West Central PA News

State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) has been appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to serve on the inaugural Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council. The council, created in October by executive order, aims to improve accessibility to mental health and substance use disorder services in the state.

Struzzi, a longtime advocate for mental and behavioral health treatment reform, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the council. He acknowledged the importance of addressing the shortcomings of the current behavioral health system, stating, "We are measuring the cost in lives lost and that is too high of a price to pay."

The Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council is composed of mental health and substance use disorder stakeholders who will work together to develop a statewide action plan. This plan will address any gaps in access, affordability, or delivery of services.

As chairman of the House Human Services Committee's Subcommittee on Mental Health Services, Struzzi has been actively involved in advancing mental health legislation. In the previous session, he authored a bill that legalized fentanyl test strips for personal use in the Commonwealth. In the current term, he has introduced several bills aimed at improving mental health care in Pennsylvania.

One of Struzzi's proposed bills is House Bill 22, which directs the Department of Human Services to develop a statewide process for placing Medicaid patients with behavioral health or long-term care needs in appropriate care settings in a timely manner. Another bill, House Bill 24, seeks to improve access to mental health care by covering start-up costs for Collaborative Care Models that provide timely psychiatric care in primary care settings.

Recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, Struzzi introduced House Bill 89, which aims to establish a public awareness campaign providing information about available programs and services for first responders, healthcare workers, and other frontline workers facing mental health issues.

Additionally, Struzzi's legislative agenda includes House Bill 1245, which aims to address the rise in viral hepatitis, HIV, and overdose deaths by expanding access to syringe services programs.

Struzzi's appointment to the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council reflects his dedication to improving mental health and substance use disorder services in the state. With his experience and commitment, he is well-positioned to contribute to the council's efforts in creating a more accessible and effective behavioral health system.

For any inquiries about legislative issues or to learn more about Rep. Jim Struzzi's work, individuals can contact his Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.

Source: Representative Jim Struzzi, Pennsylvania House of Representatives

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.repstruzzi.com/News/33273/Latest-News/Struzzi-Appointed-to-Recently-Formed-Behavioral-Health-Council