News Detail

Franklin County CIT Coordinator recognized with Congressional Extension of Remarks

Mental Health

July 15, 2021

Cori Seilhamer, Mental Health Program Specialist and Certified CIT Coordinator, was recognized on Wednesday July 7, 2021 at the Human Services Building for her commitment and dedication to the safety and care of our law enforcement and community. Congressman John Joyce, M.D. of the 13th District of Pennsylvania travelled to the Franklin County building to present the extension of remarks to Ms. Seilhamer. He was joined by the Franklin County Commissioners as well as members of Ms. Seilhamer’s family and her co-workers.

“We’re honored to have Congressman Joyce recognize Cori in this way. She continues to do a remarkable job at helping law enforcement keep our communities safe and helping people get the services they need,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

Cori has done outstanding work in establishing and then leading the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in Franklin County. She led the effort to bring evidence-based training for law enforcement officers as well as members of the community to respond to mental health emergencies, making our both responders and the community safer and even stronger. The South-Central Pennsylvania CIT that she established has trained 225 individuals with a variety of backgrounds, from law enforcement and emergency medicine to community organizers, mental health professionals, and veteran’s affairs employees.

In addition to establishing CIT in Franklin County, Cori was the driving force behind the creation of the Franklin County Coresponder program which embeds mental health personnel and resources into police departments, ensuring efficient services that are responsive to the needs of the community.

Cori’s response to meeting the needs of Franklin County responders and citizens is innovative nationally and unique in Pennsylvania. She is providing technical assistance now to other counties that desire to implement these system improvements in their own communities. The innovative programs and their success in the community is why Congressman Joyce presented Cori with the congressional extension of remarks.

Pictured (Left to Right) Assistant County Administrator John Thierwechter, County Administrator Carrie Gray, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller, Mental Health Program Specialist and CIT Coordinator Cori Seilhamer, Congressman John Joyce, M.D., Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski