The Marcus Alert System - Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
Source: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/human-resource-development-and-management/health-equity/mdpa
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:37
The Marcus Alert System - Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
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Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health
In collaboration with state and community partners, DBHDS plans, develops, directs, funds, and monitors the delivery of comprehensive behavioral health services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Behavioral health services may include services for the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
Child & Family Services
Mental Health Services
Recovery Support
Behavioral Health Wellness
Substance Use Services
Resources for Veterans
Developmental Services
Integrated Health
Behavioral Services
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
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Waiver Services
REACH
Supported Decision Making
Victims of Eugenics Sterilization Compensation Program
Public Guardianship for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
My Life, My Community
Crisis Services
Crisis Services
DBHDS works with partners across Virginia to develop and maintain the Commonwealth’s continuum of crisis care, by ensuring that there is always someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.
Find out more
Virginia 988
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Learn more
Human Rights
DBHDS works to ensure compliance with Human Rights Regulations by promoting human dignity, managing the DBHDS Human Rights complaint program, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in state service systems.
Learn more
Forensic Services
Forensic Services
Forensic services include mental health evaluations and screenings, treatment of individuals with mental illness in jail, case management and restoration of competency to stand trial.
DBHDS develops programs and services for individuals at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system.
Learn more
SVP Services
Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) services support the delivery of evaluation, treatment, and supervision services to individuals found by the court to meet the criteria of sexually violent predator.
Learn more
For Providers
Support Coordination/Case Management Resources
Provider Network Supports
Centralized Training
Background Investigations Unit
Licensing
Licensing Information for Providers and Applicants
Provider Training and Regulatory Technical Assistance
Previous Newsletters, Correspondence, and Memos
Crisis Services
Child and Family Services
Licensed Provider Search
Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP)
Grants
Resources for Community Housing Guides
Substance Use Services
Developmental Services Information for Providers
For CSBs
CSB Performance Dashboard
CSB Support Forms
Grants
Resources for Support Coordinators and Case Managers
Disaster Behavioral Health Services in Virginia
Performance Contracts
Census and Waitlist Dashboard
The Marcus Alert System
Marcus Alert
The Marcus Alert System enhances services for individuals in crisis due to mental health, substance use, or developmental disabilities. It coordinates between 911 and regional crisis call centers to provide a behavioral health response during emergencies. This system ensures that law enforcement receives specialized training for handling behavioral health situations.
Marcus Alert is named after Marcus-David Peters, a young man who lost his life during a mental health crisis in Richmond, Virginia, in 2018. For more information on the implementation of Marcus Alert and the impact and effectiveness of the comprehensive crisis system.
Marcus Alert Has Three Protocols
Protocol 1:
Diverts low-level Marcus Alert calls from 911 to 988.
Protocol 2:
Establishes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the roles and responsibilities of Community Services Boards (CSBs), 988 call centers, 911 call centers, and law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies serving areas with populations of 40,000 or more must commit to providing backup for mobile crisis response within their communities.
Protocol 3:
Involves specialized law enforcement responses.
Program Availability
All Community Service Boards (CSBs) within the commonwealth are required to implement Marcus Alert by July 1, 2028.
There Are Currently 17 Localities Operating Marcus Alert
Western VA
Encompass Community Services
Madison County, Fauquier County, Warrenton, and Culpeper City.
Rappahannock Area CSB
Caroline County, King George County, Spotsylvania County, City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County.
Horizon Behavioral Health
Amherst County, Appomattox County, Bedford County, Campbell County, and the City of Lynchburg.
Northern VA
Prince William County Community Services
Prince William County.
Fairfax-Falls Church CSB
Fairfax County, City of Falls Church and City of Fairfax.
Alexandria CSB
City of Alexandria.
Arlington CSB
Arlington County.
Loudoun County Dept. of Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Services
Loudoun County.
