January 13, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones toured and met with staff at Connections Emergency Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-in Center, a new regional mental health and substance use disorder treatment center partially funded by "Big Four" opioid settlement dollars that were a result of a multistate investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors spearheaded by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro that led to settlement agreements worth billions of dollars. The Center is a partnership among Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties that is open 24/7, 365 days a year, and specializes in providing walk-in and short-term crisis stabilization and emergency treatment for adults and children in the safest and least restrictive setting."When someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, they need three things: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. Connections Emergency Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-in Center will fill a crucial need in behavioral health care in the region by providing both a mobile response unit to be dispatched to individuals in need and a walk-in center that provides appropriate, trauma-informed care when it is needed, easing barriers to care during a crisis," said Secretary Arkoosh. "DHS applauds county leadership for their commitment to improving the lives of their communities, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to increase access to behavioral health care services across Pennsylvania."Speakers Include:Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary, PA Department of Human ServicesDr. Latika Davis-Jones, Secretary, Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs
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