PA Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead today joined Attorney General Josh Shapiro to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and wellness, mental illness, and substance use disorders and encourage people who are experiencing these to seek help. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises have created anxiety and grief that are affecting all of us in different ways, but resources are available across Pennsylvania, so no one has to go through this alone.
Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to COVID-19 and the accompanying economic insecurity can contact the Persevere PA Support & Referral Helpline toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600. The helpline is staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available to counsel struggling Pennsylvanians and refer them to resources in their community that can further help to meet individual needs. Since its launch in April 2020, the helpline has received more than 22,900 calls.
The Attorney Generalās Safe2Say program is available to Pennsylvania children and teenagers to anonymously and safely seek assistance and report threats of violence, harassment, and bullying, is also still operating and can be reached 24/7 at 1-844-723-2729 or atĀ www.safe2saypa.org.Ā
Many other resources also remain available to Pennsylvanians in need of support, including:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- LĆnea Nacional de PrevenciĆ³n del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Crisis Text Line: Text āPAā to 741-741
- Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357
- Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-888-772-7227 orĀ https://pcar.org/help-in-pa
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233 orĀ www.PCADV.org
Available online resources include:
- PennsylvaniaāsĀ mental health resource guide.
- Mental Health AmericaĀ for general information and COVID-19-specific resources.
- Get Help NowĀ for substance use disorder and alcohol treatment.Ā
The pandemic has created economic uncertainties for many Pennsylvanians, making it difficult for some to access essential needs or feel secure about the future. Resources are available in your community to help address these feelings of stress and anxiety. The United Way of Pennsylvania can help connect you to resources that are available in your community to help you meet these needs. Text your zip code to 898-211 to be connected to programs and resources in your community or visitĀ www.uwp.org. People in need of assistance can also visitĀ www.compass.state.pa.usĀ to learn more and apply for assistance programs that can help with health care, food, rental and utility bills, and other needs.Ā More information on mental health resources can be foundĀ here.