Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday, Oct. 10 aimed at improving mental health services in the state.

The executive order is designed to streamline and improve the accessibility of mental health and substance use disorder services across Pennsylvania and will set up a council with state agencies collaborating with mental health and substance use disorder stakeholders.

This will help address any gaps in access, affordability or delivery of services.

The council’s work will center on new and innovative care delivery models, workforce challenges, related social needs and inequities. It encourages collaboration between the criminal justice system, public safety networks and public health organizations.

Among those who will serve on the council will be two representatives from County Mental Health offices, one from a rural county and one from an urban county; two representatives from County Drug and Alcohol services, one from a rural county and one from an urban county; and two representatives from an Area Agency on Aging, one from a rural county and one from an urban county;