Centre County commissioners accepted a state grant award July 22 of $281,565.78 to support a first-episode psychosis program for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, county staff said. The grant will expand services and allow the county to connect participants from neighboring counties to clinical services provided locally.

Why it matters. The nut graf: officials said the first-episode psychosis program connects young people experiencing initial psychotic episodes to medication management, therapy, case management and peer supports—services intended to stabilize participants and improve outcomes.

Grant details and expansion. Kathy, a county behavioral health official, said the award of $281,565.78 increases funding by about $75,000 compared with prior funding and enables the county to serve additional individuals and to coordinate care with providers in Huntington, Mifflin and Juniata counties. Staff said state officials signaled additional funds are available if the county identifies more eligible individuals.

Drug and alcohol contract timing. Commissioners also reviewed a set of short-term contract addendums for drug and alcohol service providers. Kathy explained the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has not yet finalized a new five-year grant agreement for 2025'; in the interim the county and providers are extending 2024-25 contracts through Dec. 31, 2025 to align with the state's timeline. The county presented eight six-month addendums this week and expects more next week; providers include Crossroads Counseling (estimated six-month total $72,500), Pyramid Healthcare, Senclair Child Services, Housing Transitions, Community Integrations, Treatment Trends, Avenues to Recovery Medical Center at Valley Forge, and a consultant (Colleen Heim). Most of the addenda are funded primarily with state dollars and carry modest county match amounts.

Board action. Commissioners moved and seconded acceptance of the first-episode psychosis grant award; a voice vote carried the motion. Commissioners also approved moving the drug-and-alcohol contract addenda onto the consent agenda for final approval.

Context and next steps. County officials said the short extensions keep services funded while the state finalizes its new five-year grant agreement. Staff said they will present new contracts to the board for approval once the state grant documents are issued.