WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County has introduced the Human Needs Network service. This innovative program, highlighted in a recent briefing with Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, underscores the county’s commitment to providing crucial support for individuals facing behavioral health crises and other essential life challenges.
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe emphasized the local focus of the Human Needs Network, which is designed to offer personalized assistance through a team of county-based professionals. “An important component of the Human Needs Network is having local professionals help those experiencing a crisis, whether it be a housing or basic needs crisis or mental health crisis,” stated Commissioners’ Chair Josh Maxwell. The initiative’s local contact center is pivotal in managing calls to 211 and 988, ensuring that residents receive timely and relevant support.
Since the program’s inception, Chester County’s resource navigators have managed over 1,000 calls monthly, addressing a wide array of resident needs, including food, housing, and mental health services. The introduction of Mobile Crisis Resolution teams has further reinforced these efforts, providing in-person crisis support throughout the county and responding to over 350 incidents since May.
The Human Needs Network is the culmination of collaborative efforts from over 50 local organizations, including first responders, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and various nonprofits. This collective approach is reflected in the formation of the Community Advisory Board, which plays a strategic role in steering the network’s development and operations.
The initiative is substantially funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), allowing Chester County to enhance its support systems without straining local resources. As Secretary Arkoosh observed during her tour of the county’s contact centers, “Chester County’s Human Needs Network has built a system that is getting to the core of what can get a person to that crisis point and creating a simple access point to get people the help they deserve.”
This program not only aims to provide immediate relief but also strives to build long-term resilience within the community by addressing the multifaceted factors that contribute to crises. By harnessing local expertise and resources, Chester County is setting a precedent in holistic crisis management, demonstrating a robust commitment to the welfare and well-being of its residents.
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