Members of the Wolf Administration remind Pennsylvanians of available resources during the holiday season for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.

The departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Health, Human Services, Aging, and Military and Veterans Affairs joined to reinforce the Wolf Administration’s commitment to providing trauma-informed mental health and substance use disorder services and resources that are available year-round but often increasingly needed during the holiday season.

“This is a joyous time of year, but the holidays can also be difficult for many Pennsylvanians for many different reasons. During this holiday season, it is important to remind folks who are struggling with grief, isolation, or battling a substance use disorder that no one is ever alone; there are always resources available to help,” said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith.

Mental Health

This year saw the launch of the new, shortened number – 988 – for the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

988 serves as a direct link for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Anyone can call, text, or chat with 988 and will be directly connected to trained, compassionate mental health crisis response counselors, the same that were accessible through the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

988 call centers provide support for individuals considering suicide, self-harm, or any behavioral or mental health need for themselves as well as people looking for help for a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis.

While the majority of calls are triaged and de-escalated without deploying in-person services, in communities where mobile crisis mental health teams are available, a 988 counselor can dispatch the team to provide on-site support and interventions.

They are also able to call out police or other emergency services if there is an immediate risk to the life or safety of an individual. Callers to 988 can also connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or assistance in Spanish.

The 988 lifeline’s services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost to the caller. Additional free resources are available to assist Pennsylvanians with mental health needs and connect to longer term support in their community.

Substance Use Disorder

Individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is confidential, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and staffed by trained professionals who will connect callers to resources in their community.

Callers can also be connected with funding if they need help paying for treatment. ATLAS is also available for Pennsylvanians and their loved ones to search for and compare SUD treatment facilities using criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted so they can find the best treatment for their unique needs.

Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (i.e. prescription pain medication or heroin). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing. Pennsylvanians can obtain naloxone at their local pharmacy by using Physician General, Denise Johnson’s standing order.

People can also get naloxone mailed to their home when completing a short training through a partnership with NEXT Distro.

Resources for Older Adults

The PA Link to Aging and Disability Resource Centers, also known as the PA Link, assists older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing information and connecting them to supports including assistive technology to access telehealth services, check-in calls and options to help reduce social isolation. Any older adult needing support can contact the PA Link Call Center by phone at 1-800-753-8827 or online at www.carelink.pa.gov.

In addition, Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging, covering the commonwealth’s 67 counties, provide virtual and in-person activities, including health and wellness programs. Older adults can locate their local area agency on aging here.

“The holiday season comes with expectations of joy and happiness, but unfortunately not everyone experiences that this time of year. Older adults may have feelings of loneliness, depression, or isolation particularly if they experienced the loss of a loved one,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “If any older adult is struggling emotionally or mentally, we want them to know they are not alone, and that the Department of Aging and AAAs have resources to support them.”

DHS and PDA also want grandparents raising grandchildren as well as other family members such as, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who find themselves caring for children who lost parents or whose parents are not able to be their primary caregiver to know that help is available via the KinConnector helpline.

The helpline is staffed by Kinship Navigators – compassionate, knowledgeable social service professionals prepared to help families locate, understand, and access resources that may be able to help them during the holiday season.

It can be reached by calling 1-866-KIN-2111 (1-866-546-2111) or online at kinconnector.org.

Resources for Veterans

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs works to identify and serve veterans in need through PA VETConnect, an innovative program that connects service members, veterans and their families to the best possible resources for assistance, anywhere in the commonwealth. A team of DMVA field staff networks throughout all 67 Pennsylvania counties and are well-versed in the substance abuse and mental health resources available for veterans to get the help they need now. Since PA VETConnect launched in 2020, DMVA has made more than 16,500 connections with various government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders to enhance network capabilities. There are currently more than 1,900 vetted resources in the database.

In partnership with Veteran & First Responder Health, the DMVA has supported veterans suffering from opioid use disorders by providing services through in-person and telehealth methodologies.

Some of these services include Medicated Assisted Treatment; Intensive Outpatient Program; Outpatient; and Case Management.

Service members, veterans and their families who find themselves in crisis can access free, confidential support 24/7 by calling the new, easy to remember Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then Press 1.

Intellectual Disabilities & Autism

DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs has resources developed by self-advocates to provide helpful tips and suggestions for people with intellectual disabilities & autism to manage stress during the holidays. These tips include:

• Being aware of your sensory issues and trying your best to explain them to other people,

• Talking to a trusted friend or family member about expectations for the gathering,

• Using coping skills and having an exit plan if you need to excuse yourself,

• Making sure you have a safe, comfortable place when you come home to decompress, and

• Understanding self-care and knowing what works best for you in holiday situations.

Additional information and resources can be found at www.myodp.org or www.paautism.org.

Public Assistance Programs

DHS encourages Pennsylvanians struggling to meet basic needs to apply for programs that can help them meet essential needs through the winter months. Programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, Medical Assistance, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and other programs can be applied for at any time at www.compass.state.pa.us.

For more information assistance programs available to help Pennsylvanians, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.