Reminder: RCPA PH/BH Integration Webinar Series on OMHSAS/OMAP Vision on Sept. 11
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2023 DSP Recognition Week Contest Announced: Sponsored by eVero
Nominate a Direct Support Professional to enter them into a raffle for a $100 Amazon gift card!
Each September, our community comes together to celebrate the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) who make such an important impact in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The work of a DSP is complex and highly specialized, as they support every aspect of an individual’s daily life on a unique, person-by-person basis. These unsung heroes act as a lifeline for people with disabilities under normal circumstances.
In celebration of this year’s DSP Recognition Week, eVero will select 10 DSPs at random to win $100 Amazon gift cards. Please visit below to access the nomination form and let us know a little bit about your favorite DSP!
Visit Here for the DSP Nominee Form
- 2 winners will be randomly selected each day from September 11–15, 2023.
- Winners’ names will be announced each day on eVero’s blog post and social media accounts to further highlight the outstanding work of these individuals.
DDAP Launches Recovery Month With “Arts Heal” Kickoff Event on Sept. 6
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is celebrating the start of Recovery Month at 12:00 pm on September 6 at Pennsylvania’s State Capitol Rotunda with the “Arts Heal” event. This year’s focus is on the transformative power of art in recovery, with art displays, live performances, demonstrations, recovery speakers, and appearances by special guests.
Recovery Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of substance use disorders and recognizing the achievements of individuals in recovery. Observed annually in the United States, it aims to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. This yearly observance celebrates the millions of people in recovery and reminds us that behavioral health is essential to an overall happy life. Recovery Month is an opportunity to tell the world that prevention works, that treatment is effective, and that people can, and do, recover.
Throughout September, the initiative aims to honor individuals in recovery, spread hope, and raise awareness about the importance of behavioral health. There are meaningful ways to participate in Recovery Month, including:
- Save the date for the Sept. 6 kickoff event and spread awareness by sharing the flier;
- Emphasize the possibility of recovery from addiction through proper treatment and support, pointing to available resources on DDAP’s website;
- Show your support during “Purple Day” in September by wearing purple, sharing a photo on social media, and using hashtags like #RecoveryMonth and #Recovery; and
- Share your story of recovery as these stories inspire hope and strength.
ODP Adds Additional Listening Session on ASL Interpreter Waiver Service
DDAP, PCCD, Other Partners to Host Webinar on PA Overdose Prevention Program August 30
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), Prevention Point Pittsburgh, and the PA Harm Reduction Network will host a webinar from 10:00 am – 11:30 am tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30. The purpose is to introduce the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program (POPP), which aims to address the opioid overdose crisis by increasing access to naloxone as well as resources and tools for drug checking, helping individuals verify the composition of substances they intend to consume. To participate, register online.
Population Health Equity for People With ID/A and MH Challenges Symposium to Be Held on Sept. 14
PA ABLE Savings Program Webinar to Be Offered on September 7
On September 7, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will be offering a webinar on the topic of the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A PA ABLE account provides individuals with qualifying disabilities, as well as their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The webinar/presentation will be given by a Representative of the PA Treasury Department.
OLTL Service Coordinators, Direct Service Providers, Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care organization (MCO) staff, and any individuals that work on employment are strongly encouraged to participate in this webinar. It will help you understand the PA ABLE Program and how it can benefit OLTL participants.
Please register using this registration link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Additional questions about the webinar should be directed to Ryan Dorsey, OLTL, via email.
FDA MedWatch: Draeger Recalls Carina Sub-Acute Care Ventilators for Contaminants in Airpath
Draeger Medical, Inc. is recalling its Carina Ventilators due to the presence of contaminants in the device’s airpath. The contaminants exceed acceptable levels if used by pediatric patients for more than 30 days. During testing, the firm found polyether polyurethane (PE-PUR) in the airpath of the Carina ventilator. This results in the emission of contaminant 1,3-Dichloropropan-2-ol, a potential carcinogen.
Please be aware, this recall is a voluntary correction, not a product removal.
Clinicians may continue to use the devices with adult patients and are instructed to not use the devices with pediatric patients.
The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.
If you have questions about this recall, contact Draeger Service Technical Support between the hours of 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST at 800-437-2437 (press 2 at the prompt, then 2 again).
August News Roundup Released From Self-Determination Housing of PA
Race & Disability Virtual Program: Disability Inclusion and Intersectionality Webinar on Oct. 3
A Joint Initiative of the FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and The Pittsburgh:
Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
REGISTER
No cost, but registration is necessary.
This session addresses the relationship between race and disability and establishes a common language around intersectionality. You will walk away with insights into cultivating programs, practices, and an organizational culture that is grounded in racial justice, disability justice, and inclusion.
This webinar focuses on inclusive practices around disability and racial justice, led by Keri Gray, CEO of the Keri Gray Consulting Group.
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