Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today held a Facebook Live discussion with leaders of the local chapters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to discuss how Congress is supporting mental health care during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as resources available to northeastern Pennsylvanians who are struggling during this public health and economic crisis. Cartwright was joined in this event to mark Mental Health Month by Marie Onukiavage, Executive Director, NAMI of Scranton, and Magen Washilewski, Executive Director, NAMI of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties.

During the event, Cartwright pointed out that the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted in late March included critical provisions to bolster our nation’s mental health services, such as $425 million for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to respond to the mental health issues arising from the coronavirus. In addition, the CARES Act authorized the Department of Health and Human Services to waive Medicare restrictions on the provision of telehealth services. As a result, older adults will be able to more conveniently and safely access mental health services.

Cartwright relayed questions to Onukiavage and Washilewski that were submitted to his office through an online survey. Topics included the availability of virtual support groups, resources for people struggling with addiction, and ways to care for the mental well-being of older friends and relatives from a distance.

“I wanted to hold this virtual event today not just to tell you about what Congress is doing, but mainly to let northeastern Pennsylvanians who are struggling right now know: you are not alone. Whatever you might be going through right now, we’re here to say that there is help available if you need it, and to tell you where you can find it,” Rep. Cartwright said in his opening remarks.

Onukiavage and Washilewski highlighted the NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide, which also answers several frequently asked mental health care-related questions. It can be accessed at https://www.nami.org/covid-19-guide.

The following is a list of additional ways northeastern Pennsylvanians can find mental health support.

• The Crisis Text Line: Text “NAMI” to 741741.
   
• PA 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 on a phone, or visit pa211ne.org.
  • This is available 24/7, and it is free and confidential.
     
• Lackawanna/Susquehanna Crisis Intervention Hotline: 570-348-6100
   
• Wayne County Crisis Hotline: 570-253-0321
   
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
   
• PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Helpline: Talk at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text at (717) 216-0905.
  • Available 24/7 and staffed by trained professionals who will stay on the phone with the caller until a treatment provider with an opening is identified.
     
• Warm Line: Dial 1-866-839-0445 or 570-270-6866.
  • The Warm Line is a telephone support line where the caller is able to talk to trained peers that can listen to concerns and offer support. The Warm Line Peer Responder has a unique perspective on issues since they may have experienced many of the same feelings in the past. Warm Line is available Monday - Friday from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This event can be re-watched on Cartwright’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/CongressmanMattCartwright/videos/.