Press Releases

Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that $250,000 in federal funds have been awarded to Lackawanna County from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The funds will support the De-escalation and Crisis Intervention Collaboration Project, a cooperative effort between Lackawanna County and the Advocacy Alliance.

The Project aims to train a total of 600 police officers and related professionals over a five-year period in de-escalating mental health and addiction-related crises in the field. The trainings will provide strategies and tactics to law enforcement professionals to reduce the use of deadly force as well as provide them with resources and skills to manage their own mental health and the emotional demands of the job.

“I am grateful Lackawanna County sees the value in using crisis intervention and de-escalation to treat people at their lowest moments. By teaming up with Advocacy Alliance to provide these essential trainings, officers in Lackawanna County will have the support and resources they need to respond safely when they’re called to help someone in crisis,” said Rep. Cartwright. “I am proud to fight for funding for law enforcement to have the tools, training and resources they need to keep our communities as safe as possible.”

“This is great news for our Health & Human Services Department. I want to thank Congressman Cartwright for his assistance in securing this valuable award. Substance abuse and mental health illness are impacting people across the nation Our community is no different. This funding will enable our officers to handle these situations without excessive force. It will have an overall positive impact on our communities,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni.   

“This grant is tremendous for Lackawanna County and the Advocacy Alliance is honored to provide services to individuals who have mental illness and/or addiction issues.  I want to thank Congressman Cartwright for his work in securing this award that will bring Crisis Intervention Team and Mental Health First Aid Trainings to police when they encounter individuals impacted by a mental illness, mental health crisis, and/or addiction issues” said Alex J. Hazzouri, President and CEO of the Advocacy Alliance and Friendship House.    

Awarded by the Center for Mental Health Services within HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this grant program provides essential funding for substance abuse treatment, prevention and mental health needs. Projects and community-based organizations funded by this program improve access, reduce barriers, and promote high quality, effective treatment and recovery services.