The Venango County Mental Health and Developmental Services Department (MHDS) manages all public funding available to county residents for mental health, intellectual disability and early intervention services.

• The County is legally required to make a range of services available to persons who meet qualifying criteria.
• These services must be comprehensive in scope and offered in the least restrictive environment possible.
• MHDS is part of County Government.
• MHDS assures that needed services are available to support persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability, and children aged birth to three (3) with a developmental delay, without discrimination.
• MHDS contracts with community non-profit and other service organizations for the vast majority of service delivery.
• MHDS monitors service delivery.
• MHDS provides information, referral, and support as needed.

Facts About Mental Illness

• Mental illnesses are surprisingly common; they affect almost every family in America.
• Mental illnesses do not discriminate—they can affect anyone. 
• One in four adults—approximately 57.7 million Americans experience a mental health disorder in a given year. 
• Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence. 
• With appropriate medication and a wide range of services tailored to their needs, most people who live with serious mental illnesses can significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying measure of achievement and independence. 
• Mental illness usually strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.
• Statistically, we are much more likely to experience having a mental illness than we are of being victimized by someone with mental illness.

What can you do to help those with mental illness?

• Respect the rights of people with mental illness.
• Don't discriminate when it comes to housing, employment, or education. Like other people with disabilities, people with mental health problems are protected under federal and state laws.
• Create an environment that builds on people's strengths and promotes understanding.
• Treat people with mental illness with respect and dignity, just as you would anybody else.
• Learn the facts about mental health and share them with others, especially if you hear something that isn't true.

 "Be Kind For Everyone You Meet is Fighting A Hard Battle"   ~Pindar~