HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials outlined a two-year statewide suicide-prevention plan Wednesday backed by $15 million for the 988 crisis network and walk-in stabilization centers, expanding the state’s capacity to provide immediate mental-health intervention.
The 2026-27 state budget includes $10 million in Pennsylvania’s first dedicated state appropriation for 988 and the 14 call centers that answer crisis calls, texts and online chats.
Another $5 million will maintain walk-in behavioral-health crisis stabilization centers, with priority given to regions that have limited access to immediate, in-person care.
The funding supports the Suicide Prevention Plan for Pennsylvania, a multi-agency framework developed by the state Suicide Prevention Task Force. The departments of Human Services and Corrections and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department presented the plan alongside advocates and crisis-response professionals.
More than a dozen state agencies and the governor’s affinity commissions contributed goals and action steps tailored to the populations they serve.
The plan centers on three priorities: improving the collection and use of suicide data, strengthening partnerships among state and local organizations and coordinating earlier interventions around suicide risks and protective factors.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health to our overall well-being, and it is vital we talk openly and provide support to our fellow Pennsylvanians who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide or who are concerned for a friend or loved one,” Jen Smith, deputy secretary of the Department of Human Services’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said.
Pennsylvania’s 988 network received more than 145,000 contacts during 2025, according to the administration. More than 90% were resolved over the phone without requiring a mobile crisis team or referral to a walk-in center.
The new appropriation is intended to support around-the-clock staffing, crisis intervention and expanded mental-health resources across the network.
Walk-in stabilization centers provide immediate assessment, 24-hour crisis de-escalation and referrals for continuing care. The state plans to use the $5 million appropriation to preserve those services and strengthen coordination among hospitals, community providers and local emergency responders.
The plan also calls for increased attention to populations facing elevated suicide risks and for greater use of data to identify disparities in access and outcomes.
Caitlin Davidson, executive director of Prevent Suicide PA, said the framework recognizes the role of community partnerships and earlier prevention efforts.
“Meaningful progress depends on listening to and involving communities and partners across Pennsylvania,” Davidson said.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department will continue reviewing whether health insurers provide mental-health and substance-use-disorder benefits on equal terms with physical-health benefits.
The suicide-prevention initiative follows $40 million in additional state mental-health funding for counties, the first increase since 2008, according to the administration. Pennsylvania has also helped nearly 800 schools expand mental-health services, including hiring more than 200 counselors.
Anyone experiencing a mental-health crisis or concerned about another person can call or text 988 or use the 988 online chat service for assistance at any time.
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