Each year, the Jefferson Educational Society collects a group of young professionals to research and workshop solutions for a crisis in the area.

Called the Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy, this year’s group is visiting Harrisburg for 3 days to launch the 2024 project—mental health in Erie County.

From taking a tour of the Supreme Court Offices, to meeting with the Governor’s Secretary of Policy and Planning, over 30 Erie locals are learning the big picture of how the state operates so they know how to address small, personal problems in your community.

“Harrisburg really kicks off the cohort. So folks are just getting to know each other still,” said Chelsea Oliver, co-facilitator of this years cohort.

Today, the cohort sat down for lunch with Reps. Bob Merski, Pat Harkins, and Ryan Bizzarro—and got straight to business in discussing issues impacting northwest Pennsylvania

“What I've been encouraged by is how outspoken this cohort is and how they weren't afraid to question our state representatives,” said Oliver. “You know, come against them in a way that was not like in disagreement, but pressuring them more and making sure that we're really getting a solid representation here in the state capitol.

The 2024 cohort is made of professionals who interact with or are impacted by the mental health crisis in Erie county.

“One side of the coin is that there aren't enough therapists to do it,” said Dr. Alyson Eagle, who is a member of this year’s cohort but also a practicing counselor. "I graduated a cohort of about 20 folks, and I think only three or four are still doing active therapy work.”

Mental health has been a major talking point of the year, with Governor Josh Shapiro proposing a $40.8 million fund increase for community mental health services.

"Mental health itself is actually impacting every single aspect. It's affecting addiction. It's affecting education. It's affecting parents being able to care for their children. And and we don't see that enough,” said Kathryn Divittorio, another cohort member who is on the school board in Corry. "With just like a snapshot of, OK, people need more counselors. People need more more accessibility. You know, it's a whole multifaceted issue and it really needs to be addressed in a broad scale."

Looking at the state level, many expressed concern that when it comes to funding this year... The state won't put the money where their mouth is.

The group has nine months to narrow their focus to a specific part of the mental health crisis—and give a practical solution.