The State College/Centre County Task Force on Mental Health Crisis Services completed more than a year of work in November when it delivered its final report. Now the borough and county are taking the next steps to oversee implementation of its recommendations.
A progress review committee will be charged with monitoring progress and providing feedback as agencies and staff address the report’s 19 recommendations for changes in the county’s mental health crisis services. State College Borough Council approved the committee’s creation on Monday night, and county commissioners gave their endorsement on Tuesday.
Formed in the fall of 2019 following the fatal police shooting of Osaze Osagie and subsequent community conversations, the 30-member task force conducted a comprehensive review of services in the county. The final report identified strengths and weaknesses of the current system and made recommendations for improvements to mobile and delegate crisis services, involuntary commitment warrant procedures, the role of police in responding to mental health calls, emergency department procedures and post-emergency department services.