Update on the Package Ban at Western State Hospital:

Patients and Advocates Deliver Strong Message to Governor Abigail Spanberger

Staunton, VA — Patients at Western State Hospital (WSH), along with supporters from the Citizens' Council, continue to push back against the facility's blanket ban on incoming packages. The policy restricts personal belongings from family and loved ones, limiting access to essential items like fresh clothing, hygiene products, books, and meaningful personal or religious objects.

In a coordinated advocacy effort, patients and the Citizens' Council assembled and sent a comprehensive package to Governor Abigail Spanberger. The submission includes:

• A detailed letter outlining studies supporting patients' access to personal belongings, documenting the negative emotional and therapeutic impacts of the ban (including heightened isolation and distress), and proposing reasonable alternatives such as enhanced supervised inspection protocols.

• Supporting research and evidence on the benefits of personal items for recovery and mental health.

• Statistics highlighting that many mental health patients face severe literacy challenges, which significantly hinder effective self-advocacy and make external support like family packages even more critical.

• The hospital director’s response to concerns.

• 12 handwritten letters from current patients sharing their firsthand experiences of isolation, discomfort, and hindered progress due to the restrictions.

This initiative highlights patient voices and emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all ban may conflict with Virginia patient rights protections under Virginia Code § 37.2-400 and related DBHDS regulations (12VAC35-115). These laws affirm rights to dignity, humane treatment, sufficient and suitable clothing, and the ability to keep and use personal possessions—unless restrictions are individually justified, documented, and necessary for safety.

Advocates argue that while safety and security are important priorities, a controlled review process for packages could address risks without broadly depriving patients of these vital connections to the outside world. Many patients report that the ban exacerbates feelings of isolation and removes small comforts that aid in their treatment and recovery.

As of this update, there has been no public response from Governor Spanberger’s office regarding the submitted materials.

How You Can Help:

• Contact Governor Spanberger’s office or your elected officials to voice support for patient-centered policies.

• Share patient stories responsibly to raise awareness.

Patients and families deserve dignity, autonomy, and access to supports that promote healing. We will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Governor’s office or hospital administration.