Local nonprofits express concern over plan to merge 4 state health agencies

Some local nonprofit group representatives said they’re concerned about a plan to merge four state departments into one.

The departments that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf plans to consolidate provide services to children, the elderly, people struggling with addiction and more. The move -- merging the departments of Human Services, Health, Aging and Drug and Alcohol Programs into one Department of Health and Human Services -- would require approval from the Legislature.

A large budget deficit is driving the change. However, some groups that rely on state departments for money and support said they’re concerned about how the new unified department will affect those who need the services the most.

"So many of our families live so close to success or failure that they're depending on these things so there's really not time for any growing pains, necessarily. So we find it scary. We're excited if it eliminates silos and makes it easier for families to have access to programs, but it's really unknown,” said Samantha Ellwood, of Providence Family Support Center. The center on Pittsburgh’s North Side provides programs for children and families.

The governor’s office said consolidating the departments will streamline services and won’t lead to program cuts.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said the county did something similar 20 years ago. Fitzgerald said he feels that it can work at the state level if done properly.

"The bigger issue, as they move forward with the state budget, will be how much funding is available," Fitzgerald said.

Some say communication will be key as all four departments combine, so organizations such as Providence Connections can continue to serve those in our area who need it the most.

"As long as the state involves the counties, who deliver most of the services, and work with the advocacy groups and everything else, this can be a real positive thing for everybody.” said Marc Cherna of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

The governor hasn’t released details about how much money the consolidation will save, or how many people might lose their jobs.

More information is expected to be released next week when the governor shares his budget proposal. Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.

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