Chester County Seeks Public Input On Mental Health Hotline

WEST CHESTER - Chester County is joining with communities across the nation, introducing “988” as the direct phone connection support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.

The hotline will be available to the public, beginning Saturday, July 16.

Chester County officials said the implementation of the 988 call option is a first step towards a transformed crisis care system.

“Moving to the three-digit 988 phone number gives us the opportunity to strengthen our existing suicide prevention hotline service, and to expand the crisis care system that provides direct, life-saving service for all in need,” said Pat Bokovitz, director of the Chester County Department of Human Services.

The county is seeking com feedback through two online surveys to better inform the County’s crisis care system.

• Youth Mental Health Survey for parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, health professionals, and young people.
• Adult Mental Health Survey for individuals who recently experienced the mental health crisis response system, as well as members of law enforcement, emergency medical services personnel, homeless providers, health professionals and others.

The data from the two surveys will be used to ensure our mental health crisis system can better meet the needs of our Chester County residents, Bokovitz said.

The Adult and Youth Mental Health surveys are brief, anonymous, and available online at www.chesco.org/mhidd.