Chester County Government showcased its recently introduced Human Needs Network service to Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh in early September. During the afternoon briefing, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe explained the county's intent for the new service.

The Human Needs Network focuses on helping local residents who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or who need information about services such as food, housing, and mental health assistance. The initiative includes providing information via the local contact center for the 211 service and the 988 crisis hotline. Mobile crisis response teams also provide assistance.

At the recent meeting, Chester County's human services director, Pat Bokovitz, and his team reported on the early impacts of using the local contact center and mobile crisis response teams. The call center has received more than 1,000 calls for behavioral health information each month since April. The mobile crisis response teams have been dispatched more than 350 times since mid-May.

The meeting with Arkoosh also included a tour of the county's 211 and 988 contact centers, located in the Chester County Government Services Center.

The Human Needs Network of Chester County was developed with input from leaders of more than 50 local organizations who represent all sectors of the community, from first responder organizations, schools, hospitals, and libraries to nonprofits and veterans' organizations, the United Way of Chester County, and county government departments. Many now serve on the Human Needs Network's Community Advisory Board.

A significant portion of Chester County's investment in the Human Needs Network was covered by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.