County mental health officials ask Pa. for funding amid rising suicide rates [Video]

County officials say Pennsylvania’s mental health infrastructure is crumbling and many would-be patients are still waiting for treatment.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — More problems, few programs and growing impatience have mental health advocates calling on lawmakers in Harrisburg for help.

“We routinely hear from families who ask why it takes so long to get the needed help,” said Annie Strite, mental health administrator for Cumberland and Perry County. “I’ve worked in the mental health system for 30 years and I’ve never seen it this difficult.”

“This isn’t a one county issue, this isn’t a one city issue, this is a Commonwealth issue,” added Michael Rivera, a Berks County commissioner and 2024 president of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

Despite prevention efforts, Strite reports suicide rates have doubled in her area over the last year.

Between January and April 2023, Strite said Cumberland and Perry Counties saw eight suicides.

From January …