Rob has worked for years to improve mental healthcare in Virginia. He currently serves on the bipartisan “Deeds Commission” which is focused on reforming mental health care.
In 2014, after a tragic suicide when a mental health bed was not found for a patient, Rob patroned HB 293, which created a “bed of last resort” at state hospitals to ensure that a bed is always available when a court has ordered treatment.
In 2016, he patroned HB 1110, which empowers families to present evidence directly to the special magistrate when dissatisfied with a commitment decision made by the clinician.
In 2018, he patroned a bill brought to him by local high school students to improve mental health education in high school health classes.
In 2019, he patroned HB 1942 to establish minimum standards for mental health care in Virginia jails and to coordinate jail-provided mental health services with community services after release.
Bell has been recognized for his work to improve the delivery of mental health.
- Psychiatric Society of Virginia’s “Delegate of the Year.”
- Virginia Academy of Family Physicians “Legislator of the Year”