Southwest VA
Highlands CSB
City of Bristol and Washington County including the Towns of Abingdon, Damascus, and Glade Spring.
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare
Botetourt County, Craig County, Roanoke County, City of Roanoke, and City of Salem.
New River Valley CSB
Floyd County, Giles County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, and City of Radford.
Central VA
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority
City of Richmond.
Chesterfield CSB
Chesterfield County.
Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services
Henrico County, New Kent County, and Charles City County.
Southeast VA
Virginia Beach Human Services
City of Virginia Beach.
Hampton-Newport News CSB
City of Hampton and City of Newport News.
Western Tidewater CSB
Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, City of Franklin, and City of Suffolk.
Meetings
The Statewide Marcus Alert Meeting convenes every six months in a
Microsoft Teams meeting
, and it is open to the public.
Past recorded meetings can be found on the
Virginia DBHDS YouTube page.
Useful Links
Information on Emergency Custody Orders, Temporary Detention Orders, and other Crisis Procedures
Crisis Services Information for Individuals and Families
Information for Providers about Crisis Services
Supporting individuals by promoting recovery, self-determination, and wellness in all aspects of life
Get In Touch
Find Help
Central Office:
1220 Bank Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1797
Richmond, VA 23218-1797
Phone:
(804) 786-3921
Voice TDD:
(804) 371-8977
Fax:
(804) 371-6638
Policies:
FOIA Policy
HIPAA Policy
Web Policy
Americans with Disabilities Act
Corporate:
Careers
Strategic Plan
Facilities
Catawba Hospital
Central State Hospital
Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents
Eastern State Hospital
Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Piedmont Geriatric Hospital
Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Western State Hospital
Southeastern Virginia Training Center
Hiram Davis Medical Center
Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation
© 2026 Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Back to top
Skip to the content
Home
About DBHDS
Human Resources
Procurement
Clinical and Quality Management
Boards and Councils
Newsroom
Strategic Plan
Legislative Resources
FOIA
DOJ Settlement Agreement
Department Directory
Facilities
Facilities
Price Transparency
Contact Us
Find your CSB
Search
Virginia
988
Search our website
Quick Links
Get SFTP Support Forms
Receive Safety Alerts
Learn About STEP-VA
Access Long Term Care
Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP)
File a Service Complaint
Locate my Community Service Board
Find Help
For Individuals & Families
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health
In collaboration with state and community partners, DBHDS plans, develops, directs, funds, and monitors the delivery of comprehensive behavioral health services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Behavioral health services may include services for the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
Child & Family Services
Mental Health Services
Recovery Support
Behavioral Health Wellness
Substance Use Services
Resources for Veterans
Developmental Services
Integrated Health
Behavioral Services
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Housing
Employment
Waiver Services
REACH
Supported Decision Making
Victims of Eugenics Sterilization Compensation Program
Public Guardianship for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
My Life, My Community
Crisis Services
Crisis Services
DBHDS works with partners across Virginia to develop and maintain the Commonwealth’s continuum of crisis care, by ensuring that there is always someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.
Find out more
Virginia 988
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Learn more
Human Rights
DBHDS works to ensure compliance with Human Rights Regulations by promoting human dignity, managing the DBHDS Human Rights complaint program, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in state service systems.
Learn more
Forensic Services
Forensic Services
Forensic services include mental health evaluations and screenings, treatment of individuals with mental illness in jail, case management and restoration of competency to stand trial.
DBHDS develops programs and services for individuals at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system.
Learn more
SVP Services
Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) services support the delivery of evaluation, treatment, and supervision services to individuals found by the court to meet the criteria of sexually violent predator.
