2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106463D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 158

Offered March 3, 2026

Celebrating the life of Ashley Elizabeth Harrell.

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Patron—Deeds

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WHEREAS, Ashley Elizabeth Harrell, a dedicated social worker and a beloved wife and mother in Chester, died on July 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Ashley Harrell was born in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to Ollie and Jacquelyn Harrell and ultimately settled in the Commonwealth to pursue a career as a licensed clinical social worker; and

WHEREAS, Ashley Harrell held a master's degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and served as senior program advisor for substance use disorder services in the Behavioral Health Division at the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services; and

WHEREAS, Ashley Harrell helped transform Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder into the Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) Benefits program and aided in the development of Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, Demonstration Waiver Application to require ARTS Benefits to cover a full continuum of care; and

WHEREAS, thanks in large part to Ashley Harrell's visionary leadership, the Commonwealth's ARTS Benefits program has been recognized nationally as the model for other states; and

WHEREAS, Ashley Harrell also led the development of the Commonwealth's SUPPORT Act Grant applications that addressed treatment and workforce capacity issues and went above and beyond to support the needs of opioid treatment providers during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Ashley Harrell was deeply respected by her peers, treatment providers, and patients, and she inspired others through her compassion and dedication to advocating for access to treatment and support services; and

WHEREAS, Ashley Harrell will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Frank; her children, Edwin and Danielle; her brother, Kent, and his family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ashley Elizabeth Harrell, a highly admired member of the Chester community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ashley Elizabeth Harrell as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.