BRIEF: Luzerne, Erie counties to share grant to help people with mental health needs

Nov. 17--Luzerne County and Erie County will share an annual $850,759 grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The funding will go toward developing a "system of care," a network of services for people up to 21 years old with serious mental health needs and their families.

"It's a pretty cool thing," said Michael Donahue, head of the Luzerne County Human Services Division.

The two counties will share information for maximizing federal, state and county resources.

The counties will also provide information and education to the public to help people be aware of the extent of mental illness and trauma, and give staff of agencies working with children speciality training.

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