Warren and Forest counties are merging the boards for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD), Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD), and Human Services with the Children and Youth Services (CYS) board in Warren County.

The move aims to streamline services and improve access for residents facing overlapping challenges, such as mental health issues, developmental disabilities, substance use problems, and child welfare needs.

The new board structure seeks to foster collaboration among professionals, including social workers, mental health specialists, and child welfare experts. By pooling resources and funding, the merged board aims to expand its reach and develop comprehensive solutions tailored to community needs.

According to Adam McNeill, Human Services Director, “Warren Worx is an avenue to increasing recruitment and retention of staff for human services providers,” aligning the board’s strategic planning with broader efforts to enhance collaboration across the county.

The closure of inpatient mental health units in Sharon and Bradford, Pennsylvania, has raised concerns about increased pressure on local facilities, including Warren General Hospital (WGH). These closures were discussed at the ATOD/MH/DD board meeting. Jennifer Gesing, executive director at Beacon Light, noted that the increased demand for inpatient mental health services could strain WGH’s capacity, potentially resulting in longer wait times and stress on staff and resources.