Mental Health Surveys Posted

Chester County has joined with communities across the nation, introducing 988 as the direct phone connection support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. Chester County sees the implementation of the new 988 call option as a first step toward a transformed crisis care system and is seeking feedback through two online surveys to better inform the county’s crisis care system.

The surveys include a Youth Mental Health Survey for parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, health professionals, and young people and an Adult Mental Health Survey for individuals who recently experienced the mental health crisis response system, as well as members of law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, homeless service providers, health professionals, and others.

The Adult and Youth Mental Health surveys are brief, anonymous, and available at www.chesco.org/mhidd.

Once the survey results are concluded, they will be shared with a planning committee that includes representatives from the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, NAMI, Chester County first responder organizations, West Chester University, Main Line Health, and Chester County’s Departments of Health, Human Services, Community Development, Mental Health/IDD, Probation Services, and Drug & Alcohol Services. The district attorney and CEOs of Chester County Hospital, Alliance for Health Equity, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, and Chester County Intermediate Unit are also part of the planning committee, as well as peer recovery specialists and people with personal experience with the county’s current mental health system.

McHugh Receives College Degree

Coastal Carolina University, Conway, S.C., recognized more than 1,200 students during its spring commencement ceremonies on May 6 and 7. Nicole McHugh was among the graduates.

McHugh earned a degree in marine science. She is a resident of Parkesburg.