Cumberland County approves 2025–26 Human Services Block Grant plan; second public hearing set in Perry County

Cumberland County commissioners opened a public hearing July 30 on the county's 2025'1,026 Human Services Block Grant plan and voted to approve the county's submission to the Commonwealth.

Brian (staff member), who helped lead development of the plan, told the commission the block grant framework traces to state law and gives counties more flexibility. "Act 80 established the human services block grant. Act 55 of 2013 expanded it by 10, so it went from 20 to 30. And then Act 153 of 2016 allowed any county that wanted to participate effective 2017, 2018," Brian said. He also described Cumberland as a joiner with Perry County and noted Perry's plan is shorter because it references Cumberland's more comprehensive submission.

The nut graf: the plan bundles services across behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability services, and substance-use programming and must be submitted to the state on a tight timeline. Brian told commissioners the plan was technically effective July 1, the county received required materials Jun. 11, and the state submission deadline is Aug. 11.

County staff described the plan as comprehensive and population-focused. It covers strengths and needs for adolescents, transition-age youth, adults, older adults, LGBTQ communities, persons with racial/ethnic/linguistic barriers, people with substance-use disorders, and people involved in the criminal-justice system. The mental health section lists the county's top priority as maintaining current services within the available allocation and outlines a progression toward alignment with SAMHSA best-practice guidance for crisis and mobile response, including a walk-in center.

Staff said two public hearings are required; Cumberland held the first and Perry County will hold the second on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. Brian said he plans to provide the county testimony at both locations for people who cannot attend; Perry County's hearing is in person only.

County staff also reminded the commission of procedural requirements for the plan: written testimony must be provided if not already submitted, because the state submission requires it, and the final budget will be included in the county's final version of the plan.

Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the human services block grant plan and voted in favor. The plan will be submitted to the state in advance of the Aug. 11 deadline.

Ending note: county staff emphasized the compressed schedule and the need for any additional written public comment to be submitted promptly so it can be attached to the plan sent to the state.