In 2020, Virginia State legislators created the mental health awareness response and community understanding services (MARCUS) alert system to promote a behavioral health response to individuals in crisis, including those with substance abuse disorders and developmental disabilities.

In compliance with Virginia Law, the Frederick County Department of Public Safety Communications, in coordination with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, created a voluntary database which allows individuals to privately disclose any relevant mental health information, developmental or intellectual disabilities. This confidential information will only be available to the 9-1-1 center and emergency responders. The goal of this database is to promote an informed response for emergency personnel when encountering an individual dealing with a crisis.

The information provided to the database shall not be used for any other purpose except as set forth here. Information should be submitted by the individual, or their legal guardian. If information is submitted by a parent or legal guardian of an individual under 18, the database entry will be removed when they reach the age of 18 unless requested to remain by the individual or their legal guardian.

To register, please fill out and submit this form: Marcus Alert Application

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Director of Public Safety Communications at 540-665-6356.