Wolf Administration Provides Resources For Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders

HARRISBURG (KDKA) -- The Wolf Administration is letting individuals know about some available resources for those with mental health or substance use disorders.

Jennifer Smith, the secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, reminds families how difficult the holidays can be.

"This time of year is hard for many people and for varying reasons. During this holiday season, I urge all Pennsylvanians to be kind to one another and offer support to individuals battling SUD," said Smith. "In doing so, we can give individuals the courage to seek the help and resources they need and so desperately deserve."

The Wolf Administration released some resources for those individuals to reach out to.

Including:

• Get Help Now Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: text "PA" to 741-741.
• KinConnector Helpline: 1-866-KIN-2111 (1-866-546-2111).

All of these helplines will connect you or a loved one to resources in your community.

Each service is available 24/7 including holidays.

If you're not a talker, you can also use an anonymous chat service that's available here.

KinConnector is one helpline that is targeted for families with kids who lost their parents to substance abuse or otherwise.

No matter what your situation, remember it is ok to ask for help.

"Helpline employees are trained professionals who understand the sensitivity of an individual in a crisis and the complexity of the drug and alcohol system," Secretary Smith said. "They will remain on the line with the caller until treatment and resources have been identified and a warm handoff with a facility or provider has been made."

For more information on how you can receive treatment, head to www.pa.gov/opioid.