Tackling the fentanyl crisis through First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin’s awareness, education, and community engagement initiative. Learn more and find resources
Who We Are
The Honorable Janet Vestal Kelly has a distinguished career in the public and private sectors, specializing in convening leaders to solve complex problems.
Her leadership in the Health and Human Resources Secretariat focuses on ensuring every Virginian can live out their true purpose and potential.
As Governor Youngkin’s Senior Advisor for Children and Families, she led the Safe and Sound Task Force significantly reducing the number of displaced children in foster care and the Prompt Placement Task Force which increased access to state psychiatric hospitals. She was also a leading force behind the recently-signed kinship care legislation, the First Lady’s It Only Takes One fentanyl awareness initiative, and the Governor's transformational behavioral health plan, Right Help, Right Now.
Read her full bio and meet the team
Follow Secretary Kelly on X (formerly Twitter)
Special Initiatives
Explore Governor Youngkin's key initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of Virginians.
Right Help, Right Now
Transforming Virginia's behavioral health system with same-day crisis care for mental health and substance use support. Learn more and find resources
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It Only Takes One
Reclaiming Childhood
Protecting children's mental health by addressing social media harms, limiting cell phone use, and encouraging healthy play. Learn more and find resources
Safe Kids, Strong Families
Strengthening Virginia’s child welfare system by expanding kinship care, empowering foster youth, and building a sustainable path to safe, stable families. Learn more and find resources
Maternal Health
Improving maternal health by addressing mortality, expanding access, and promoting community engagement. Learn more and find resources
Healthcare Workforce
Strengthening the healthcare workforce with expanded training, improved retention, and faster licensing. Learn more and find resources
Language and Disability Access
Expanding access for individuals with limited English proficiency and disabilities through better services. Learn more and find resources
Long-Term Care
Enhancing long-term care by updating licensing fees, enforcing standards, and empowering the Health Commissioner to apply sanctions. Learn more and find resources
What We Do
The Secretary of Health and Human Resources oversees the following twelve state agencies that provide vital services to Virginians, including individuals with disabilities, the aging community, low-income working families, children, and caregivers. In addition, our agencies license health practitioners and ensure safe drinking water in the Commonwealth.
Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority
Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Department of Medical Assistance Services
Office of Children's Services
Virginia Board for People With Disabilities
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Virginia Department of Health
Virginia Department of Health Professions
Virginia Department of Social Services
Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
Press Releases
Stay informed on the latest announcements impacting health across the Commonwealth. Explore the three most recent Governor’s press releases highlighting key initiatives and developments.
Know Your Numbers
Be prepared with the right numbers for medical emergencies, mental health crises, and other support services.
911
Dial (911) for emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance.
988
Call or text (988), or chat (988va.org), 24/7/365 for immediate mental health, substance use, or emotional support for you or someone else.
211
Connect to resources (211virginia.org) for food, shelter, health, jobs, and more.
Spotlight on Progress: Video Series
Explore our featured videos showcasing key initiatives and achievements in improving health across the Commonwealth.
Governor Glenn Youngkin and Suzanne S. Youngkin unveil Right Help, Right Now, the transformational behavioral health plan for Virginians, on December 14, 2022.