Each year, more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience a mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 94% of them live in areas where there are not enough mental health providers. On Wednesday, hundreds of Pennsylvanians marched on the state Capitol in Harrisburg to demand more funding from lawmakers. State leaders increased spending on programs and services in this year’s budget, but mental health advocates say it’s not enough and the need is growing. Richard Green of Carlisle is one of about 2 million adults in Pennsylvania who struggle with mental health issues. We need some funding to ensure we implement the programs that are set up for us,” Green said. He relies on STAR (Steps Towards Advocacy and Recovery) Day his program for support. Chelsea Gerstein is STAR’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Coordinator. She believes programs like STAR are essential for individuals facing mental health issues. “They need a place to go, and we need to destigmatize mental health and integrate it into the community,” Gerstein said. Green says it’s hard to ask for help, but she feels hopeful. “It felt good and it was really nice to know that people cared,” Green said.
Each year, more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience a mental illness.by National Alliance on Mental Illnessmore than 94% of them live in areas where there are not enough mental health providers.
On Wednesday, hundreds of Pennsylvanians marched on the state Capitol in Harrisburg to demand more funding from lawmakers. While state leaders did increase spending on programs and services in this year’s budget, mental health advocates say it’s not enough and the need is growing.
Richard Green of Carlisle is one of about 2 million adults in Pennsylvania who struggle with mental health.
“All we need is funding to make sure the programs that are set up for us stick,” Green said. He relies on the STAR (Steps to Advocacy and Recovery) day program for support.
Chelsea Gerstein is STAR’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Coordinator. She believes programs like STAR are essential for individuals facing mental health issues.
“They need a place to be. We need to destigmatize mental health and integrate them into the community,” Gerstein said.
Green says it’s hard to ask for help, but she feels hopeful.
“It felt good and it was really nice to know that people cared,” Green said.
