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Registration is now officially open for the 2025 RCPA Conference Strive to Thrive! The conference offers inspiring keynotes and plenaries, over sixty workshops, live updates from both state and national partners, and the ability to interact with exhibitors and sponsors in our Connections Hall! View our Registration Brochure for complete details of the conference schedule, presenters, current sponsors, and a message from RCPA President and CEO Richard Edley. You can also register directly here.

All conference information is also available on the RCPA Conference website. Be sure to check the website regularly for details and updates to the schedule, registration, and sponsors/exhibitors. Our mobile app, which we are proud to share is once again being sponsored by Millin, will become available closer to the time of conference and will contain CE information, a detailed agenda, and more!

In addition to registration, there are still many opportunities available for sponsorship and exhibit booths, so don’t delay! Opportunities still available include but are not limited to coffee and refreshment breaks, our Awards Luncheon, entertainment, and meal sponsorships. If your organization is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at our conference, all information is available in our Sponsor, Exhibit, and Advertise Brochure. Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for more details.

View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!

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RCPA invites all members, non-members, and systems-wide behavioral health stakeholders to participate in the Mental Health Safety Net Coalition. These meetings serve to update the group on strategy, activities, and engagement opportunities. Members can participate via Teams; information on how to join can be found below.

The Coalition will be meeting on the following dates:

  • Monday, June 16, 2025
  • Monday, June 23, 2025
  • Monday, June 30, 2025
  • Monday, July 14, 2025

All meetings will be scheduled for 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm.

The coalition will be sending out legislative advocacy bulletins to General Assembly legislators and stakeholders weekly, and we encourage members to participate in these efforts of joint advocacy in protecting and preserving our mental health service delivery system.

If you would like to join the coalition or have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp.

Join the Meeting
Meeting ID: 211 809 369 905 4
Passcode: vx7LQ2iS

Dial in by phone
+1 689-206-0441,,217672043# United States, Orlando
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 217 672 043#

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Photo by Glodi Miessi on Unsplash

If you haven’t yet already made plans, there is still time to organize a meaningful celebration of Juneteenth for your colleagues and staff. Recognizing and honoring the significance of Juneteenth helps foster a culture of belonging within your organization. There are many ways to celebrate — see below for suggestions and ideas.

First, Understand the Background and History: What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday observed on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of African Americans who were enslaved in the United States. It marks the end of slavery and has been celebrated annually since 1865. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475 into law, officially making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. Juneteenth is also known by several other names, including National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.

The historical roots of Juneteenth date back to the American Civil War. In early 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for more than three million enslaved individuals in the Confederate states. However, it was not until more than two years later — on June 19, 1865 — that this news reached the people of Texas, when Union soldiers arrived to enforce the proclamation. Upon learning of their freedom, African Americans in Texas began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, music, and dance, laying the foundation for what would become Juneteenth.

The first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas on June 19, 1866. Early observances included prayer gatherings, the singing of spirituals, and wearing new clothing to symbolize newfound freedom. In 1980, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday. Since then, many other states have followed, and the day has become an annual tradition celebrated across the country.

How is Juneteenth Celebrated?
Today, many Juneteenth celebrations include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing. In some places, demonstrations and parades commemorate the day. These celebrations often include ways to honor aspects of African American culture.

While Juneteenth has immense meaning for the African American community, there is value for every person, regardless of race, culture or background, to observe this holiday. A celebration of freedom for any group is a celebration of the ideals that we value as a nation. Juneteenth is a day for all Americans to celebrate liberty, resilience, and strength. While participating and commemorating, we acknowledge the historical and somber importance of the day.

Why Should We Celebrate Juneteenth in the Workplace?
Celebrating Juneteenth in the workplace sends a strong message to African American employees, clients, and community members that the black experience, black history, and the struggles endured are worth acknowledging.

What are Some Ideas for Planning a Juneteenth Celebration at Work?

  • Recognize it as a holiday: Give employees paid time off, such as half a day, the whole day, an extended lunch, or early dismissal.
  • Educate employees: Share facts about black history, the ongoing fight for civil rights, and the issues black people face. Consider a “Did you Know?” Campaign.
  • Invite guest speakers: In-person or virtual sessions with experts in racial justice, civil rights, or DEI can share insights and personal experiences that inspire action.
  • Share traditional Juneteenth foods: If hosting a meal, include traditional soul foods on your menu. Consider providing a voucher to a local black-owned restaurant for staff who cannot attend.
  • Include celebratory music: Consider live music or a Juneteenth playlist.
  • Share media and reading materials: Connect and share around Juneteenth media and reading materials. Read a story or watch a movie or video as a group.
  • Support black businesses: Include black-owned businesses in your celebration.
  • Encourage participation in community events: Engage with your community in a productive way.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-054. This announcement provides details related to changes to the HCSIS Auto Authorization Functionality.

In alignment with the Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy, Administrative Entities (AE) require greater insight into plan changes that will have virtual budget impacts. Plans submitted for AE review after June 9, 2025, will be subject to the changes. See changes on the chart within the announcement, reflecting the categories of Individual Support Plan (ISP) updates or revisions. Plan categories where a yes appears in the chart require manual approvals. The newly-added categories are highlighted in green and will now require manual review by AEs.

