Wolf administration announces more than $9M available for crisis stabilization services

The state recently made available to Single County Authorities (SCAs) more than $9 million in grants for the establishment or expansion of crisis stabilization services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (SUD).

Eligible SCAs will receive grants of up to $3 million. Funding can be applied toward a range of activities, including construction and building infrastructure, staffing, and programming.

To qualify, SUD crisis stabilization services must have the capacity to recognize and manage people presenting a wide range of SUD-related symptoms, mental health disorders, and developmental disabilities.

Assessment and stabilization of acute physical and psychiatric symptoms may include level of care assessments, referrals to supportive services, medical management and behavioral interventions, and induction on medication-assisted treatment.

“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,” Jen Smith, state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs secretary, said.

The goal of the grant program is to provide an additional method for counties to invest in the components necessary to establish or expand crisis stabilization services, such as infrastructure, programming, and staffing.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 18 at noon. Applications must be submitted by email.