Meeting the Moment: Westmoreland Community Action Expands Mobile Crisis Response in Westmoreland County
When someone is in crisis, minutes matter.
That’s why Westmoreland Community Action (WCA) is expanding its mobile crisis response teams across five communities, bringing timely, compassionate care directly to those who need it most.
By embedding mobile response units in key areas throughout the county, WCA is doing more than improving response times. They're reducing pressure on emergency services, improving outcomes for individuals in distress, and offering a model of trauma-informed response that centers people, not just protocols.
On May 5, WCA welcomed community members, partners, and elected officials to an open house at their new Derry Crisis Hub. The event was met with overwhelming support, not only from the County, which is funding the initiative, but from State leaders and community members who recognize the critical need for accessible mental health crisis care.
Governor Josh Shapiro offered his support in a statement recognizing the significance of the moment:
“The mental health of Pennsylvanians is essential to the prosperity and well-being of the families and communities throughout our Commonwealth. The Mobile Crisis Team and Westmoreland Community Action provide critical face-to-face crisis intervention services for adults, children, and adolescents.”
He went on to highlight the importance of speed and access in crisis response:
“In crisis situations where time is of the essence, Crisis Mobile HUBs ensure timely, countywide crisis response within approximately 30 minutes. I am grateful to the mental health professionals, crisis teams, community partners, and other stakeholders who work to support the mental health needs of the communities in our Commonwealth.”
This expansion isn’t just a new chapter for WCA, it’s a county-wide commitment to meeting people where they are, with services that truly serve.
This kind of work doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, coordination, and a deep commitment to community well-being. Westmoreland Community Action is showing what’s possible when agencies lead with purpose—and when systems come together to prioritize people in crisis. The Derry Crisis Hub is more than a building; it’s a promise to respond with urgency, empathy, and care.
We applaud WCA for raising the bar on what local crisis response can look like—and for making mental health support more accessible, timely, and human across Westmoreland County.
About CAAP
The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) represents a network of local agencies committed to fighting poverty and empowering families across the Commonwealth. We believe recovery is possible—and that strong communities are built when people have access to the support they need, when they need it most.
