- Details
- Category: Current Issue
DAYVILLE — At its annual Legislative Meeting United Services, Inc. updated the dramatically rising need for behavioral health services in northeastern Connecticut, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and United Services continued efforts to provide critical care to residents.
In the online meeting, the agency reviewed its successes over the past year, which included providing more than 109,000 units of service to more than 3,000 residents.
One of the meeting’s largest areas of focus was the impact of COVID-19. United Services has remained open throughout the pandemic. The agency has seen a significant rise in individuals seeking services since the pandemic began. From June to December 2020, United Services Crisis Response Services program averaged a 236 percent increase in services over the previous year.
Funding and service system inequities continue to adversely affect northeastern Connecticut residents, according to the agency. Board members called for legislators to support United Services programs, which have been underfunded for years. United Services board members also urged the delegation to support legislation that would require equalization of behavioral health services across the state, so all residents have access to supportive services that will assist them in improving and maintaining their behavioral health.
“United Services is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to northeastern Connecticut,” said United Services President/CEO Diane L. Manning. “We are grateful to the members of our General Assembly delegation who are committed to working with us to advocate for a service system that can better meet the needs of our residents.”