Mental Health Safety Net Coalition Urges Legislators to Fund County-Based MH Services

The Mental Health Safety Net (MHSN) Coalition sent a letter today, July 1, 2026, to the General Assembly in support of County-Based Mental Health funding. The letter highlighted the Counties’ request for a state investment of $40 million to address a growing demand for behavioral health services, expand access to community-based care, and sustain critical local crisis response infrastructure. Funding for these services cannot be directed through public or private funds, making the PA budget the lifeline for the sustainability of County-based mental health services. 

The letter stresses:

This investment would help counties stabilize and expand services, improve timely access to care, and ensure individuals receive support in the least restrictive and most appropriate setting. County-operated crisis services not only save lives but also reduce reliance on costlier systems, including emergency departments, law enforcement, and inpatient treatment facilities.

Read the letter here.