the FY 2026 Behavioral Healthcare <br />Service Fund for use by BHS to provide same day access to services, case <br />management, and psychiatric rehabilitation. <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br /> STEP-VA services are intended to reform the public mental health system by <br />improving access, quality, consistency, and accountability in public mental health services <br />across the Commonwealth of Virginia. <br /> <br /> STEP-VA is a code-mandated long-term initiative that requires all Community <br />Services Boards/Behavioral Health Authorities to implement nine essential services. <br /> <br />Discussion: <br /> <br /> The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services <br />awarded $12,440 to the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services for <br />STEP-VA. <br /> <br /> The funds will be used for providing same day access to behavioral health services <br />($7,494), case management ($2,554), and psychiatric rehabilitation services ($2,392). <br /> <br />Financial Impact: <br /> <br /> No local match is required as a condition of the funding. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />