Cumberland County hearing on FY2026–27 human services plan highlights mental‑health, IDD and recovery concerns

Cumberland County commissioners heard presentations July 8 on the proposed FY2026–27 Human Services Block Grant plan and public testimony calling for restoration of recent program cuts.

Brian Wilson, who presented the county plan, said the block grant covers mental health, intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), homeless assistance, substance‑use services and the Human Services Development Fund. He told commissioners the county’s near‑term priorities are to maintain existing mental‑health services, align crisis response with best practices for mobile crisis and crisis walk‑in centers, and expand services for people involved with the criminal‑justice system. "We have seen a 36% decline in the prison SMI population — from 98 to 58," Wilson said, attributing the drop to community diversionary programs and coordination between the county prison and the judicial system.

Wilson also described IDD programming through the two‑county Cumberland‑Perry administrative structure, saying about 1,220 individuals with intellectual disability or autism are registered in the office. He cited program successes — including Project SEARCH, which began in 2017 and has graduated 44 individuals with more than 75% obtaining competitive employment — while warning that staffing shortages, limited residential placements for people with challenging behaviors and a lack of affordable independent housing remain pressing problems.

Public testimony came from advisory board chair Jim Ozeno, who praised the engagement of people with lived experience and the board’s commitment to carry the plan forward, and from resident Joan Ernie, who also identified herself as mayor of New Cumberland and a longtime behavioral‑health professional. Ernie, whose written testimony was submitted in advance, urged the county to restore cuts and suggested options including reserves, proceeds from the sale of the county nursing home or new local revenue: "Cumberland County is one of the wealthiest counties in the state... we can do better," she said.

Jessica Paul, executive director of Consumer Satisfaction Services Inc. and a person with lived experience, urged commissioners to protect recovery‑oriented services and preserve continuity of care as individuals face Medicaid eligibility changes. "Recovery‑oriented services and lived‑experience leadership are not optional additions to our behavioral‑health system. They are essential components of effective person‑centered care," Paul said, warning that disruptions in coverage and services can isolate people in recovery.

County staff said the plan will be submitted as presented; allocation letters from the state budget are still pending, and funding levels will be confirmed once the county receives those notices. There was no formal board action on the hearing itself at the meeting; testimony and written comments will be included with the plan submission.