For the second year in a row, Governor Josh Shapiro secured a $20 million investment in the bipartisan budget to support county mental health services as well as funding dedicated to crisis response networks
Pennsylvanians can contact the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
State College, PA – Today, Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh toured Centre Helps, a 988 call center, to talk with staff and volunteers about the importance of accessible, affordable, and local mental health and substance use disorder services.
County behavioral health offices and local organizations are often the first point of contact for people needing services, and Governor Josh Shapiro has prioritized increasing funding for behavioral health services throughout the Commonwealth. The 2024-25 budget built on the previous year’s budget investments by providing an additional $20 million for county mental health programs, $5 million for crisis stabilization walk-in centers, with a focus on geographic areas that may not have a center, and continues the $100 million investment in mental health funding for K-12 schools.
“When someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, they need three things: someone to talk to, someone to listen, and somewhere to go. We are fortunate in Pennsylvania to have organizations like Centre Helps that answer calls to the 988 suicide and crisis line, provide services, and connect people to resources in their community that provide ongoing help and support,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Knowing that the need for behavioral health services is significant, we must continue to adequately fund the programs and partners providing these vital services so that we have a sustainable behavioral health care support network for years to come.”
Centre Helps is one of 12 call centers in Pennsylvania affiliated with the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Any Pennsylvanian experiencing a mental health crisis or who needs help for a loved one, can contact 988 at any time and be connected to a trained professional who will provide free and confidential support and, if needed, referrals to additional community resources. Nearly 11,000 calls were made to 988 in Pennsylvania alone as of July 2024.
Centre Helps was established in 1970 by a group of dedicated Penn State student volunteers with the mission of providing reliable information on drugs and alcohol to those in need. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its services and solidified its position as a critical support resource for the community.
The Centre Helps hotline has evolved from its initial focus on drug and alcohol information to become the county’s primary information and referral hotline. It is accredited by the International Council of Hotlines and serves as a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, underscoring the quality and reliability of the services provided.
In addition to its hotline services, Centre Helps offers basic needs case management services, helping to prevent eviction and utility shut-off, and drug and alcohol classes which are designed to assist students who have encountered drug or alcohol violations, helping them navigate their challenges and promoting their well-being. Centre Helps’ core values of respect, empathy, empowerment, commitment, and community are integral to their mission of providing compassionate and effective support to individuals seeking help.
“Since the transition to 988 in summer 2022, our call volume has more than tripled, and our dedicated counselors have stepped up to meet the need,” said Centre Helps Executive Director Denise McCann. “Centre Helps has consistently led the call centers in the state in terms of answer rate and time to answer. We are grateful for the support of Penn State student volunteers, our county commissioners and administrators, and the PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, as well as our entire community, all of whom play a role in our ability to be there for some of the most vulnerable people in need of help.”
If you or a loved one are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, call or text 988 to contact the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline.
More information on behavioral health and crisis resources in Pennsylvania is available on DHS’ website.
