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Authors Posts by Jack Phillips

Jack Phillips

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Mr. Phillips is responsible to assist the association with health policy, which primarily includes member communication and advocacy with the Governor’s office, General Assembly, and state regulatory agencies. Mr. Phillips was most recently at the Pennsylvania Department of State as Director of Legislative Affairs.

Today, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs announced the following webinars and resources Please click on the title for further information.

DDAP TRAINING WEBINAR
Lessons Learned: Providing Telehealth Recovery Support Services During COVID-19 – Friday, May 22 at 10:00 AM
Multiple Pathways provides our peers opportunities to see that recovery is possible. What happens when those pathways become limited, or not available with almost no warning? Using the Stages of Change Model take a journey with us as we share lessons learned in providing telehealth Recovery Support Services during COVID-19.

OTHER WEBINARS
Mitigating the Intersection of COVID-19 and Opioid Use DisorderWednesday, May 20 at 3:00 PM
Keeping patients with opioid use disorder engaged in treatment in a rapidly altered practice dynamic due to COVID19 is critical. This discussion and interactive panel with clinicians, policy experts, and regulators will highlight the challenges faced in addressing the complex issues involved in such efforts.

Understanding Mental Health in the Black Community – Thursday, May 21 at 6 PM  and Friday, May 22 at 11 AM
A discussion about mental health awareness, breaking down stigmas and barriers plaguing communities of color that prevent individuals and their families from seeking treatment and/or support.

Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19

SAMHSA is committed to providing regular training and technical assistance (TTA) on matters related to the mental and substance use disorder field as they deal with COVID-19.

Our TA programs are delivering great resources during this time. View the updated available TTA resources to assist with the current situation.

View TTA Resources  

SAMHSA Headlines—Your one-stop source for the latest from SAMHSA.

Featured Items

COVID-19 Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention Grants

SAMHSA is accepting applications for COVID-19 Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention (COVID-19 ERSP) grants. The purpose of this program is to support states and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic in advancing efforts to prevent suicide and suicide attempts among adults age 25 and older in order to reduce the overall suicide rate and number of suicides in the U.S.

SAMHSA plans to award 50 grants up to $800,000 for a period of 16 months.

Application Due Date: Friday, May 22, 2020

Guidance for Law Enforcement and First Responders Administering Naloxone

As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout our country, SAMHSA has received reports that some first responders and law enforcement officers have been more reluctant to administer naloxone due to fear of potentially contracting the coronavirus. SAMHSA recognizes the concerns about COVID-19 exposure and recommends the following to promote first responder safety.

Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19

SAMHSA is committed to providing regular training and technical assistance (TTA) on matters related to the mental and substance use disorder field as they deal with COVID-19. View the updated available TTA resources to assist with the current situation.

Trump Administration Issues Second Round of Sweeping Changes to Support U.S. Healthcare System during COVID-19 Pandemic

At President Trump’s direction, and building on its recent historic efforts to help the U.S. healthcare system manage the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued another round of sweeping regulatory waivers and rule changes to deliver expanded care to the nation’s seniors and provide flexibility to the healthcare system as America reopens. These changes include making it easier for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to get tested for COVID-19 and continuing CMS’s efforts to further expand beneficiaries’ access to telehealth services.

Funding

COVID-19 Information for SAMHSA Discretionary Grant Recipients

SAMHSA is allowing flexibility for grant recipients affected by the loss of operational capacity and increased costs due to the COVID-19 crisis. These flexibilities are available during this emergency time period. Flexibility may be reassessed upon issuance of new guidance by the Office of Management and Budget post the emergency time period. Click the link above for information and resources to assist grant recipients during the COVID-19 emergency. Continue to check this website for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to COVID-19 for SAMHSA Grant Recipients

These FAQs address general questions associated with award and management of SAMHSA discretionary grants that may arise in relation to COVID-19. This information does not apply to SABG, MHBG, PATH or PAIMI grants. Applicants and grant recipients are strongly encouraged to monitor this website for updates.

Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grant

SAMHSA is accepting applications for Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support grants (Workforce Support). The purpose of this program is to implement evidence-based programs to support individuals in substance use disorder treatment and recovery to live independently and participate in the workforce. To achieve this objective, recipients must coordinate, as applicable, with Indian tribes or tribal organizations, state and local workforce development boards, lead state agencies responsible for a workforce investment activity, and state agencies responsible for carrying out substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs.

SAMHSA plans to issue 8 grants of up to $500,000 per year for up to 5 years.

