State Grants to Support Behavioral Health, Autism Services, Mehaffie Says

September 15, 2026

HARRISBURG – More than $400,000 in Local Share Account grants awarded today will support Vista Autism Services with its programs for adults as well as Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as it renovates the emergency department to accommodate patients experiencing mental health crises, according to Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin).

Mehaffie advocated for the grants to better help central Pennsylvania residents when they are at their most vulnerable.

“I’ve long been focused on those with autism spectrum disorder, behavioral health challenges and intellectual disabilities. Too often, these individuals are falling through the cracks created by our fragmented systems. I’m thrilled these grants will help to ensure more robust services,” Mehaffie said.

Vista Autism Services intends to use its $95,267 grant to purchase two vehicles to transport adult clients to and from activities, therapies, jobs and medical appointments.

“We are grateful to Rep. Mehaffie for his support of this important investment in Vista’s Adult Services programs. Reliable transportation is essential to helping adults with autism access employment, health care, community activities, and the everyday experiences that build greater independence. These new vehicles will help us expand opportunities and continue providing meaningful, community-based services to individuals across the region,” said Trevor Motley, chief operating officer Vista Autism Services.

For years, the only two behavioral health observation rooms in Hershey Medical Center’s emergency department were not designed well for minors or times with high patient volumes. The hospital plans to use its $343,526 grant to renovate 18 rooms to better accommodate patients with behavioral health disorders.

LSA grants are funded by state gaming revenue, not taxpayer dollars. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). This is an independent agency that holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.

Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepMehaffie.com / Facebook.com/RepMehaffie