Finding the right support can feel overwhelming- but you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve come to the right place for trusted information, resources, and services.
Whether you prefer to browse on your own or connect directly with a Patient Access Coordinator (PAC), we are here to provide clear guidance and support to help you take the next step.
Our PACs take privacy seriously. All information shared is kept confidential and used only to connect individuals and families with the supports and services they want.
Blast off toward support! Whether it’s for you or someone else, let us answer your questions and get you connected.
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How PACs support individuals and families:
• Information – Answering questions and explaining options.
• Health insurance – Providing guidance through applications and signing up if they don’t have coverage.
• Referrals – Connecting those in need to other programs or services that can help.
• Linking you to care – Helping people find the right doctor, clinic, therapist, or other service they need.
• Scheduling appointments – In some cases, they can even make the appointment. -
How PACs support professionals:
• Understand complex systems – They stay up to date on changes, so you don’t have to.
• Connect families quickly – Help you link the families you serve to the right services.
• Provide extra guidance – Give families additional support without adding to your workload.
• Trusted point of contact – Be a reliable resource for families when they have questions or need help.
Our team is here to give information and make connections to services, but they do not provide crisis help or medical treatment.
If you need urgent support, connect with:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Text 988 | Call 988 | Live Chat
Crisis Services | Call 814-456-2014 | Call toll free at 1-800-300-9558
Explore Support Options
Every family’s needs look different, and finding the right starting point is not always easy. These support areas can help you learn more about common needs, when to ask for help, and where to begin.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
LAUNCH CTRL can help answer questions, explain options, and connect individuals, families, and professionals with supports that fit their situation.
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Basic needs supports help people get the everyday things they must have to live safely and with dignity. These are the resources that make sure no one goes without food, safe shelter, or other essentials.
Basic Needs Support in Erie County, PA
What It Is
Basic needs supports help people get the everyday things they must have to live safely and with dignity. These are the resources that make sure no one goes without food, safe shelter, or other essentials.
What It Includes
- Food (pantries, meal programs)
- Housing and shelter
- Clothing
- Help with utilities (electric, water, heat)
- Transportation assistance
When to Seek Help
- You don’t have enough food for yourself or your family.
- You’re worried about losing housing or utilities.
- You don’t have the clothes you need for the season, school, or work.
- You need help with transportation to get to work, school, or medical care.
Where to Start
211
Provided free of charge to users in Erie County, PA through the United Way of Erie County. Frequently referred to as the “social service equivalent of 911,” people in need of information can reach a trained, professional resource navigator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Resource navigators listen to users’ concerns and provide information on appropriate organizations that can assist with their needs.
You can connect with a 211 resource navigator by:
- Calling- just dial 211
- Texting- send your zip code to 898-211
- Using the chat feature on their website- https://northwest.pa211.org/
Coordinated Entry
Provided by Erie County Department of Human Services and administered by Erie County Care Management. Coordinated Entry ensures that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access and are quickly identified, assessed for, referred, and connected to housing and assistance based on their strengths and needs.
- Walk in during business hours (Monday- Friday from 8:30-4:30pm) at
- 1601 Sassafras St. Erie, PA. 16502
- Call 814- SHELTER (814-743-5837) anytime
The providers listed here are trusted partners and supporters of Project LAUNCH. They are great places to start, but they are not the only options available. Families and professionals are welcome to explore additional resources and choose the supports that work best for them
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Crisis support gives immediate help when someone is in danger, unsafe, or facing an emergency with their health, safety, or emotions.
Crisis Support in Erie County, PA
What It Is
Crisis support gives immediate help when someone is in danger, unsafe, or facing an emergency with their health, safety, or emotions.
What It Includes
- Crisis call and text lines
- Emergency rooms
- Law enforcement or first responders when safety is at risk
When to Seek Help
- You feel unsafe or are in danger.
- You or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm.
- You’re experiencing violence at home.
Where to Start
Erie County Crisis Services
Call 814-456-2014 or Call toll free at 1-800-300-9558
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text 988
- Call 988
- Click to connect with their online chat
Help is also available at these locations-
LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion
5515 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
Crisis Center at UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
2560 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505
AHN Saint Vincent Hospital
232 W. 25th St, Erie, PA 16544 -- *ADULTS ONLY
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Development supports help people of all ages build skills for learning, growth, and daily life. They make sure children, teens, and adults get the right help when learning or developmental challenges show up.
Development Support in Erie County, PA
What It Is
Development supports help people of all ages build skills for learning, growth, and daily life. They make sure children, teens, and adults get the right help when learning or developmental challenges show up.
