If you or someone you love needs help, there are many resources in Bucks County to turn to. BCHIP was established to address and fill gaps in services so that everyone in Bucks County would have access to quality healthcare and basic needs through our founding members and community partners.
We work in association with the Bucks County Department of Health, the Bucks County Medical Society, and the six major Bucks County hospitals: Doylestown Health, Grand View Health, Jefferson Bucks Hospital, Lower Bucks Hospital, St. Luke’s University Upper Bucks Campus, and St. Mary Medical Center.
Our many community partners include organizations that provide a wide variety of services, including:
- women’s shelters
- mental health services
- foster care programs
- drug rehabilitation
- suicide prevention
- Alzheimer’s and dementia support
- hunger and nutrition services
- senior living centers
- housing services
Whatever your needs, our network can help.
Drug and alcohol addiction services
- One of our partners is the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission (BCDAC). The mission of the BCDAC is to reduce the use of tobacco, eliminate the use of illegal drugs, and end the abuse of, misuse of, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs throughout Bucks County. To fulfill its mission, the BCDAC employs a multi-dimensional approach incorporating, prevention, treatment, and recovery services to help people break free of substance abuse and prevent further abuse.
- The PA Get Help Now Hotline, staffed by professionals trained in crisis management, is available 24/7, and will provide a warm handoff to the agency or organization that can provide the next step in care. That Hotline number is 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP).
- Narcan (generic name naloxone HCI) is an over-the-counter opioid overdose treatment that is considered an “opioid antagonistic medication” – that is, it reverses the effect of an opioid overdose and can save lives, if administered early enough. BCDAC offers many different ways to obtain Narcan, which you can find on their website, bcdac.org/resources/naloxone_narcan.php. The website also explains how to obtain Narcan by mail or at a local pharmacy.
- BCDAC, BCHIP, and the Bucks County DA’s office work together to provide Take Back Days several times a year to collect pharmaceuticals, sharps, vaping equipment, and other drugs and devices that could fall into the wrong hands and lead to drug abuse problems.
- BCHIP offers a free Quit Smoking Program both virtually and in person that has helped thousands of people successfully quit smoking.
- For a gambling problem, contact the Gambling Helpline. Call 1-800-848-1880 (1-800-GAMBLER) 24/7 to speak with someone to get the help you may need. For more information on gambling help, click here.
There are many other services offered by BCHIP, BCDAC, and our other partners to help with addiction. Call our office at 267-291-7882 with any questions.
Mental health services
NAMI Bucks County was started in 1983 by a mother who felt like she had no support when her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Over time, this local organization, originally called “Families United for Mental Health,” led the way for a nationwide organization called the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
NAMI offers a wide variety of services for families, individuals, the community, and local mental health providers, including support groups, youth programs, and support for many needs associated with mental health issues: housing, homelessness, food services, substance abuse, medical care, and legal representation.
Numbers to call when in crisis:
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 any time, 24/7
- Bucks County Crisis Center at Lenape Valley Foundation: 1-800-499-7455 any time, 24/7 – includes dispatching crisis teams or medical assistance
- Text NAMI to 741741 any time, 24/7
- NAMI Bucks County Helpline: 1-866-399-NAMI (6264) from 10am-10pm
You don’t have to suffer alone. Help is available.
Housing and human services
No one in Bucks County should ever go hungry or have to live on the streets. We have many services available through a broad network throughout the county. The quickest and easiest way to get the help you need is through the website findhelp.org. Simply enter your zip code and choose from the many services available: food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work, legal. Whatever your needs, we can help you.
Other BCHIP initiatives
BCHIP reaches out to our neighbors in Bucks County in so many ways. Our Long Term Care Partnership covers nursing homes, personal care facilities, rehab centers, and respite and hospice agencies. In a spirit of cooperation, we work together to make sure our Bucks County senior citizens and injured or ill patients have the right resources to receive the best of care.
The Bucks County Immunization Coalition works to ensure that vulnerable populations are able to access vaccines. Our Family Planning Navigation Service Program provides navigation services (scheduling and transportation) for services such as UTI treatment, birth control, pregnancy testing, STI and HIV tests, and cancer screenings.
BCHIP also provides Advance Care Planning services to help people be prepared in case a sudden accident or illness leaves them unable to speak for themselves about their medical care wishes. We provide a worksheet and counseling, which are both available on our website.
If you aren’t sure where to start to find help, contact our Newtown office at (267) 291-7882. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please call one of the hotlines listed above. At BCHIP, we care about you and want to help you.
