An introduction to PACAHMDS

The Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services represents county mental health and intellectual disability program administrators from all of Pennsylvania’s counties. The association also has two classes of associate members: support coordination organizations and HealthChoices behavioral health entities. Only county administrators or their designees are voting members of the association. PACAMHDS is an affiliate of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

Mission Statement

The Association will provide support and assistance to the county Mental Health and Developmental Disability Administrators and their staff in their roles as the responsible planners, program and fiscal managers, and monitors of services and supports to consumers and their families in their communities.

Committees

The Association has five active committees chaired by county administrators:

• Mental Health Committee
• Developmental Disability Committee
• Fiscal & Data Committee
• HealthChoices Committee
• Supports Coordination Organization Committee

PACA’s board typically meets monthly, forming the County Administrators Advisory Committee along with deputies from the Department of Human Services, including the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS). The Association also monitors and is involved in advocacy on behalf of counties related to early intervention and autism programs.