The healthiest county in the Commonwealth just got healthier. Thanks to $100 million dollars in federal pandemic funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) county commissioners have selected local organizations to receive a total of $22 million of those funds, writes Drew Murren for The Daily Local News.  

The funds will also be used for an array of initiatives for what officials describe as a holistic approach to community health in Chester County.  

“Our ARPA selection committee worked really hard to identify approaches that looked at public health from a holistic perspective, including mental health care and factors like poverty and food and housing instability that can also contribute to negative health outcomes,” said Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

“We wanted to be sure we were investing this money as wisely as we could, and we’re very proud of what these investments will achieve,” he said.  

One of the initiatives includes creating a county-led behavioral crisis center that gives residents access to 24/7 mental health services.  

“There are many lessons learned from the pandemic, and one of them is to place even greater importance in recognizing and addressing mental health needs as much as we do our physical health needs,” said commissioner Michelle Kichline.  

In addition, the funds will be going to nonprofits dedicated to community health.  

Read more about the pandemic funds on The Daily Local News.  

Chester County among the healthiest in the nation.