Press Releases

Havertown, PA – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today joined Delaware County officials and members of local law enforcement to discuss the county’s plans for new Mobile Crisis Teams to respond quickly and appropriately to mental health emergencies. Scanlon recently secured $650,000 in federal funding for the program. It is one of 10 Community Project Funding awards Scanlon delivered for her district through the Fiscal Year 2022 federal government funding package passed by Congress in March.

“We’ve seen, far too often, the tragic consequences that come when a mental health crisis isn’t properly addressed,” said Rep. Scanlon. “According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, 1 in 4 fatal police encounters involve an individual with severe mental illness. At this rate, the risk of being killed is 16 times greater for individuals with untreated mental illness than for others approached or stopped by officers. But these tragedies can be avoided — the new Mobile Crisis Teams can help both community members suffering from mental illness and over-burdened police forces.”

The Delaware County Mobile Crisis Teams will be stationed at the County’s Emergency Services location and dispatched in conjunction with law enforcement when the person involved is known or suspected to be suffering from mental illness. The program would divert these individuals into treatment, with prioritized admission, to properly address their underlying needs. 

“On behalf of the law enforcement community, I want to express my appreciation to Congresswoman Scanlon for securing the funding for this important pilot project,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “The expertise available through these mobile crisis units will provide vital assistance to officers responding to residents experiencing a mental health crisis. While police officers have always been called upon to deal with mental health issues, we increasingly recognize that some situations can be better dealt with by mental health professionals. I think by taking a team approach — with officers and mental health professionals working together — we can better allocate our resources and ensure a more positive outcome for our residents.” 

“Delaware County Council is thrilled that Congresswoman Scanlon has secured funding for this new program, and that our Delaware County first responders will now have this new tool at their disposal,”  said Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “When a resident suffers from mental illness or experiences a mental health crisis, their safety and the safety of the community often requires a very specific and special skill set which this program provides.” Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer added: “By embedding mental health professionals with our officers, we stand to better ensure positive outcomes, improve trust, and strengthen our community.”

“Adding mobile mental health crisis services to the resources available to first responders is a huge step forward in moving mental health from a law enforcement problem to a community-building opportunity,” said Timothy Boyce, Director, Delaware County Department of Emergency Services. “As the director of emergency services, I recognize the importance of organizing a team approach. With this pilot program, we can now include mental health professionals as early responders.”

The Fiscal Year 2022 spending bill provides $1.5 trillion in discretionary resources, including nearly $8.5 million in Community Project Funding secured by Scanlon for organizations in PA-05. Additional information on the Community Project Funding awards in Scanlon’s district is available  here.

Photos from the roundtable discussion are available  here for media use.

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