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​Mental Health Planning Council

The Pennsylvania Mental Health Planning Council consists of three committees and two sub-committees: Children's Advisory Committee, Adult Advisory Committee, Older Adult  Advisory Committee, Transition Age Youth Sub-Committee and Persons in Recovery Sub-Committee. These committees will 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% of the members are current or former behavioral health consumers and family members. Members are appointed by the Deputy Secretary of OMHSAS.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Pennsylvania OMHSAS Mental Health Planning Council shall be to provide counsel and guidance to the OMHSAS in order to ensure an infrastructure and full array of mental health, substance abuse and behavioral health services which comply with the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of OMHSAS, as well as core principles of Community Support Program (CSP), Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP), Cultural Competency and Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The Planning Council will:

  • Assist OMHSAS staff in the development, review and approval of the state plan for the federal Community Mental Health Services Block Grant
  • At least annually, monitor, review, evaluate and recommend changes in the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the Commonwealth
  • Review plans provided to the Council pursuant to section 1915(a) by the State … and to submit to the State any recommendations of the Council for modifications to the plans
  • Serve as an advocate for adults with a serious mental illness, children with a severe emotional disturbance and older adults with mental illnesses or emotional problems
  • Identify the need for and participate in time limited ad hoc workgroups to address specific tasks or topics related to each or all three of the standing committees. Ad hoc workgroups will be identified as required by established priorities. Membership of ad hoc workgroups will consist of members of one or more of the three age group related committees and persons with relevant expertise from the broader behavioral health system or other collaborating systems.
     

 2019 Mental Health Planning Council Meeting Dates:

Friday, February 22
Tuesday, May 28
August/ September 
November/ December 

Meeting Time:

10:00am - 3:00pm 

Location:

 Central Penn College
600 Valley Road, P.O. Box 309
Summerdale, PA  17093
www.centralpenn.edu

For more information call: 717-787-6443