Press Releases

Wilkes-Barre, PA – U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced that Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health & Developmental Services will receive $4,000,000 over a four-year period from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance grant program. The funds will help them develop their system of care for children and youth experiencing mental health challenges.

The federal government has been providing grants to communities to develop systems of care since the early 1990s as part of the national mental health policy. Systems of care engage families and youth in partnership with public and private organizations to design mental health services and supports that are effective, build on the strengths of individuals and address each person's unique needs. This fiscal year, the Luzerne-Wyoming System of Care (L/W SOC) program will receive a $1,000,000 disbursement.

“Children’s experiences have lasting effects on their lifelong mental health and wellness,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Like millions of families across the country, I have seen the benefits of good behavioral health services and the consequences from when they weren’t available. I will continue to support programs that provide children and families with opportunities to help them be well and succeed in life. These services have become even more vital in this time of COVID-19.”

“Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS is honored to have the opportunity to continue our efforts through System of Care with an additional four years of funding,” said Tara Vallet, Administrator Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH-DS Programs. “We have seen tremendous success with our previous System of Care grant and look forward to furthering our mission to assist our community with expanded and improved services. We are grateful to receive this funding and for the support from Congressman Cartwright.”

L/W SOC will serve children from birth to age 21 with, or at risk of, serious emotional disturbance, including those at risk of early onset of serious mental illness, along with their families. The population to be served will include a focus on youth with serious mental health challenges that are involved in other child-serving systems, including child welfare, juvenile justice, drugs/alcohol and special education.

A branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA leads the public health effort to promote the behavioral health of the nation. Grant programs like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance provide funding to organizations to support reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.