Legislators and behavioral health professionals will discuss the mental health challenges and priorities among Westmoreland County residents Friday.
The fourth annual mental health legislative breakfast, held at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, is a partnership between Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew, Mental Health America of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Adelphoi.
This year’s breakfast will focus on the county’s behavioral health priorities; crisis response systems and funding; and workforce challenges and service delivery capacity.
Chew said it is important to involve legislators and mental health professionals in the discussion.
“That alignment is critical as we work to expand access, strengthen our workforce and ensure that services meet the growing need in our communities,” he said in a statement.
Laurie Barnett-Levine, CEO of Mental Health America of Southwestern Pennsylvania, cited advocacy and collaboration as keys to addressing the area’s mental health challenges and goals.
“We continue to see unprecedented demand for mental health services, alongside ongoing workforce and funding challenges,” she said in a statement. “Events like this legislative breakfast ensure that leaders at every level understand both the urgency of the need and the opportunities to improve outcomes for our communities.”