Letter to the editor: More mental health resources needed in Westmoreland

Residents with mental health issues and disabilities need more health resources in Westmoreland County. The American Rescue Act gives Westmoreland County a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address this issue, but decisions on the allocation of these funds must be made by Jan. 31.

Establishing a 24/7 mental health drop-in crisis center offering a warm, home-like atmosphere and staffed by trained professionals would help to fill this gap. In Allegheny County, resolve Crisis Services is a 24-hour, 365-day free service that has demonstrated to be a life-changing approach to mental health care.

Historically, the American spirit can be summed up in a timeless, universal principle: treat others as we would have them treat us. Empathy is a core part of what makes us human. However, looking around the world today, empathy and compassion are on the decline.

County Commissioners Doug Chew, Gina Cerilli Thrasher and Sean Kertes need to do the right thing and include these individuals in any plans for the usage of these funds. They have a moral obligation to serve the needs of all their constituents.

Jason Cooper

West Newton

The writer is a member of Voice of Westmoreland.