Lehigh Times

This week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that state grant funding of more than $9 million is available for Single County Authorities (SCA) to assist those battling mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously.

According to Gov. Wolf’s Nov. 28 announcement, the funds are to create or expand crisis stabilization services. Up to $3 million will be awarded to the eligible SCAs to use for construction and building infrastructure, staffing, programming and more. 

State Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Jen Smith praised the grants.

“These grants will help expand or establish services to provide a much-needed component to the continuum of care; reduce the burden on first responders, law enforcement and emergency departments; and provide timely care to individuals in need,” Smith said.

SUD crisis stabilization services have to manage those with a range of substance use disorder symptoms, as well as mental health disorders and developmental disabilities, Wolf's announcement said. The grants can help with services provided including short term stays, connecting to support services, medication assisted treatment, medical management, behavioral interventions and level of care assessments. The need for these services has been especially prevalent in recent years due to the pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for enhanced and coordinated behavioral health services in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said. “This funding opportunity will make use of Pennsylvania’s share of the federal Opioid Distributor Settlement to build on our existing programs and initiatives.”

Grant applications must be submitted to RA-DAGrantsMgmt@pa.gov by Dec. 18 at noon.