Learn more
For Providers
Support Coordination/Case Management Resources
Provider Network Supports
Centralized Training
Background Investigations Unit
Licensing
Licensing Information for Providers and Applicants
Provider Training and Regulatory Technical Assistance
Previous Newsletters, Correspondence, and Memos
Crisis Services
Child and Family Services
Licensed Provider Search
Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP)
Grants
Resources for Community Housing Guides
Substance Use Services
Developmental Services Information for Providers
For CSBs
CSB Performance Dashboard
CSB Support Forms
Grants
Resources for Support Coordinators and Case Managers
Disaster Behavioral Health Services in Virginia
Performance Contracts
Census and Waitlist Dashboard
The Marcus Alert System
Marcus Alert
The Marcus Alert System enhances services for individuals in crisis due to mental health, substance use, or developmental disabilities. It coordinates between 911 and regional crisis call centers to provide a behavioral health response during emergencies. This system ensures that law enforcement receives specialized training for handling behavioral health situations.
Marcus Alert is named after Marcus-David Peters, a young man who lost his life during a mental health crisis in Richmond, Virginia, in 2018. For more information on the implementation of Marcus Alert and the impact and effectiveness of the comprehensive crisis system.
Marcus Alert Has Three Protocols
Protocol 1:
Diverts low-level Marcus Alert calls from 911 to 988.
Protocol 2:
Establishes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the roles and responsibilities of Community Services Boards (CSBs), 988 call centers, 911 call centers, and law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies serving areas with populations of 40,000 or more must commit to providing backup for mobile crisis response within their communities.
Protocol 3:
Involves specialized law enforcement responses.
Program Availability
All Community Service Boards (CSBs) within the commonwealth are required to implement Marcus Alert by July 1, 2028.
There Are Currently 17 Localities Operating Marcus Alert
Western VA
Encompass Community Services
Madison County, Fauquier County, Warrenton, and Culpeper City.
Rappahannock Area CSB
Caroline County, King George County, Spotsylvania County, City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County.
Horizon Behavioral Health
Amherst County, Appomattox County, Bedford County, Campbell County, and the City of Lynchburg.
Northern VA
Prince William County Community Services
Prince William County.
Fairfax-Falls Church CSB
Fairfax County, City of Falls Church and City of Fairfax.
Alexandria CSB
City of Alexandria.
Arlington CSB
Arlington County.
Loudoun County Dept. of Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Services
Loudoun County.
Southwest VA
Highlands CSB
City of Bristol and Washington County including the Towns of Abingdon, Damascus, and Glade Spring.
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare
Botetourt County, Craig County, Roanoke County, City of Roanoke, and City of Salem.
New River Valley CSB
Floyd County, Giles County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, and City of Radford.
Central VA
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority
City of Richmond.
Chesterfield CSB
Chesterfield County.
Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services
Henrico County, New Kent County, and Charles City County.
Southeast VA
Virginia Beach Human Services
City of Virginia Beach.
Hampton-Newport News CSB
City of Hampton and City of Newport News.
Western Tidewater CSB
Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, City of Franklin, and City of Suffolk.
Meetings
The Statewide Marcus Alert Meeting convenes every six months in a
Microsoft Teams meeting
, and it is open to the public.
Past recorded meetings can be found on the
Virginia DBHDS YouTube page.
Useful Links
Information on Emergency Custody Orders, Temporary Detention Orders, and other Crisis Procedures
Crisis Services Information for Individuals and Families
Information for Providers about Crisis Services
Supporting individuals by promoting recovery, self-determination, and wellness in all aspects of life
Get In Touch
Find Help
Central Office:
1220 Bank Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1797
Richmond, VA 23218-1797
Phone:
(804) 786-3921
Voice TDD:
(804) 371-8977
Fax:
(804) 371-6638
Policies:
FOIA Policy
HIPAA Policy
Web Policy
Americans with Disabilities Act
Corporate:
Careers
Strategic Plan
Facilities
Catawba Hospital
Central State Hospital
Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents
Eastern State Hospital
Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Piedmont Geriatric Hospital
Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Western State Hospital
Southeastern Virginia Training Center
Hiram Davis Medical Center
Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation
© 2026 Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Back to top