By MICHAEL FELBERBAUM
Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. – Gov. Bob McDonnell is proposing increased mental health funding and the creation of a task force to look at ways to head off mental health crises.

The governor announced the initiatives Tuesday. They follow the November death of a Virginia state senator’s son less than one day after he had been released from emergency custody.

McDonnell is proposing more than $38 million in state funding over the next two-year budget cycle for critical mental health services. The task force would include mental health and law enforcement officials among its members.

Virginia mental health officials have already announced changes in response to the death of Sen. Creigh (KREE) Deeds’ son Gus.

Citing the Virginia Tech massacre, McDonnell said Virginians have experienced “tremendous heartache” as a result of mental health tragedies.

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