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Marion Correctional Treatment Center is reaccredited as $23M renovation moves ahead
SPorter
Amid a major renovation and unique among Virginia’s prisons, Marion Correctional Treatment Center just successfully completed an evaluation of the care it provides.
The Joint Commission, a non-profit watchdog of healthcare organizations, recently assessed MCTC and reaccredited the institution.
The Virginia Department of Corrections said that MCTC is the first VADOC facility to be accredited by Joint Commission and licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). In May, MCTC was granted a three-year license from DBHDS for the acute care psychiatric and residential services provided by the facility.
According to a VACOC spokesperson, MCTC is the only one of its facilities authorized to provide licensed inpatient acute mental health services to male inmates.
The facility, he noted, also operates residential treatment mental health services in a structured and controlled environment for inmates diagnosed with mental disorders who do not require inpatient hospitalization.
Regarding the renovation, the spokesperson said that MCTC is undergoing a $23 million comprehensive capital renovation project, scheduled for completion in early 2027.
“This initiative is intended to modernize critical infrastructure, making the facility more therapeutic and secure for staff and inmates. Project improvements include the construction of new control centers, upgrading HVAC systems, and modernizing the facility’s camera systems. These enhancements are designed to strengthen operational efficiency and help ensure continued safety and security,” the spokesperson said.
In legal matters, individuals have cited inadequate heat and cooling systems at MCTC. In a 2024 legal action, hospital records showed an inmate was hospitalized for hypothermia multiple times.
For the last quarter of 2025, MCTC averaged 189 inmates.
MCTC employs 249 people with 49 specifically dedicated to healthcare and behavioral health services.
In a news release, former VADOC Director Chad Dotson said, “I am immensely proud of Warden Christopher Armes, Assistant Warden Jonathan Carico, and our dedicated corrections team at MCTC. Despite a full, comprehensive renovation at the facility and the specialized care needs of the patients whose mental health is managed at MCTC, they are consistently achieving outstanding results.”
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Smyth County Commonwealth's Attorney Phillip
"Bucky" Blevins walks into Antioch Greater Love
Ministries as a search warrant is being executed.
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Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Smyth County Commonwealth's Attorney Phillip
"Bucky" Blevins walks into Antioch Greater Love
Ministries as a search warrant is being executed.
File photo
In 2023, Nolan Wolfe reflected on the warming center and the
community's assistance.
Page A3
File photo
In 2023, Nolan Wolfe reflected on the warming center and the
community's assistance.
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