UPMC Western Behavioral Health of the Alleghenies Among 5 Blair County Organizations Recognized as Trauma-Informed Care Centers
Contact:
Denise Hughes
UPMC Health Plan
Phone: 412-983-3836
Email: Hughesdr2@upmc.edu
Gloria Kreps
UPMC Public Relations
Phone: 412-417-2582
Email: Krepsga@upmc.edu
UPMC Western Behavioral Health of the Alleghenies Among 5 Blair County Organizations Recognized as Trauma-Informed Care Centers
Blair County, PA (Nov. 13, 2025)—UPMC Western Behavioral Health of the Alleghenies (WBHA) has been named as one of five Blair County Trauma-Informed Care Centers. This designation recognizes the organization’s commitment to trauma-informed practices that foster healing and resilience throughout the community. The other designated providers are:
- CenClear.
- Impact Counseling.
- LaRocco Counseling.
- PA Treatment and Healing.
The designation is part of a $1.75 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that was awarded to the UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, and Blair HealthChoices. The PCCD-funded initiative aims to build a coordinated, trauma-informed system of care in Blair County that empowers children, families, and providers to respond effectively to the impacts of trauma.
“At UPMC Western Behavioral Health of the Alleghenies, we see firsthand how trauma impacts individuals and families across Blair County,” said Mandy Fauble, vice president of Operations for UPMC Western Behavioral Health. “This designation reflects our deep commitment to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care that meets people where they are—supporting healing, resilience, and hope in every interaction.”
Research shows that early trauma can be closely linked to substance use, criminal behavior, and long-term health challenges. In Blair County, youth report early substance use, and recent data reveals troubling increases in violent crime—underscoring the urgent need for trauma-informed approaches.
“This project is about more than designations—it’s about building a coordinated, trauma-informed system of care for Blair County,” said Matthew Hurford, MD, president and CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health Organization. “With support from the PCCD grant and strong community partnerships, we’re working to create safer, healthier environments where children and families can heal and thrive.”
The grant also supports a series of training sessions for providers, educators, and community members. These sessions are designed to strengthen trust; improve coordination among service providers; and foster resilience for children, families, and professionals working in child-serving systems.
“Trauma affects every part of our community—from schools and families to health care,” said Amy Marten-Shanafelt, executive director of Blair HealthChoices. “These designations mark an important step toward making Blair County a place where healing and resilience are possible for everyone.”
These efforts will be highlighted at the conference “Collaborating for Change: Healing Blair County Together,” which is scheduled for April 29, 2026, at the Blair County Convention Center. The event will bring providers and community members together for a day of learning, collaboration, and community-building.
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The UPMC Insurance Services Division serves more than 4.1 million members and is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The UPMC Insurance Services Division provides commercial products through UPMC Health Plan for both groups and individuals. Its commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners®. Government products include Medicare Advantage plans (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those who are eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); a Medical Assistance plan (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program plans (UPMC for Kids). Community Care Behavioral Health Organization—one of the nation's largest nonprofit managed care behavioral health organizations—is also part of the Insurance Services Division. Community Care offers a full range of services to commercial and Medical Assistance members. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.