In rural Pennsylvania, the challenges plaguing mental health care services mirror the broader struggles of the social safety net. Experts and stakeholders are rallying for increased funding, staffing, and incentives to attract talent and providers to remote areas of the state.
During a recent House Republican Policy Committee hearing in Williamsport, the consensus was clear: the mental health care system in rural Pennsylvania needs a lifeline. Representative Johnathan Fritz, R-Honesdale, highlighted the stagnation of mental health solutions compared to advancements in other fields.
Lycoming County, which hosts the bustling Little League World Series, is emblematic of the remote nature of rural areas. With a population density of only 71 people per square mile, the challenges of providing mental health services are exacerbated. Keith Wagner, executive director of the Lycoming-Clinton Joinder, emphasized these statistics.
The Lycoming-Clinton Joinder is responsible for overseeing mental health, intellectual disabilities, early intervention services, and the bi-county behavioral Health Choices program. Wagner praised the dedicated professionals working in the mental health system but acknowledged that their tireless efforts are insufficient to meet the growing demand. The region has witnessed a staggering 65% increase in its suicide rate over the past decade, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Ryan Gardner, the district attorney for Lycoming County, echoed Wagner’s concerns. Due to limited options, individuals in crisis often become repeat offenders in a justice system ill-equipped to provide necessary mental health services. This shift from a once-exemplary approach to handling such issues is largely attributed to dwindling staff.
Labor shortages continue to plague human services, further exacerbating the situation. Sherry Shaffer, leader of the insurance services division for UPMC’s Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, advocates for long-term solutions such as tuition reimbursement for graduates committed to working in public behavioral health and human services.
Early intervention is deemed essential for fostering healthier communities, and educators are increasingly expected to bridge the gap between home and the family doctor concerning mental health. Dr. Eric Briggs, superintendent of the South Williamsport Area School District, emphasized the lack of resources and training for addressing students’ significant mental health needs.
Despite the pressing issues at hand, some policymakers have diverted attention to cultural debates that often stall legislative progress. Representative Rob Leadbeter, R-Bloomsburg, raised concerns about students’ access to Kooth, an optional mental health platform that has sparked controversy due to its gender identity options. Kooth, originally used in the United Kingdom by the National Health Service, provides students aged 11 to 24 with an online forum for discussing mental health concerns anonymously.
Critics argue that Kooth reinforces progressive gender ideology, while supporters maintain that there is no medical consensus suggesting harm in educating children about non-binary and transgender individuals. Superintendent Briggs explained that the school is addressing the controversial aspects of the program through a series of meetings and assemblies with parents and students.
In rural Pennsylvania, the challenges facing mental health care services are symptomatic of broader economic pressures. As stakeholders rally for increased support, funding, and staffing, the hope is to revitalize a struggling system and provide the essential care that rural communities desperately need.