Application Due Date: Monday, June 1, 2020

Disaster Response Grant Programs

SAMHSA is accepting applications for two separate Disaster Response Grant Programs – School-Based Services and Services for Adults. The purpose of each grant program is to provide mental and substance use disorder treatment, crisis counseling, and other related supports to children in school-based settings and adults impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael; Typhoon Mangkhut; Super Typhoon Yutu; wildfires and earthquakes occurring in 2018; and tornadoes and floods occurring in 2019, in those areas for which a major disaster or emergency was declared under section 401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, including activities authorized under section 319(a) of the Public Health Service Act. SAMHSA recognizes the impact natural disasters can have and is providing funding to mitigate this impact. See details for each funding opportunity below:

Disaster Response Grant Program – School-Based Services

SAMHSA plans to issue 55 grants of up to $1,000,000 for 18 months.

Application Due Date: Monday, June 8, 2020

Disaster Response Grant – Services for Adults

SAMHSA plans to issue 17 grants of up to $1,000,000 for 18 months.

Application Due Date: Monday, June 8, 2020

State Opioid Response (SOR) Technical Assistance

SAMHSA is accepting applications for the State Opioid Response (SOR) Technical Assistance (TA) grant. This grant will be provided to a single entity who will serve as the central coordinating point for ensuring the requirements of this funding opportunity are met. The goal of this TA grant is to ensure the provision of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery support programs/services across the SOR program.

SAMHSA plans to issue 1 grant of to $16,607,000 per year for 2 years.

Application Due Date: Monday, June 8, 2020

Training and Events
Training and events are available for practitioners through many of SAMHSA’s Training and Technical Assistance Centers. Some of these are highlighted below. Note that some of them require advance registration. Visit SAMHSA’s Practitioner Training webpage for a more complete listing.

Note: If you are unable to access an event or webinar or have questions, please contact the source given at the individual event URL.

National Prevention Week 2020

May 10–16, 2020

SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week is a public education platform that promotes prevention year-round through providing ideas, capacity-building, tools, and resources to help individuals and communities make substance use prevention happen every day.

Clinical Roundtables
Over the next few weeks, the Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) is conducting a series of special Clinical Roundtables to provide you with the information you need as you care for your patients with Opioid Use Disorder during the COVID-19 epidemic. The goal of the PCSS Clinical Roundtable is to support interactions among addiction experts and health professionals through an informal “roundtable” conversation.

Managing Stress and Burnout: Lessons learned from Viktor Frankl
Monday, May 18, 2020, 3:00 p.m. EDT

Navigating Resources during COVID-19
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

Updates on Buprenorphine Prescribing: Led by Dr. John Renner
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT

House Calls without the House: SUD Services at Homeless Camps
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

Peer Recovery Support Series, Section VI: A Deeper Dive into Coaching Recovery – Webinar

Friday, May 15, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT

This is Section 6 of a multi-part series. The webinar will lead participants into a deeper understanding of the recovery coach role and the underpinning philosophies that led to the development of the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy© (RCA). The intended audience includes organizations and professionals who have or plan to integrate Peer Recovery Specialists into their team.

Gender Diversity in a New Decade: Affirmative Care with Transgender and Non-binary People – Webinar

Friday, May 15, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT

This webinar aims to increase participants’ understanding of the diversity of gender expression, gender identity, and biological sex. The webinar will strive to expand attendees’ knowledge beyond the gender binary by providing an overview of community experiences, identity markers and meanings, research related to the construct of gender minority stress, and potential differences in journeys for binary transgender and non-binary transgender persons. The webinar will also touch on current events and how transgender community members are being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Shining a Light on Asian-Pacific Islander Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19 – Interactive Virtual Roundtable

Friday, May 15, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

This roundtable is the first of a series that will address key issues including:

·       The mental health implications for Asian Pacific islanders, including the impact of racism;

·       The relationship between mental and physical health;

·       Strategies to cope with COVID-19 and trauma; and

·       Creating healthy communities beyond the current pandemic.

Native American Summit on Spirituality: Cultural Inclusion into Mental Health Assessments for Native Americans – Virtual Meeting

Friday, May 15, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

Spiritual leaders from American Indian and Alaska Native communities come together to discuss the importance of spirituality in the treatment of behavioral health and mental health disorders. Spirituality is often left out of counseling.

