(The Center Square) – Doors have opened on Connections Emergency Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-in Center, a project with an investment of millions from the state in three central Pennsylvania counties.
The center is the result of a joint effort between Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties leveraging funds from the state’s opioid settlement trust, a pool of more than $200 million paid largely by the “Big Four” pharmaceutical companies found responsible for contributing to Pennsylvania’s devastating drug crisis.
The facility specializes in stabilizing people ages 14 and up who are experiencing mental health and substance abuse emergencies. Its staff provides an opportunity for people to receive help without calling 911.
Support is by the Department of Human Services through nearly $13.1 million in Community Mental Health Block Grant American Rescue Plan Act funds and $5.5 million from Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative reinvestment funds.
Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones toured the facility to promote the state’s behavioral health investments.
“When someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, they need three things: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go,” said Arkoosh, who noted that most situations can be addressed over the phone.
The center does not house beds but allows people to stay just under 24 hours. Insurance is not a requirement for receiving services. For people who need a place to go, Connections’ doors are open 24/7/365.
“They can get their clothes washed. They can get some food in their belly,” said Arkoosh of those who come to the facility. “They can have a chance to just take a breath, be evaluated, and get connected with the services and supports that are individually tailored to them.”
Individually, none of the counties have the resources necessary to build a service like this one. Its supporters hope Connections can serve not only as a model for care but for collaboration across the state, especially in sparsely populated rural areas that have been majorly impacted by both mental health and substance abuse crises in recent years.
In the absence of alternatives, behavioral and substance abuse crises often force people into institutions that critics say can do more harm than good. Whether its entrance into the criminal justice system or the acquisition of medical debt, a 911 call can feel like a threat to those in crisis.
“This new crisis walk-in center represents a vision and partnership that will enhance services where options don’t exist,” said Dauphin County Commissioner George P. Hartwick III. “This center presents an opportunity to triage and connect individuals with serious mental illnesses to services rather than the front door of the jail or emergency room.”
Historically, these departments do not have the resources required for follow-up care and represent a short-term solution to what, for most, can be a long-term challenge. Moreover, Arkoosh notes that neither police nor most ED doctors receive extensive training for behavioral emergencies.
“This walk-in center will not only break down barriers in the behavioral health continuum of care, but also reduce the burden on first responders, law enforcement, and emergency departments and provide timely care to individuals in need,” said Davis-Jones.
The model was developed by two emergency room psychiatrists and has been adopted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Connections has additional centers in Montana, Virginia, Arizona and Washington.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration boasts several behavioral health investments in the 2024-25 budget, including an additional $20 million for county mental health programs, $5 million for crisis stabilization walk-in centers, and a continued $100 million investment in mental health funding for K-12 schools.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Services are free and confidential. Chat is also available at https://chat.988lifeline.org/.