In our continuing unified efforts to advocate for the needs of individuals, families, direct support professionals, and everyone across the ID/A community, we are pleased to announce our participation in a joint study of the ID/A workforce to compile the latest data and information. Following our September 25 letter to Governor Shapiro, we believe it is critically important to complement our budget request by collecting current data following the enactment of the current state fiscal year budget, and the recent implementation of new fee schedule rates. You may download the survey and the instructions for its completion here.
The deadline to submit completed surveys is Friday December 20, and the final report will be published on January 17, 2025. Questions and completed surveys should be sent directly to Steve Forest, who is the lead analyst compiling our data and producing the final report. All information and data will be maintained in the strictest confidence, and no individual provider information will be identified in the final report or disclosed to any other parties. The final report will be issued publicly and available for your individual needs and use as well.
We encourage everyone to complete the survey so that we may all work together to advance our budget advocacy, and use the acquired information to continue our meaningful dialogue with public officials and stakeholders across our community. Thank you in advance for your participation.
With gratitude and appreciation,
The ID/A Associations
Jenn Newell has built a career in public service, with nearly 25 years in various roles focused on supporting individuals with substance use disorders. She began her journey in 2000 as a Case Manager at the Dauphin County Department of Drugs and Alcohol. In 2002, she transitioned to the Commonwealth as a Drug and Alcohol Program Representative in what is now the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), where she has since taken on multiple positions of increasing responsibility.
During her tenure at DDAP, Jenn served as the Director of the Bureau of Quality Assurance and Administration, providing strategic leadership and oversight for fiscal, administrative, and programmatic functions. Her diverse responsibilities encompassed budget management, rate setting, procurement, grants oversight, quality improvement, data management, implementation of IT systems solutions, training, and human resources. In 2012, DDAP evolved into a cabinet-level agency, witnessing a remarkable budget increase of approximately 300%. Jenn held responsibility for managing these funds, expanding services to vulnerable populations, and meeting the rigorous federal and state demands for data collection and reporting. Her leadership style blends stability with compassion, ensuring her team delivers exceptional customer service to stakeholders and individuals in need.
Jenn holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services Education with a minor in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She is also a proud graduate of the Commonwealth’s Leadership Development Institute, class of 2015.
A lifelong resident of central Pennsylvania, Jenn now lives in Enola with her husband and two children. She is deeply committed to her family and community, passionately volunteering at her church in various roles to foster connection and support for those around her.
Jenn has agreed to meet RCPA members at our January 2025 IDD meeting.
Join Drexel University Behavioral Healthcare Education’s visiting resident Radhika Rani, DO, for a special presentation titled “Mental Health Care for Migrants and Refugees in the U.S.: Culturally Informed Practices.”
Thursday, November 21, 2024
9:00 am – 12:15 pm ET
3 CE Hours
Live Webinar
This course aims to provide behavioral health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address the mental health needs of migrant and refugee populations in the United States. Participants will explore the unique challenges and stressors encountered by these groups, including trauma, displacement, acculturation, and systemic barriers to care. Emphasis will be placed on culturally informed, trauma-sensitive approaches to diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the course will explore the legal, social, and policy implications impacting migrant and refugee communities as well as outline strategies for patient advocacy. Participants will also be able to gain practical skills while reflecting on personal biases and assumptions to foster more inclusive care and improve patient outcomes.
Register at the BHE website.
Inglis’s Regional Housing Coordinators (RHC) offer a variety of FREE webinars each month on Zoom, focused on understanding and navigating the affordable housing system and resources for people with disabilities in housing.
If the training times listed below do not work for your organization, you can always use their Information and Referral form to request a private training.