Educator Wellness Webinar #3: Trying to Change that Negative Loop of Self-Criticism and Perfectionism? Mindfulness Practices Can Help! – Webinar

Friday, May 15, 2020 4:00 p.m. EDT

This webinar is part 3 of a four-part series. It will illustrate how mindfulness practices can work to help break unhelpful habits. It will also include suggestions for starting a mindfulness practice and lead participants through 3 guided meditation practices. The next webinar in this series, webinar #4, Cultivating a Practice of Gratitude and Appreciation in Your School Community, will take place on Wednesday June 3, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Virtual Native Talking Circle #4: Staying Connected in Challenging Times – Virtual Talking Circle

Monday, May 18, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This event is held bi-weekly. This group is facilitated by a Native guest and will focus on concerns about yourself, your family, your work, and/or your tribal community that you may be experiencing during these uncertain times.

National ACT Virtual Meetings to Address Impact of COVID-19 – Weekly Virtual Meeting

Monday, May 18, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a multidisciplinary, team-based model that provides intensive community-based and outreach-oriented services to people who experience the most severe and persistent mental illness. The vast majority also have a co-occurring substance use disorder and many experience comorbid medical illnesses as well as homelessness. Goals of the meetings are to:

·       Connect with one other;

·       Share strategies and resources for adapting team practices and communications; and

·       Facilitate connection to the most up-to-date resources during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to the weekly meet-up, there is also a Virtual Discussion Forum to help organize information, resources, and strategies used across teams.

Telehealth Adapted Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Latino Populations

Wednesday, May 18, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

In response to the changes demanded by COVID-19, this webinar will provide general guidance on the integration of Latinx cultural values and motivational interviewing principles via telehealth. Specifically, this webinar will focus on providing strategies for adapting motivational interviewing through a culturally affirming lens to enhance engagement and facilitate change.

Strengthening Data Collection Efforts to Respond to Emerging Prevention Priorities – Online Learning Series

Wednesday, May 18, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This online learning series, comprising a webinar and peer sharing call, is designed to help practitioners address the challenge of assessing the impact of emerging problems for which limited data is available, such as increasing rates of youth vaping, or existing problems that are presenting in new ways, such alcohol access in the time of COVID-19.

Leadership in Times of Chaos – Webinar

Wednesday, May 18, 2020 6:00 p.m. EDT

In times of chaos and turbulence, the work of leading through change is further buffeted by the unpredictability and severity of the challenges being confronted. At times like this, leaders need different strategies to continue to “weather the storm” and lead effectively. This session will explore these new strategies, including foresight thinking, foresight planning, and ongoing communications at all levels.

DBT STEPS-A Q&A Session #1 with Jim and Lizz Mazza

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT
Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

Join us for 1-hour interactive Q&A sessions every Tuesday and Thursday with Doctors Jim & Lizz Mazza about their online, live-streamed 16-lesson DBT STEPS-A curriculum to teach the basics of emotional regulation and specific skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness—essential skills at any time, but even more critical during COVID-19.

Part 4 of 7: Implementation, Partnerships for Success (PFS) Academy 2020: Making the Steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework Work for You – Webinar

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 11:00 a.m. EDT

SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) provides practitioners with comprehensive guidance to more effectively address substance misuse and related behavioral health problems in their communities. This seven-part webinar series explores this five-step, data-driven process to identify genuine prevention needs, build capacity and plans to address those needs, implement effective programs and interventions, and evaluate and continually improve prevention efforts. Learning Objectives for Part 4: Implementation:

·       Describe why high-quality implementation is important

·       Explain how to balance fidelity and adaptation

Self & Collective Care for Healthy Workplaces – Webinar

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

This webinar will explore how we can create and maintain health care work cultures where staff are resourced and ready to care for patients. Presenters will discuss why supporting health care professionals through practice and policy changes is critical to preventing burn-out, secondary stress, and compassion fatigue.

SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment) – Days 1 and 2 – Video Conference via Zoom

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This interactive two-part zoom webinar will review the Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) intervention components, validated evidence-based tools used in SBIRT, considerations for facilitating a culturally sensitive and trauma informed substance use screen, how to provide a brief intervention, and essential components of successful facilitation of referrals to treatment. Note: you must register separately for each day.

Therapeutic Interventions for Hispanic and Latino Populations with Trauma Experiences: Considerations During the Pandemic – Webinar

Tuesday, May 19 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This one-hour online session will focus on the identification and description of common barriers to treatment when working with traumatized Hispanics and Latinos. The presenter will provide practical treatment strategies for overcoming these barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic, strategies for effective and efficient trauma processing, and a concrete model for rapid crisis de-escalation based on a case study of a Hispanic client.

Psychological First Aid for Service Providers – Webinar

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed prevention strategy aimed at reducing distress and increasing resilience during and following mass disasters, including natural disasters and pandemics. PFA provides a flexible framework for specialty and non-specialty providers to support affected individuals and help them mobilize their natural, adaptive coping strategies.

