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​Mental Health Planning Council

The Pennsylvania Mental Health Planning Council (MHPC) consists of three committees: Children's Advisory Committee, Adult Advisory Committee, and Older Adult  Advisory Committee. These committees come together to form the MHPC whose purpose is to advise on a broad behavioral mandate to include — but not be limited to — mental health, substance abuse, behavioral health disorders, and cross-system disability.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) advisory committees include individual representatives of youth, adult and older adult individuals who have been served by the behavioral health system, family members of such youth and adults, providers, advocates, professionals, their respective organizations, as well as governmental organizations. At least 51 percent of the members are current or former behavioral health consumers and family members. Members are appointed by the deputy secretary of OMHSAS. 

MHPC Announcements

MHPC seeking new members

June 12, 2023 — The MHPC is seeking new members for the following three committees: Children's Behavioral Health, Adult Behavioral Health, and Older Adult Behavioral Health. To be considered, applicants must be a current resident of Pennsylvania or be able to document substantial current involvement in the Pennsylvania mental health system, and, reflect the cultural and geographic diversity of individuals served in the Commonwealth and maintain an equitable representation among individuals who have received services, family, advocate, and professional representatives to the fullest extent possible. The application can be found under the "Membership" section of this webpage. 


SFY 2023-2024 Confirmed Dates  

SFY 2023-2024 Save the Date: Starting in SFY 2023-2024, the OMHSAS Mental Health Planning Council will meet on the third Tuesday of the second month each quarter (August, November, February, and May). In years when the May meeting would fall on the Pennsylvania Primary Election, the May meeting will be held on Monday instead. Currently, all SFY23-24 meetings are being planned as remote meetings.

If any changes occur throughout the year, updates will be provided through the MHPC Appointed Member Listserv and the OMHSAS Public Listserv.

Any questions related to the Mental Health Planning Council can be sent to the MHPC Email Address: RA-PWOMHSASMHPC@pa.gov

Upcoming Meetings

  • Tuesday August 15, 2023; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday November 21, 2023; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday February 20, 2024; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday May 21, 2024; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Membership


Committee Member Expectations

  • Committees will meet at least four times per year in the Harrisburg region. Committee members are expected to physically attend at least three of these meetings annually. Members without state/agency funding may request travel cost reimbursement through OMHSAS.
  • Committee members are expected to read and respond to e-mailed requests from Committee Co-Chairs in a timely fashion.
  • Committee members are expected to represent their broader constituency — not only themselves or their own family member(s)/ organization(s) — in their committee's work.
  • Members must have the ability to communicate with those they are representing to bring their concerns to the committee and to report back on the outcomes of the committee's work.
  • Committee members should have the time and ability to participate in additional workgroups throughout the year on an as-needed basis.

    Call For Change 2022 Steering Committee Members