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Authors Posts by Sharon Militello

Sharon Militello

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As communications director, Sharon Militello is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of the association website and social media pages; editing and preparation of communications; preparing and running webcasts; cultivating media relations; and maintaining relationships with technology support vendors.

There’s still time to vote in the National Council Board of Directors election!

You should have received an email from eBallot ([email protected]) on April 27 with instructions to review the candidates and cast your vote.

Can’t find it? Check your spam or contact [email protected] to have the link resent. All ballots are due by May 21 (11:59 pm ET).

Voting is a powerful member benefit — and you voice matters. Here’s Board member Heather Gates talking about the importance of being heard.

Board Member Heather Gates Talks Voting – Video

Thank you for shaping the future! Together, we will elect a Board that reflects the breadth of our field and the communities our members serve.

Warm regards,

David J. Ley, PhD
Executive Director, New Mexico Solutions
Chair, Nominating Committee
National Council for Mental Wellbeing Board of Directors

Title: Advancing SUD Treatment Through MBC
Date/Time: Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT
Registration Link: Advancing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Through Measurement-Based Care

Our partners at Greenspace Health are hosting an educational webinar focused on improving substance use disorder (SUD) treatment through Measurement-Based Care (MBC).

SUD care presents unique challenges where traditional pre and post models of measurement may not capture the complexities of recovery. As a result, many organizations are working without the consistent, actionable data needed to fully understand and support client progress.

On June 4, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT, tune in to hear from a panel of clinical and research leaders from the Yale MBC Collective and the HEALing Measurement Center as they share practical insights on applying MBC in SUD settings:

  • Dr. Jessica Barber, Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale University School of Medicine;
  • Dr. Sandra Resnick, Professor of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine;
  • Dr. Kelli Scott, Assistant Professor, Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; and
  • Host: Simon Weisz, President & Co-Founder, Greenspace Health.

This is a great opportunity to explore how MBC can help address SUD treatment challenges by equipping providers with the tools and insights needed to deliver more consistent, outcomes-informed care. Attendees will learn how to integrate MBC into workflows, scale across diverse programs, and use data to inform care decisions.

We encourage all RCPA behavioral health provider members to join this important conversation and learn from experts who are actively advancing MBC in substance use care.

Register here – Thank you, and we hope you can join!

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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.

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SCHNECKSVILLE, PA (May 4, 2026) – KidsPeace announced that it has entered into an affiliation agreement with Inperium, Inc., effective May 1, 2026.

KidsPeace, which provides mental and behavioral health services to children and young people, said the affiliation will strengthen its financial security by expanding access to capital and enhancing efficiencies in key back-office support functions. These improvements will help ensure the organization can continue delivering high-quality programs for its clients in support of its mission [read full release].

May is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week background template. Holiday concept. use to background, banner, placard, card, and poster design template with text inscription and standard color.
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in 2026 is observed from May 3–9, focusing on reducing stigma, promoting protective factors, and increasing access to care. The week highlights the importance of supporting the emotional wellbeing of children, youth, and families through community, education, and professional resources. Together, we can create environments where every child feels seen, supported, and able to thrive. Here are some examples on how to access resources and get involved, courtesy of Children’s Mental Health Matters in Maryland.

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Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Annual campaign in United States. Raising awareness of mental health. Control and protection. Prevention campaign. Medical health care design. Vector illustration

This year’s theme — More Good Days, Together — encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all. See ways to get involved.

*Courtesy of Mental Health America (MHA)