Identifying Drug Endangered Children: A Collaborative Approach – Webinar

Tuesday, May 19 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

Gain awareness about drug-endangered children and the risks they face, and understand the many opportunities (often missed) to identify children living in dangerous drug environments. Learn the benefits of intervention at the earliest possible point to reduce physical and psychological harm to children. Learn what a multidisciplinary collaborative response looks like and how it incorporates the unique resources within a community and applies them in a manner that provides better care for drug endangered children.

Navigating Difficult Times: Calming Anxiety and Building Resilience and Connection – Webinar

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

Calming anxiety and staying connected are resilient ways to support immune health and well-being. This training will provide calm, connected and mindful strategies to stay regulated during stressful times. We’ll focus on ways to strengthen our connection with ourselves, one another and nature.

Ask the Expert: Strategic Integration of Mental Health/SUD Services Into Primary Care – Online Dialogue

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

“Ask the Expert” takes place the 2nd Tuesday of every month on topics surrounding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), co-occurring diseases, health disparities, and more. Experts in the field will share the latest knowledge and answer questions from our community. This month’s Open Dialogue discusses the Strategic Integration of Mental Health/SUD into Primary Care.

Facilitating a Culture of Behavioral Health Recovery in Hispanic and Latino Communities – Online Discussion

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

The goal of this facilitated discussion with providers is to learn about the cultural considerations necessary to facilitate behavioral health recovery in Hispanic/Latino Communities.

Strategies of Support for Mental Health Providers #7 – Virtual Discussion

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

This is the seventh session of a weekly open forum to listen and share suggestions and resources. Special attention will be paid to resiliency, strength, overcoming challenges of social distancing, and supporting mental health professionals in their efforts to adapt their delivery of services.

Fundamentals of Telemental Health: Preparing Your Office for Telemental Health – Webinar

Thursday, May 19, 2020 8:00 p.m. EDT

This is the second in a 6-part weekly series about Telemental Health. This particular webinar will focus on preparing your office for Telemental health. Future webinars in this series include:

·       May 26, 2020 8:00 p.m. Week 3: Client Selection, Intake, and Assessment in Telemental Health

·       June 2, 2020 8:00 p.m. Week 4: Clinical Engagement in Telemental Health

·       June 9, 2020 8:00 p.m. Week 5: Emergencies, Disruptions, and Pitfalls in Telemental Health

·       June 16, 2020 8:00 p.m. Week 6: Risk Management in Telemental Health

Trauma Informed Care Approaches for Working with Individuals with Substance Use Disorders – Webinar

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT

The purpose of the “Trauma Informed Care Approaches for Working with Individuals with Substance Use Disorders” training is to introduce participants to the presentation of trauma among clients and the relation between traumatic experience and the development of substance use disorders.

The Impact of COVID-19 on School Mental Health in Washington – Webinar

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 11:30 a.m. EDT

This third webinar presented in the SMART Center 2020 Virtual Speaker Series features a presentation by Chris Reykdal, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Motivational Interviewing Learning Collaborative – Online Learning Collaborative

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 11:00 a.m. EDT

This is the fourth in a series of interactive calls via Zoom for people who want to enhance their Motivational Interviewing skills. This learning opportunity provides practitioners with a no-cost, easy to access opportunity to continue to build their practice skills towards fidelity. The topic on May 20 is Taming Your Inner Cheerleader: Be Proud of You and How Well You Can Use Affirmations.

Professional Learning Community for the California Transition Age Youth (TAY) Mental Health Workforce and TAY Champions – Online Learning Forum

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

The California Transition Age Youth (TAY) Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a monthly community learning forum on topics relevant to TAY-serving providers, advocates, champions, and allies. We want to bring together diverse expertise from across sectors. Meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month.

Keeping Kids Safe in Schools – Associations between School Safety and Behavioral Health – Webinar

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:30 p.m. EDT

In this webinar, participants will learn about the findings from a recent Kentucky study that looked at the association between substance use, mental health issues, interpersonal violence, problem behaviors, and the perception of safety of students. We will review specific prevention strategies that schools should consider, and will provide talking points to create dialogue with educational systems around the inclusion of behavioral health prevention components in school safety plans.

Psychological First Aid for Leadership – Webinar

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed prevention strategy aimed at reducing distress and increasing resilience during and following mass disasters, including natural disasters and pandemics. PFA provides a flexible framework for specialty and non-specialty providers to support affected individuals and help them mobilize their natural, adaptive coping strategies. The Trauma Recovery Innovations program at the University of Washington has been adapting PFA to support members of the health care work force amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Prevention Approach to Working with the Social Determinants of Health (Part 2) – Webinar

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This second webinar in a two-part series will increase the capacity of the prevention workforce to create innovative partnerships and collaborations through addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) for improved population-level health. Participants will understand the SDOH and its connection to behavioral health, prevention, and wellness efforts.

