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Pandemic Era Use of Telehealth Procedures in Pennsylvania

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 had a dramatic impact on the practice of behavioral health and other social services, which led many agencies to provide some or all their services via telehealth procedures. It has been reported that 80% of all behavioral health visits in the pandemic era have been virtual, with Medicare claims for telehealth services increasing from 13,000 per week to 1.4 million per week.

To gain Pennsylvania specific information regarding the use of telehealth procedures, RCPA, in partnership with Woods Services, surveyed members that utilized telehealth as part of their behavioral health and consumer engagement strategies during the pandemic. After a year of implementing telehealth as a primary mode of service delivery, the responses support the initial success of this modality – although there are ongoing challenges.

The survey data went through a detailed analysis by Woods Services, and an outcomes analysis report was developed that viewed the intersection of practitioner, consumer, and payer operational and fiscal metrics. The Executive Summary and Policy Recommendations provide a supportive foundation for RCPA’s ongoing efforts in creating a sustainable telehealth platform that will ensure equity and access to quality care in PA.

Please see the Full Report and the Executive Summary for review. For more information, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp.

The Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant team is pleased to announce a free virtual suicide prevention training series, which will begin next Tuesday, April 6, 2021. This is a repeated series with the same offerings from the spring and fall of 2020. Additional information and registration can be accessed by visiting this web page.

See the flyer for series details. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Children’s Policy Director Jim Sharp.

Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova from Pexels

ODP COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Now Available

The Office of Developmental Programs co-hosted a webinar with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation that explains the importance of COVID-19 vaccination from both the scientific and community perspectives. The one-hour webinar offers facts and information to help the participants make informed choices as well as to use when assisting others in their communities. This presentation also includes frank discussion of the losses that have been encountered by many as a result of COVID-19 infections. The presentation is one hour. To Watch this Webinar, click here.

RCPA is pleased to offer this informative training, presented by Karen Welton, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist for the US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, and one of their investigation staff. Topics will include a general overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); Section 14(c) requirements of the FLSA; Work Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements for certificate holders; and requirements for certificate holders with federal contracts under the SCA.

The training will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2021 via webcast from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. This training is FREE to RCPA members; non-members can attend for a fee of $50.

Register here for the training. For further information, contact Carol Ferenz.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CareLink Community Support Services
March 31, 2021

CareLink Names Rich Hoback Chief Operations Officer

MEDIA, PENNSYLVANIA – CareLink Community Support Services, a Greater Philadelphia area human services provider, announced today that Rich Hoback has been named Chief Operations Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Hoback succeeds Gary Woomer, who served as CareLink’s COO for seven years before assuming the role of CEO in late 2020.

“Rich is a seasoned and trusted leader with a laser-focus on operational excellence,” said CareLink CEO Gary Woomer. “His considerable experience, dedication, and thorough understanding of the agency make him uniquely qualified for the position of COO.”

Mr. Hoback brings nearly 25 years of experience in mental healthcare to his role at CareLink. He joined the agency as a Program Supervisor in 1998, and has since served as Residential Program Supervisor, Assistant Regional Director, and Regional Director. Prior to his tenure at CareLink, Mr. Hoback was employed by The Horsham Clinic and Horsham Health Systems of Delaware County.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of COO at CareLink,” Mr. Hoback said. “I’m proud of the work our team has done to meet the challenges of the last year, and I look forward working closely with the management team and staff to keep the agency energized and moving forward.”

Mr. Hoback holds a master’s degree in health services management from Eastern University and a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Temple University. He is also certified as a psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner (CPRP) and crisis prevention instructor.

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Since 1959, CareLink Community Support Services has been dedicated to providing people with mental illness and developmental disabilities with the caring support they need to live, work, and participate in the community with dignity and independence. CareLink currently serves individuals in 33 community programs throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

Media Contact:
Kate Rosin
CareLink Community Support Services
[email protected]
(610) 874-1119, ext. 613
www.carelinkservices.org