Cambria County, PA — Behavioral health administrator, Tracy Selak, says the Reach Crisis Center will help get people the treatment they need. She says it will also take some of the load off of law enforcement officials. People who spoke at the event say a person's mental health can affect their decision making, sometimes leading to accidents or crimes.
Cambria County president commissioner, Tom Chernisky, says it's a great day, and a victory for Cambria County. “You saw today, we need it. Mental health, it’s everywhere. This is a place, if someone needs some help, instead of maybe going to a hospital, or maybe getting arrested and being taken somewhere in a police car, this is somewhere they can come. No judgment, and get help.” Chernisky says.
C.E.O. of Magellan Behavioral Health, Jim Leonard, says he understands that “It feels good to have someone who will listen, and not judge you.”
The walk in center’s director, Brandy Castel, talks about the specific services visitors can expect. “We have some really great peer supporters that do some awesome work. We’ve really been working with them to help come up with support. We’re going to have some group therapy that's going to be going on. Hopefully that will prevent some hospitalization.” Castel says. The design of the center, organizers say, reflects the welcoming nature of this project and mission.
I asked a field worker what this means to see a new means to get help. “Everything. This is what I've been doing for years. This is what I love to do. So, one little victory, we’re on our way.” says Jen Town.
Chernisky also says that collaborating organizations will also try to add another facility in Northern Cambria county. Selak says the walk-in crisis center will officially open on November 1st.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfo7K4edGemJygXZi%2Fqr%2FIrGScnZ6psrN5wGatopukpL%2B6ecWoqWallaPBoriMoZyapKSderTBz6mmq6xdnrtuwMeeZKudl568rw%3D%3D