Collective Citizenship in Action: Peer to Peer Community Building – Webinar

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

This webinar will discuss the foundations of collective citizenship framework and some ideas for putting collective citizenship into action.

Motivational Interviewing and Matching Stages of Change – Webinar

Part 1: Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:45 a.m. EDT
Part 2: Thursday, May 28, 2020, 10:00 a.m. EDT
Part 3: Thursday, June 4, 2020, 10:00 a.m. EDT

This is the first of a three-part training that will provide attendees with the foundational elements of motivational interviewing and the stages of change model, demonstration and practice of skills and strategies to implement motivational interviewing in their work, and approaches to match their interventions to their participant’s stage of change. Your one-time registration will register you for all three sessions.

Emerging Trends in Substance Use – Webinar

Wednesday, May 21, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT

This two-hour webinar will review information on trends in substance use, especially in light of COVID-19. Some drug use has increased, while some has decreased. This webinar will provide information on the rise in alcohol use and methamphetamines, information on heroin use, the high rates of relapse for people in recovery, and the ways in which people in recovery are maintaining their sobriety.

Recovery in the Hispanic and Latinx Community: What is the Understanding of Recovery in the Hispanic and Latinx Community and How Can We Support It – Webinar

Thursday May 21, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This webinar series will introduce you to recovery from a serious mental illness (SMI) and many of the evidence-based and promising practices that support recovery. This session focuses on recovery in the Hispanic and Latinx Community.

Mental Health Mutual Support Calls for Thriving at Work during COVID-19 for Mental Health Supervisors – Virtual Learning Discussions

Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

These one-hour virtual learning discussions are for mental health supervisors who want to share experiences, exchange resources, and ask and answer questions of and for each other. These calls will be facilitated by knowledgeable leaders in the field, but we also want to benefit from your experience and expertise.

Understanding Grief and Increasing Wellness: Trauma-Informed Learning for Early Childhood Educators Series – Webinar

Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:00 p.m. EDT

The third session in this series will focus on the grief that different traumatic experiences can trigger, including the current pandemic. By understanding that the experience of grief can be used to build resilience, this session provides participants with tools needed to build and cultivate resilience within themselves. Other topics that will be covered include:

·       The stages of grief and variability within those stages;

·       The developmental psychology of grief; and

·       Strategies for building and promoting resilience practices that foster connection and wellness among children, staff, and communities.

Risk and Protective Factors in the Latinx Community – Webinar

Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

In this webinar, we will explore risks and protective factors and the impact they have on youth in our community. We will explore the intersection of these factors in the Latinx community and how we might be able to build protective factors in our homes, classrooms, programs, and local communities.

Cognitive Skills Training to Improve Quality of Life for People with Severe and Persistent Psychiatric Disorders – Webinar

Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

Cognitive impairments, like difficulty paying attention or remembering, are common among people with severe mental illnesses. The presentation will provide an update on efficacious, feasible, and scalable strategies to address cognitive health in people with psychiatric illnesses. It will focus on cognitive skills training as a recovery oriented, strengths-based behavioral intervention that empowers autonomous learning, and helps people engage with their community in ways that are personally meaningful.

Cycles of Isolation: Risk Factors of Isolation and Protective Strategies in a Socially Distant Epoch – Webinar

Thursday, May 22, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

Join us to discuss the risk factors associated with isolation, how isolation leads to the use of substances, and how that use of substances leads to further isolation. We will discuss some protective and preventive strategies we can implement when our normal modes of prevention are unavailable to us, like during the social distancing procedures of COVID-19.

Well-being through Crisis: Emotional PPE – Webinar

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

Times of crisis necessitate health care leaders to balance competing priorities, including patient need, staff well-being, and one’s own health. While it can be difficult to reflect in the midst of a crisis–like in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic–this session will dedicate time to exploring strategies for improving leadership’s response in times of crisis. This session will explore the Crisis Leadership Continuum (readiness, response, recovery, and renewal), highlighting health care leadership approaches and strategies integral to ensuring staff well-being through crisis.

Trauma Informed Care: Through the Lens of COVID 19 – Webinars

Day 1: Tuesday, May 26 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT
Day 2: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT 

The emergence of COVID-19 as a pandemic has increased rates of trauma and stress in our communities to levels that most of us have not experienced. Still, providers need to be equipped to address the traumatic impact of the current environment. This webinar will look at some of the basics of trauma, as well as some of the effects of COVID-19 on trauma and look at ways to heal. This is a two-part webinar. You must register for each day separately.

