Pennsylvania allocates $10 million to strengthen 9-8-8 mental health lifeline
Pennsylvania is investing $10 million from the state budget to enhance the 9-8-8 suicide and mental health crisis lifeline.
State investment in crisis services
Dr. Val Arkoosh, secretary of the Department of Human Services, visited Keystone Health in Chambersburg, Franklin County, to discuss the investment.
The funding will be used to improve crisis intervention services, expand mental health resources, and support the network of 14 call centers across the state.
“That’s the beauty of nine, eight, eight. You’ve got highly trained individuals answering the calls, and they’re really able to help you talk through what’s going on, whatever that challenge is in that moment, and give you some real help,” Arkoosh said.
Funding for walk-in centers
The budget also includes $5 million to maintain behavioral health crisis walk-in centers, prioritizing regions with limited access to immediate, in-person care.
Calling 9-8-8 connects individuals to safe, secure, and confidential behavioral or mental health crisis services.