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Authors Posts by Naomi Wallerson

Naomi Wallerson

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A new bulletin addressing revisions to the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) has been released by the Commonwealth Court. This bulletin specifically focuses on clarifying the legal standing of certain provisions, notably the “lifetime employment ban” for individuals with criminal convictions. Enacted in 1987, OAPSA aimed to protect Pennsylvania’s older population from exploitation, neglect, and abuse, establishing a program for their safeguarding, including those in mental health inpatient and residential facilities. However, subsequent amendments in 1996 introduced a permanent employment ban for individuals convicted of certain crimes. Despite this, a 2015 ruling by the Commonwealth Court found this provision unconstitutional, citing violations of due process guarantees under the PA constitution.

The full bulletin, titled “Bulletin OMHSAS-24-03 Employment Bans in OAPSA,” can be accessed here. Further inquiries regarding OMHSAS-24-03 can be directed to OMHSAS via email. You can also contact RCPA Policy Director and COO, Jim Sharp, with any additional questions.

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The Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence has announced the Vamos por Más Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Empowerment and Leadership Academy 2024–2025. This innovative 12-month program aims to select up to 10 behavioral health services personnel from community-based organizations serving Hispanic and Latino populations. Participants will have the opportunity to access mentorship and leadership skill-development sessions, focusing on various behavioral health-related topics. These include fostering culturally responsive leadership, driving system changes to enhance the well-being of Latino communities, and strengthening advocacy skills for Hispanic and Latino populations. Additionally, the program emphasizes building cross-sector partnerships between communities and behavioral health systems. Healthcare providers, including those in substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity.

Applications can be submitted here. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2024.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is hosting its annual Recovery Month Kick-Off event on September 12 at Soldiers and Sailors Grove in Harrisburg. The focus of the 2024 kick-off will be total wellness in recovery. To participate in the event, complete the survey by June 28 to indicate if you or your agency would like to provide an interactive activity (such as yoga, music therapy, or meditation) or have a resource table. Space is limited, so responses will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will take place outdoors, with a rain date of Sept. 13. It will be held at the venue located on the fountain side of the state capitol building between Commonwealth Avenue and State Street.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) is hosting a virtual session with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Philadelphia Division to discuss pharmacy best practices in ordering and dispensing controlled substances, particularly medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) like buprenorphine. This session, scheduled on Wednesday, April 24 from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm, aims to address concerns raised during PA DOH’s Fall 2023 listening sessions on patient access to controlled substances. Participants can register for the session using this form and are encouraged to submit questions in advance by Friday, April 19, 2024. Even if unable to attend, individuals can still submit questions for a later response. Please submit inquiries via email. This collaborative learning opportunity is crucial, and recipients are encouraged to share the invitation with interested parties.

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Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced multiple in-person clinical supervision skills trainings occurring in the upcoming months in various locations. These sessions, aimed at enhancing clinical supervision skills and providing tools for working with supervisees, will take place on May 20–24 at Courtyard by Marriott in Lancaster, and June 10–14 at Holiday Inn Express Grove City in Mercer. Additional sessions are planned for July, October, and November in different regions. Each training is from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, with a registration fee of $300. Registration is limited and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested individuals can download the registration form from the Training Management System (TMS).

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The 2024 Virtual Dual Diagnosis Conference, titled “Full Diagnosis: Impact of Trauma, Physical Health, and Metabolic Health,” will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hosted by The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs, and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the conference features nationally recognized speakers who will explore various perspectives on these crucial issues. Featured speakers include Dale Adair, MD, FAPA, Syard Evans, PhD, Beth Barol, Stacy Nonnemacher, Self Advocates United as 1, Brandi Kelly, PhD, and Dan Dubovsky. Registration for the conference is open.

If you have any questions, please contact RCPA COO and Director of Mental Health, Jim Sharp.

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Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash

The Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) has launched the Pennsylvania Meaningful Family Engagement Toolkit, a web-based resource developed through statewide quality improvement efforts. Over a two-year collaboration period, Pennsylvania system partners defined meaningful family engagement, set consistent expectations for day-to-day practice, and prioritized organizational cultures supporting family engagement. The toolkit provides a comprehensive definition of meaningful family engagement and offers specific strategies and skill-building opportunities for child welfare professionals to enhance engagement and improve outcomes. It also highlights populations needing additional support for engagement, which they have included as fathers, youth, out-of-state parents, incarcerated parents, and extended family. Child welfare professionals are encouraged to utilize this resource to ensure consistent and sincere practice of meaningful family engagement.

If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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Image by David Mark from Pixabay

President Biden signed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 into law on March 23. This Act includes the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Notable FY 2024 funding totals for mental health and substance use include:

  • $385 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (level with FY 2023);
  • $986,532,000 for the Mental Health Block Grant, which includes maintaining the existing 5% of the total set aside for evidence-based crisis care programs that address the needs of individuals with serious mental illnesses, children with serious emotional disturbances, or individuals experiencing a mental health crisis (level with FY 2023);
  • $153 million for the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program, including $40 million for the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (level with FY 2023);
  • $1,575,000,000 for State Opioid Response Grants (level with FY 2023); and
  • $1,928,879,000 for Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grants (level with FY 2023).

Additionally, key provisions of the Act include an $18 million increase in funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and a $1 million increase for the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration grant technical assistance program. There is also a $75 million increase for mental health research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health. Various mental health and substance use programs maintained funding levels similar to those of FY 2023. For more information, you can access the full explanatory text as well as the comparative highlights table.

If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) invites public review of the Fiscal Year 2024 Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) grant application on the Mental Health in PA website. The PATH grant, established under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990, assists individuals with serious mental illness facing or at risk of homelessness. The application, submitted annually to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is open for public comment until 10:00 am Friday, March 22, 2024. For questions or comments, please contact Lauren MacWithey, Pennsylvania PATH Grant Coordinator.

Additional questions can be sent to RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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