On January 4, 2024 PA Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh announced a collaboration with The Columbia Lighthouse Project and mental health experts from across Pennsylvania to update the Columbia Protocol Mobile App. The Columbia Protocol Mobile App delivers the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), the most evidence-based tool designed to assess suicide risk severity. This app is made to be used by anyone, not just mental health professionals. It provides six simple questions that help identify individuals who are most at risk for dying by suicide and how to direct them to the resources they need.  

The Columbia Protocol Mobile App is comprised of straightforward questions regarding the individual’s mental health. Based on the responses, the Columbia Protocol calculates a Low, Moderate, or High risk and connects them to local resources. Each risk category assigns recommended support resources and next steps. In all cases, a connection with a helping resource is recommended. The internationally used app was part of a collaboration between The Columbia Lighthouse Project, PS Solutions, DHS, and statewide partners at the Blair County Department of Social Services, Healthy Blair County Coalition, and members of the Garett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Team.  

In Pennsylvania, 14 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021 were by suicide. The state is 38th in the country for suicide mortality. Across the US, rates of suicide went up by 4 percent from 2020 to 2021. It is also the third-leading cause of death in age groups 10-24 and 25- 34.   

Together, all Pennsylvanians can help prevent suicide. The Shapiro Administration is committed to preventing death by suicide by investing in mental health supports for Pennsylvanians. The 2023-2024 bipartisan budget that Governor Shapiro signed includes $20 million to increase funding for counties to provide critical mental health services. The budget also addresses the growing youth mental health crisis by providing $100 million for school-based mental health counselors and resources for students. Suicide prevention efforts have been ongoing in the Shapiro Administration, as well as through local suicide prevention organizations and coalitions. State agencies continue to collaborate through Pennsylvania’s Suicide Prevention Task Force, while working to advance the goals and objectives of Pennsylvania’s suicide prevention plan.   

In addition, Pennsylvania continues efforts to support of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. People who call, text, or chat with 988 are directly connected to trained, compassionate crisis response counselors. Lifeline services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost to the caller. To learn more visit, www.dhs.pa.gov/988.  

The Columbia Lighthouse Project aims to save lives worldwide by promoting the use of the Columbia Protocol worldwide and by supporting organizations integrating it into their broader suicide prevention programs. The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk detection through a series of questions. The answers help users identify whether someone is at risk for suicide, assess the severity and immediacy of that risk, and gauge the level of support that the person needs.  

The Columbia Protocol Mobile AppOpens In A New Window is available for Android and iPhone. It can also be downloaded on your mobile device using Google Play Store or Apple Store.  

For more information about suicide prevention and mental health resources, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/mentalhealth.    

Members of the Shapiro Administration are reminding Pennsylvanians of resources that are available to support them during the holiday season and beyond. The departments of Human Services (DHS), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), and Health (PDH), have come together to reinforce the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to helping Pennsylvanians throughout the year, especially during the holidays. Some of the available resources include: 

Mental Health Resources 
The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available for free by calling or texting 988 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 988 serves as a direct link for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Anyone who calls, texts, or chats with 988 will be directly connected to trained, compassionate mental health crisis response counselors. Callers to 988 can also connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or assistance in Spanish. 

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.  

Pennsylvania’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Resource guides offer information related to mental health screenings, help with finding a mental health or SUD treatment professional, resources for housing insecurity, help with trauma, and assistance with contacting your county assistance office and county drug and alcohol office, and applying for benefits. 

More free resources are also available to assist Pennsylvanians with mental health needs connect with longer term support in their community. 

Substance Use Disorder Resources 
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. 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 (e.g. prescription opioid medication for pain 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 the Physician General’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 (AAAs), 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.  

DHS and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging 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 People with 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, Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and other programs can be applied for at any time at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass.  

On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are also available if recipients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 for people in Philadelphia.    

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

On December 18, 2023, Bureau of Special Education Director Carole L. Clancy sent a PennLink message to LEAs titled Contingency Funds for Extraordinary Expenses. The message states that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is currently accepting applications for the Special Education Contingency Funds for Extraordinary Expenses. The fund’s purpose is to provide additional state funding for the implementation of the Individualized Education Program for a student with significant disabilities. Interested local educational agencies have until the end of day January 31, 2024, to apply.

The application and review process for the 2023-24 school year is specified in the Contingency Funds Guidelines. Applications for the Special Education Contingency Funds must be submitted electronically through the contingency funds request system website at https://www.pdeims.com/. Questions regarding Special Education Contingency Funds for Extraordinary Expenses should be directed to Janette Fulton, Special Education Adviser, Division of Analysis and Financial Reporting, at 717-425-5442 or [email protected].

On the evening pf December 13, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the school and fiscal code bills into law, major bipartisan bills as part of the bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2023-24. Governor Shapiro worked with legislative leaders from both parties to secure the bipartisan passage of major legislation that funds student mental health, environmental repairs in schools, 9-1-1 emergency dispatch, and a historic expansion of the Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program.

The bills Governor Shapiro signed into law included language to drive out $175 million for environmental repairs and upgrades in Pennsylvania schools, $100 million for student mental health, $10 million for student teacher stipends, and $7.5 million for indigent defense.

Supporting and Investing in Pennsylvania Students & Teachers
Building on the $567 million increase in basic education funding (BEF) for Pennsylvania school districts – the largest BEF increase in history – and the $46.5 million increase to provide universal free breakfast to 1.7 million Pennsylvania K-12 students, the school code bills signed by the Governor today include:

• Releasing $261 million to support Pennsylvania community colleges – and $70.5 million for libraries.
• Investing $175 million in environmental repairs and upgrades in our schools to create world-class facilities that are safe and healthy for students to learn in and teachers to work in.
• Adding $150 million to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program & Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program.
• Investing $100 million for school-based mental health resources for students, fulfilling another key promise of Governor Shapiro’s from the campaign trail.
• Investing $10 million to provide Pennsylvania’s student teachers with stipends so the Commonwealth can get more well-trained teachers into our classrooms.

For more information on the investments made in the commonsense, bipartisan 2023-24 budget, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.