PCCD announces $4M to reduce gun violence, improve behavioral health responses

Jul. 22—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency announced this week the availability of more than $4 million in federal Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) funding to reduce gun violence and intimate partner homicides and improve responses to behavioral health crises within communities and the justice system.

PCCD has distributed more than $90 million in funding for more than 170 grant projects to prevent gun violence over the last two years.

“Keeping Pennsylvanians safe means investing in people before the crisis—addressing trauma, supporting mental health, and disrupting cycles of violence at the root,” said Ross A. Watson Jr., director of PCCD’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. “This funding allows us to meet communities where they are, equip them with healing-centered strategies, and build a safer, more compassionate Commonwealth for all.”

Funding can be used for a variety of behavioral health responses and gun violence and domestic violence homicide reduction strategies, including the Lethality Assessment Program. LAP is an evidence-based tool for reducing domestic violence homicides.

In Maryland, where it began, domestic violence-related deaths dropped 32% between 2008 and 2013. Today, 436 law enforcement agencies and 48 domestic violence programs use LAP in 51 Pennsylvania counties.

This solicitation comes on the heels of an earlier SCIP solicitation, which opened in June, aimed at preventing, intervening in, and responding to firearm suicides.

For information, including how to apply, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pccd/resources/active-funding-announcements or email RA-PCCD-OCJSI@pa.gov with “FY 2024 Byrne SCIP Local Solicitation” in the subject line.

PA DMVA encourages veterans in need to seek assistance

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers financial assistance to veterans who are facing an unexpected financial hardship.

The Veterans Temporary Assistance program provides eligible Pennsylvania veterans and their surviving dependents with financial relief for necessities of life such as food, shelter, fuel, and clothing.

“When unexpected challenges arise, the commonwealth stands ready to support our veterans,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “The Veterans Temporary Assistance program exists to make sure no veteran or family member has to face hardship alone. If you’ve served and now need support, we urge you to reach out —…