Centre County seeks $281,565.78 in state grant to expand first‑episode psychosis program to three neighboring counties

Centre County requested approval to submit a renewal application to the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) for a first‑episode psychosis program administered in partnership with Oasis Lifecare. County officials told commissioners the request seeks $281,565.78 for the grant period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and would add Huntington, Mifflin and Juniata counties to the program’s service area.

Kathy, the county official presenting the item, described the program as connecting people experiencing their first episode of psychosis to medication management, therapy, peer services and case management, and said the expansion will serve additional individuals in neighboring counties. She said the grant is a 100% federal grant (as stated in the transcript) and that, if funding were reduced, Centre County would be responsible only for County residents without Medicaid who are referred to Oasis Lifecare.

Kathy said adding the three counties restarts the grant “clock” so that the county would again be a year‑1 grantee for future renewals, which could extend the county’s eligibility for the program under any year‑limit rules. Commissioners recorded a motion and second to approve submission of the renewal application; the clerk announced the motion carried.

Why it matters: First‑episode psychosis programs aim to engage people early in care to improve outcomes; expansion to additional counties would broaden access to specialized services at Oasis Lifecare, county officials said.

What the meeting record shows: the board approved submission of the renewal application for $281,565.78 covering July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, and authorized continued partnership with Oasis Lifecare.