Mental Health Advocates March Around State Capitol for Advocacy Day 2026

Pennsylvania coalition marched around the Capitol building to call on lawmakers to strengthen mental health funding, services

HARRISBURG, PA — Hundreds of mental health advocates from across the commonwealth marched around the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Monday, May 4, as part of Mental Health Advocacy Day 2026, a statewide event to elevate lived experience, celebrate recovery, and push for the supports and resources that strengthen Pennsylvania communities. The event was supported by the Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA), one of the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation.

The day featured a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by the march around the Capitol building grounds. Speakers included Rep. Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware) and Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Human Services’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

“Mental health touches every family, every community, and every corner of this commonwealth,” said Rep. O’Mara. “This march sends a clear message to Harrisburg: Pennsylvanians are watching, and they expect us to act.”

“Recovery is real, and the people who marched at the Capitol today are living proof,” said Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary, DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “Their stories deserve to be heard by every legislator in this building.”

Mental Health Advocacy Day brought together individuals with lived experience, family members, service providers, and community leaders to engage directly with lawmakers and draw attention to mental health priorities across the state. The event was powered by a broad network of partner organizations that unite each year to lift a shared voice for mental health.

When asked later about this event, Dr. Richard Edley, RCPA President and CEO remarked, “This is what grassroots advocacy looks like. People from every region of the state came together — not for any single organization, but for a shared commitment to a stronger mental health system.”

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About the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA):
With more than 400 members, the majority of who serve over one million Pennsylvanians annually, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) is among the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. RCPA provider members offer mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, children and youth, criminal and juvenile justice, brain injury, medical rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging services, across all settings and levels of care. Visit www.paproviders.org for more information.