ENGAGED With The League is a podcast of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, featuring conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing local government. Join us as we talk with leaders, experts and innovators who share ideas and insights to help you thrive in your role.
In Episode 3 of ENGAGED With The League, we sit down with Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, for a conversation about mental health, public service, and the partnership between state and local government. Secretary Arkoosh reflects on the department’s progress in expanding access to services, strengthening Pennsylvania’s mental health crisis response system, and making resources more accessible to communities across the Commonwealth. She discusses the importance of the 988 Lifeline, mobile crisis response teams, and the resources available to help municipal leaders support residents in crisis. She also shares advice for local officials facing harassment and threats, emphasizing the need for respectful civic discourse, listening, and ensuring public servants feel safe and supported. Above all, Secretary Arkoosh explains what motivates her work: helping people connect with the services they need to find stability and a path forward.988 Lifeline resources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/mental-health-substance-use-disorder/988ENGAGED With The League is powered by AT&T.Visit AT&T's website at: https://www.firstnet.com/Visit our website at: https://www.pml.org/Follow us on socials:https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-municipal-leaguehttps://www.facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeaguehttps://www.instagram.com/pamunicipalleague/https://twitter.com/PAMunicipalLeag#Leadership #LocalGovernment #Pennsylvania #PublicService #MentalHealth #988Lifeline #CrisisResponse #MunicipalLeadership #CommunityEngagement #PublicAdministration #CivicEngagement