Prevention in Action: Connecting with Youth before, during and after COVID-19 – Webinar 

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT

This webinar will feature a panel of prevention practitioners to discuss their strategies for keeping youth engaged and connected in prevention while schools are closed and meetings are not possible. They will also discuss how these strategies can be adapted to continue to be helpful in the future.

Coping with Stress during the Pandemic – Webinar

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This one-hour online session will provide information on culturally responsive coping strategies to address and reduce stress in Latino clients. The presenter will address stressors among Latino communities as well as culturally responsive strategies to address symptoms. The presentation will further discuss therapeutic interventions for Latino clients with mental health disorders whose symptoms have exacerbated during the pandemic, and will discuss approaches to further develop a therapeutic relationship while using telehealth platforms.

Strategies of Support for Mental Health Providers, #8 – Online Open Forum

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

This is the eighth session of a weekly open forum to listen and share suggestions and resources. Special attention will be paid to resiliency, strength, overcoming challenges of social distancing, and supporting mental health professionals in their efforts to adapt their delivery of services.

The Coming Out Process – Webinar

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:30 p.m. EDT

The coming out process is a unique and individualized process, preferably driven by the client. Often times, many individuals that identify as a sexual or gender minority face the coming out process multiple times. This webinar will highlight the impact of coming out and how to best support someone through this process.

Courageous Conversations: A Partnering Tool to Achieve Equity in Schools – Webinar

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 4:00 p.m. EDT

Join us for a webinar about the power of Courageous Conversations, a model for creating safe spaces for staff and students to have challenging, but necessary conversations about inequity. The webinar will review the four agreements of a courageous conversation, explain how to use the courageous conversation compass, and discuss ideas for starting courageous conversations in your classrooms and schools.

The Six Building Blocks: A Roadmap for Primary Care Clinics to Implement a Team-Based Approach – Webinar

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:00 p.m. EDT

This one-hour webinar will share how a systems-based approach to improving chronic pain and opioid management in primary care can improve outcomes for patients, including complex patients with diagnoses of behavioral health and substance use disorders. We will explore whether this approach might be relevant for behavioral health and other organizations and will share resources developed for clinics managing patients with chronic pain using opioid medications during the COVID pandemic.

Motivational Interviewing: African American Males – Webinar

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

This webinar will discuss cultural considerations for using motivational interviewing as a clinical tool with African American men who use substances. Special attention will be given to the impact of generational trauma and how it impacts substance use behaviors, engagement in the clinical relationship, and responses to clinical interventions.

Ambiguous Loss: Grieving in the Time of COVID-19, Followed by Live Q&A Session – Webinar

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:00 p.m. EDT

Life, as we knew it just a few weeks ago, has been completely turned upside down. That feeling you are feeling but can’t seem to describe in words may be grief. People are experiencing the loss of jobs, school, hugs, social connections, sports, graduations, weddings, funerals. It seems that every area of our life has been touched. This webinar will give you an overview of what grief looks like at any time but especially during a time of ambiguous loss. We will talk about how to care for yourself and others in a time of uncertainty.

Wellness Wednesdays – Virtual Discussion

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:00 p.m. EDT

Educators and school mental health leadership are resilient, creative, and tenacious, but they need to be supported to be able to provide support. In this period of stress and uncertainty, now is the time to gather and resource one another. Each Wellness Wednesday is a 60-minute virtual session for the school mental health workforce to connect, reflect, and support each other.

Why Use Evidence and Where to Find It: Blueprints for Healthy Youth – Webinar

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:30 p.m. EDT

To address a problem adequately it is important to understand why evidence is important, how to use it, and where you can go to find it. This webinar will discuss the importance of employing evidence and prevention science in our substance misuse prevention work. It will also highlight the Blueprints for Healthy Youth registry to assist you with locating evidence-based substance misuse prevention interventions that are appropriate for your community.

Motivational Interviewing for Marijuana Use Prevention – Webinar

Thursday, May 28, 2020 and Friday, May 29, 2020 10:00 a.m. EDT

This six-hour intensive webinar will provide an introduction to this evidence-based style of communication–Motivational Interviewing (MI). After an orientation to the underlying spirit, structure, and skills of MI, practical exercises will be used to help participants strengthen empathy skills, recognize and elicit “change talk,” and roll with the discord/resistance.

