The state’s effort to shift mental health care from hospitals to community programs has not gone as planned. A recent investigation by Spotlight PA reveals that, for over a decade, the program designed to improve mental health care has instead seen a troubling reversal.
The Community Hospital Integration Project Program (CHIPP), established more than 30 years ago, aimed to transition patients from restrictive state psychiatric hospitals to more effective community care. Shifting funding saved from closing hospital beds was supposed to bolster local mental health services. Former officials agree that these funds were meant to support patients transitioning from hospitals, ensuring future generations received necessary care.
Initially, the program made good progress. However, since 2015, the state has halted further hospital closures. Funding for community care has also slowed dramatically. Instead, the state has spent over $175 million on projects primarily aimed at those charged with crimes, not the community services originally intended.
This situation follows two settlements with the ACLU regarding the long wait times for “competency restoration,” a process needed for individuals unable to understand their legal situation. In response, the Department of Human Services stated that their spending in this area is a legal obligation rather than a priority.
A previous Spotlight PA investigation revealed that many individuals referred for competency restoration face minor charges resulting from untreated mental health issues. This has raised concerns among advocates about how the local justice system is handling these individuals.
Between 2015 and today, over 25% of patients in state hospitals are there due to criminal charges. This sharp shift raises alarms about the state’s commitment to providing proper mental health care without resorting to a punitive approach.
Historically, Pennsylvania’s CHIPP program once thrived, leading to several hospital closures and increased funding for community-based care. For instance, after the landmark Olmstead v. L.C. decision, which affirmed the right to community care, Pennsylvania created additional plans to ensure patients could transition back into society instead of remaining in institutions.
However, a severe government budget cut in 2012 marked a turning point. With a significant reduction in mental health funding, counties became increasingly apprehensive about relying on state resources, causing a ripple effect of reduced community support.
Despite some attempts to reinvest in mental health care, funding for community programs continued to dwindle. Recent statistics show that while the state once averaged over $100 million in funding annually, it has now sunk to under $40 million. This decrease has led to more individuals entering the criminal justice system due to untreated mental health conditions.
It’s essential to understand that many individuals facing mental health challenges do not belong in a jail cell. As resources continue to shift toward forensic care—treatment intended for those entangled in the justice system—advocates like Jerri Clark emphasize that these efforts only perpetuate a cycle of punishment rather than healing.
Throughout the country, a similar pattern has emerged, where funding for mental health treatment often prioritizes criminal adjudication over direct support. Pennsylvania’s recent investment in forensic projects, exceeding $30 million annually, starkly contrasts with the dwindling support for community mental health.
Despite the challenges, advocates are pushing for better solutions that prioritize therapy and support over incarceration. Moving forward requires a reevaluation of priorities within the state’s mental health system, focusing on community well-being rather than enforcement.
Addressing mental health requires more than just funding; it needs a commitment to change the narrative surrounding care. Individuals deserve the chance to thrive in their communities, and the state must step up to fulfill this promise.
For more on this topic, you can refer to the detailed reports from Spotlight PA and related studies on mental health reforms.