What It Includes
- Screenings and evaluations for learning or developmental concerns
- Early intervention for babies and toddlers
- Special education and school supports
- Job training, life skills programs, or supports for adults with developmental disabilities
When to Seek Help
- A child is not meeting expected milestones (walking, talking, learning).
- You have concerns about school performance or social development.
- You or someone you care for has a developmental disability and needs support with things like learning new skills, keeping a job, or living as independently as possible.
Where to Start
For children birth to 5 years old:
Pennsylvania Early Intervention CONNECT line
- Call: 1-800-692-7288
- Email: help@connectpa.net
- Submit this online
For anyone older than 5 years old:
Erie County Care Management (ECCM)
- 1601 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA. 16502
- 814-528-0600
ECCM has a primary focus to promote the integration of community services into a seamless system of care for any child or adult in need of services. Their developmental supports include:
The providers listed here are trusted partners and supporters of Project LAUNCH. They are great places to start, but they are not the only options available. Families and professionals are welcome to explore additional resources and choose the supports that work best for them
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Mental health supports help children, teens, and adults with the way they think, feel, and handle daily life. These supports can help with stress, worry, sadness, trauma, or other challenges.
Mental Health Support in Erie County, PA
What It Is
Mental health supports help children, teens, and adults with the way they think, feel, and handle daily life. These supports can help with stress, worry, sadness, trauma, or other challenges.
What It Includes
- Counseling and therapy
- Support groups
- Psychiatric care and medication management
- School-based mental health programs
When to Seek Help
- A child, teen, or adult often feels sad, worried, angry, or overwhelmed.
- Emotions or behaviors make it hard to manage at home, school, work, or in relationships.
- Someone has gone through a loss, trauma, or big life change.
- You or a loved one wants a safe place to talk and learn ways to cope.
Where to Start
Share concerns with your doctor, school counselor, or trusted mental health professional.
We've also created a guide that explains options for children’s mental health and how to connect with the right kind of support.
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Physical health supports help you stay well and care for your body. They cover regular check-ups, illness, injury, and long-term health needs.
Physical Health Support in Erie County, PA
What It Is
Physical health supports help you stay well and care for your body. They cover regular check-ups, illness, injury, and long-term health needs.
What It Includes
- Doctor’s visits and check-ups
- Vaccines and medicine
- Hospitals, clinics, and urgent care
- Help managing chronic conditions (like asthma or diabetes)
When to Seek Help
- Regular check-up or vaccine
- You have a health condition that needs ongoing care
- Feel sick, have pain, or notice changes in your body
Where to Start
Having a primary care doctor (or pediatrician for kids) gives you one trusted place for check-ups, questions, and care. They know your health history, can catch problems early, and connect you with specialists when needed. This kind of ongoing relationship helps keep you and your family healthier over time.
LECOM Health
30+ providers at 16+ locations to help you choose the provider that’s best for your needs
Specialty Care for Women and Babies:
UPMC Magee-Womens in Erie
- 118 E. 2nd St. Erie, PA 16507
- 814-636-8996
The providers listed here are trusted partners and supporters of Project LAUNCH. They are great places to start, but they are not the only options available. Families and professionals are welcome to explore additional resources and choose the supports that work best for them
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Substance use supports help people who are struggling with alcohol, drugs, or other substances. They give safe ways to stop or reduce use and build healthy habits.
Substance Use Support in Erie County, PA
What It Is
Substance use supports help people who are struggling with alcohol, drugs, or other substances. They give safe ways to stop or reduce use and build healthy habits.
What It Includes
- Support groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous)
- Medical Detoxification (detox) programs
- Treatment programs (inpatient & outpatient)
- Harm reduction (such as naloxone and available resources)
When to Seek Help
- Substance use is causing problems at home, school, work, or with friends
- You feel like you can’t control your use of alcohol or drugs
- You want to stop but don’t know how to do it safely
- You need support to stay in recovery
Where to Start
Support Groups
Outpatient Treatment Services
Family Services of NW PA
- 5100 Peach St. Erie, PA 16509
- 814-866-4500
UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
- 1330 W. 26th St. Erie, PA 16508
- 814-459-9300
Medical Detoxification
LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion
- 5515 Peach St. Erie, PA 16509
- 814-868-8344
- Available 24/7
Prevention, Treatment, and Additional Support
Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- 240 West 11th Street, Suite B-050, Erie, PA 16501
- 814-451-6877
Support Specifically for Pregnant & Postpartum Women
UPMC Magee-Womens in Erie
- 118 E. 2nd St. Erie, PA 16507
- 814-636-8996
The providers listed here are trusted partners and supporters of Project LAUNCH. They are great places to start, but they are not the only options available. Families and professionals are welcome to explore additional resources and choose the supports that work best for them.