Peer Support Echo (PS ECHO) – Online Community Meeting

Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:00 p.m. EDT

The Peer Support Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (PS ECHO) is a movement to share knowledge, and amplify capacity to provide best practices. The PS ECHO is an online community for Peer Recovery Specialist and Mental Health Peers to:

·       Share community and statewide resources

·       Learn new skills and tools for doing peer work

·       Meet and connect with other peers

Mental Health Mutual Support Calls for Thriving at Work during COVID-19 for Mental Health Providers – Virtual Discussion

Thursday, May 28, 2020 12:00 p.m. EDT

To help support the sharing of resources and ideas, we will be facilitating Mutual Support Calls for Thriving at Work during COVID-19. These calls will be facilitated by knowledgeable leaders in the field, but we also want to benefit from your experience and expertise.

Crisis Readiness, Response, and Recovery: Supporting Grieving Students, How to be Both Grief-Sensitive and Trauma-Informed –– Webinar Series

Thursday, May 28, 2020 6:00 p.m. EDT

This session will discuss both the overlap and differences between bereavement and trauma in children, some of the key considerations related to supporting grieving children, the unique context of cumulative loss, and how this information applies to other types of loss beyond bereavement. This is the second in a three-part webinar series. The third webinar will be held on August 4, 2020.

Recovery LIVE! Changing the Conversation: Shared Decision-Making in Treatment and Recovery Support Service Settings – Online Discussion

Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:00 p.m. EDT

SAMHSA’s Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS) invites you to join an interactive discussion about how treatment and service providers and practitioners can use shared decision-making practices and tools to support the engagement, recovery, and resilience of people with mental illness and substance use disorder.

Co-Occurring Disorders for Behavioral Health Supervisors – Webinar

Friday, May 29, 2020 9:00 a.m. EDT

This virtual training course focuses on topics and issues for behavioral health supervisors to help enhance and expand your process as a clinical supervisor. Throughout the training, we will discuss a variety of supervision topics including various models of supervision, addressing ethical dilemmas with supervision, as well as technology and supervision.

Resources

Updated Publication: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 63, Full Document

This updated Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) reviews the use of the three Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications used to treat OUD—methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine—and the other strategies and services needed to support recovery for people with OUD.

Double Jeopardy: COVID-19 and Behavioral Health Disparities for Black and Latino Communities in the U.S.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has revealed deep-seated inequities in health care for communities of color, and amplifies social and economic factors that contribute to poor health outcomes. Recent news reports indicate that the pandemic disproportionately impacts communities of color, compounding longstanding racial disparities. Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on Black and Latino communities in the U.S. from SAMHSA’s Office of Behavioral Health Equity new resource document.

Contact Us
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dhs-logo-squareDDAP Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Jennifer Smith today reminded Pennsylvanians who are struggling with mental health or substance use disorder issues that help is available. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which seeks to raise awareness and understanding and to fight stigma of mental illness and substance use disorders so people know that they are never alone and help is available.

“Far too many people struggle with mental health or substance use disorder issues in silence, and only about half of people impacted seek treatment. Too often, stigma of behavioral health disorders keeps people from seeking the treatment they need,” said DHS Secretary Miller. “There is nothing wrong with reaching out for help when you need it, and there should be no shame in doing so. We know that this public health crisis will mean people may need an extra hand, both during the pandemic and after it has ended. DHS’s resources will be available, not just now, but in the months to follow as well.”

“Substance use disorder and mental illness do not discriminate regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic background,” said DDAP Secretary Smith. “Regardless if you are a Pennsylvanian with 15 years or 15 days in recovery, actively using substances, or on the brink of beginning – you are not alone, and help is available even during this pandemic. Everyday individuals overcome both mental illness and substance use disorder with the proper treatment, hope, and resiliency.”

The Wolf Administration has been committed to ensuring access to mental health care. Governor Wolf launched “Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters” earlier this year as an initiative to remove barriers to mental health care and reduce stigma. The governor has reminded Pennsylvanians that there are myriad resources for people to turn for mental health needs.

DHS announced a statewide Support & Referral Helpline staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers available 24/7 to help Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. The toll-free, round-the-clock support line is available at 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.

Individuals with substance use disorder seeking treatment and recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The 24/7 helpline is staffed by trained professionals who directly connect callers to local supports and services. A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.

Many other resources also remain available to Pennsylvanians in need of support, including:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
  • Safe2Say: 1-844-723-2729 or www.safe2saypa.org
  • Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
  • Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357

Available online resources:

The uncertain economic climate and challenges making ends meet and accessing essential needs may be creating additional stress and anxiety for people around Pennsylvania. Resources are available in your community to help you meet these needs. The United Way of Pennsylvania can help connect you to these resources. Text your zip code to 898-211 to be connected to programs and resources in your community or visit www.uwp.org. People in need of assistance can also visit www.compass.state.pa.us to learn more and apply for assistance programs that can help with health care, food, and other needs.

Visit the PA Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

Additional resources for citizens and DHS providers related to COVID-19 is available here.

For more information on the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and treatment options around the commonwealth, visit www.ddap.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James, DHS – [email protected]

Rachel Kostelac, DDAP, 717-329-0591

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) is reminding Pennsylvanians that while all county assistance offices (CAOs) statewide remain closed to the public, online services remain available.

CAOs in counties moving to the yellow phase will reopen following adjustments to facilities necessary to keep staff and clients safe. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to use DHS’ online applications and resources to apply for benefits or submit paperwork as necessary.

“DHS is continuing to connect eligible Pennsylvanians to the programs they need through our online services. No one should forego these services if they need them, and anyone who is struggling to make ends meet or needs assistance should know that help is available,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “While our CAOs are still closed to the public, we are still receiving and processing applications for our public assistance programs. Clients should take advantage of online resources like COMPASS and the myCOMPASS PA mobile app as counties begin to reopen to mitigate risk while we continue to face the threat of COVID-19.”

The following key services can be accessed online through COMPASS and the myCOMPASS PA mobile app without going into the CAO:

  • Apply for Medical Assistance, cash assistance, SNAP or LIHEAP (only on COMPASS)
  • Submit benefit renewal information
  • Review benefits and case record information
  • Report a change in case information
  • Upload verification documents

DHS administers public assistance programs that helps Pennsylvanians maintain access to health care, food, and other essential needs when people need extra help and during periods of economic uncertainty like what we currently face. Applications for benefits and renewals can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Eligibility determinations, application processing, and benefit issuance will continue for Pennsylvanians in all counties while the CAOs are closed to the public. Clients who prefer to submit paper documentation can mail documents to their local CAO or leave documents in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available.

Clients in Philadelphia with questions, information to report about their case, or who need a paper application mailed to them should call the Philadelphia Customer Service Center at 215-560-7226. Clients in all other counties can call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. Call volumes and wait times may be higher than usual, and we appreciate the public’s patience with the dedicated commonwealth employees working to assist clients under stressful circumstances.

DHS is continuing to process applications for SNAP throughout the public health crisis. All applications are reviewed for expedited service which can be issued in five days for eligible applicants. EBT payments are still scheduled to occur during the closure and activated EBT cards can still be used as usual at ATMs and in stores at point-of-sale machines if the client has a balance. Balance and transaction inquiries as well as EBT card replacement can be requested from DHS’s EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366.

For Medicaid, contact the Pennsylvania Consumer Service Center at 1-866-550-4355 to apply over the phone. Pennsylvanians can also complete semi-annual renewals and check their benefit status through the myCOMPASS PA mobile app. Managed Care Organizations (MCO) providing Medicaid coverage will be available to address claims and coverage issues with clients, and Medicaid Access cards can still be used at participating medical facilities to obtain care.

Visit pa.gov for a “Responding to COVID-19” guide or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

Guidance to DHS providers related to COVID-19 is available here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James, [email protected]

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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has drafted a letter for  mental health and drug and alcohol providers to use when they are trying to secure personal protective equipment (PPE). The letter designates mental health and drug and alcohol providers as essential, so please use the SAMHSA letter when trying to procure PPEs from suppliers. Questions, please contact Jack Phillips.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman today reminded businesses of the importance of complying with Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine’s orders – for counties in both the red and yellow phases.

In addition to the critical public health objectives, Commissioner Altman warned non-compliant businesses defying the governor and secretary’s business closure orders that many insurance policies contain provisions that exclude coverage for businesses or individuals engaging in illegal acts or conduct. These exclusions may apply to property coverage, liability coverage, advertising injury coverage, and a host of other essential coverages.

“Businesses and residents rely on insurance coverage to protect them from liability, pay for covered losses, and compensate those who may be injured or harmed,” said Altman. “It is the duty of every business and resident in Pennsylvania to ensure that they and the public at large are provided with the maximum level of protection afforded by insurance. Any actions that could potentially create coverage gaps are the antitheses of the civil duty required of all residents during these times of emergency.”

This reminder is offered to all Pennsylvania businesses and residents, regardless of in what county they reside. The department strongly encourages businesses or residents who have questions or concerns regarding insurance coverage during the phased reopening of businesses in this commonwealth to reach out to their insurance carrier to discuss concerns.

Find more information on Gov. Wolf’s latest orders here.

FAQs for businesses in each phase can be found here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Thaisa Jones, [email protected]

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