Questions should be directed to the ODP Regional Office.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-053. This announcement provides clarification to assist Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) and Administrative Entities (AE) in properly identifying and planning for individuals who may be eligible for enrollment in the Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver through reserved capacity provisions.

Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

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Enhancing Access to Specialized Care: The Impact of the STAT Waiver Service and BH Services
Free Webinar for RCPA members

Tuesday, June 24, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register Here

This session will explore the impact of the STAT (Specialized Telehealth and Assessment Team) service in Pennsylvania, focusing on its role in improving access to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Key data will highlight how STAT connects individuals to specialists trained to meet their unique needs and its positive impacts on both individuals and Direct Support Professionals (DSP).

A discussion with Barber National Institute will showcase how they use StationMD services for STAT and Behavioral Health support. The provider will share how StationMD enhances behavioral health care for individuals with I/DD, while offering valuable support to DSPs by providing timely guidance in complex situations.

Lastly, this session will emphasize how STAT and StationMD services complement each other to improve access to care and to enhance the quality of life for individuals with I/DD.

Presenters:
Matthew Kaufman, MD, FACEP, Chief Executive Officer, StationMD
Thad Jackman, Senior Director of Residential Services, Barber National Institute

Objectives: Following this course, the learner will:

  • Describe the role of the STAT Waiver Service in providing individuals access to specialized clinicians 24/7 to meet their unique needs;
  • Analyze the impact of StationMD Behavioral Health services in enhancing the timely delivery of expert support for their behavioral and developmental needs; and
  • Discuss how the integration of STAT and StationMD Behavioral Health services collaboratively address barriers to care and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with I/DD.

Certificates of attendance are available to RCPA members who attend this webinar; anyone interested in a certificate should contact Cathy Barrick. To apply for CEs, you will need to register for the RCPA Annual Conference Strive to Thrive and indicate you attended the webinar in your CE packet, which will be made available on the mobile app.

Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for details, or visit the RCPA Conference website for information on workshops, sponsors, exhibitors, and more!

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RCPA is excited to host a membership benefits webinar on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 am, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes. This is not just for new and future members. For current members, there may be benefits associated with our membership that you may not be aware of, including targeted meetings and groups that occur throughout the year.

Registration is required; please register here to attend the webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more:

  • Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists;
  • Discuss the 2025 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
  • Preview RCPA divisional committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer;
  • View the RCPA member-only website;
  • Review exclusive yearly educational and networking events; and
  • Understand the value of the National Association and ANCOR memberships included with RCPA membership.

Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.

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RCPA is excited to once again host the RCPA PAC silent auction, which will be held in conjunction with the 2025 RCPA Annual Conference Strive to Thrive. The silent auction will take place outside Connections Hall, and we are looking to attract the attention of over 700 attendees, including registrants, presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors. The money raised helps to support the RCPA PAC; these funds provide financial support to state legislators who have demonstrated a strong, consistent, and positive interest in our issues and priorities.

We are requesting your consideration in assisting us by providing a donation of an auction item. We are hoping to secure a variety of items that will be enticing to all members. All donations are greatly appreciated and can be something as simple as a gift certificate for a restaurant to a basket of sorts (candy, movie night, grilling items, cooking theme, etc.). We are also accepting items such as jewelry, designer handbags, tickets to college or professional sporting events, golf items, and sports memorabilia.

Please contact Christine Tartaglione by August 25, 2025, if you would like to donate any items. Thank you for your consideration of our request. We hope we can count on your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the conference!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leah S. Yaw
(610) 542-3041
[email protected]

Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D., named executive director
of Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services center

Villanova, Pa. – June 5, 2025 – Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of behavioral healthcare, today announced that President and CEO Carl E. Clark II has named Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D., executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services, effective immediately.

Dunlap most recently served as Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services’ assistant executive director, a position he has held since March 2024.

As executive director, Dunlap will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chester County-based center, which serves children, adolescents and young adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. His responsibilities include oversight of clinical, medical, quality improvement, physical plant and staffing, among other areas.

“Rick is a deeply respected and highly accomplished leader with a proven track record of empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential,” said Clark. “His leadership is distinguished by a strong emphasis on collaboration, strategic vision and clear, effective communication. Throughout his career, he has inspired and guided teams to achieve extraordinary objectives and has fostered a work environment that supports growth and progress. His dedication to service will be invaluable as he leads Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services into the future.”

About Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D.
As executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services, Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D., brings more than 40 years of education, administration and organizational development experience to this position.

Prior to joining Devereux in 2024, Dunlap spent eight years at Chester County Regional Education Services (CCRES), most recently in the role of executive director. He also served as interim superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District (2019-2020 and 2022-2023). Before his time at CCRES, Dunlap held the following positions: superintendent of the Upper Darby School District; principal of East High School in the West Chester Area School District; principal of Garnet Valley Middle School; assistant principal of East High School; assistant principal of Fugett Middle School in West Chester; and teacher at East High School. He also served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Dunlap earned his Bachelor of Science in special education from West Chester State College; a Master of Arts in bilingual/bicultural studies from Marywood College; and a Doctorate of Education from Immaculata College. He also holds a secondary principal’s certification from Immaculata College. He is a recipient of the “Superintendents to Watch” award (2015-2016) from the National School Public Relations Association.

About Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services
Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services supports children, adolescents and young adults, from birth to age 21, with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and offers intensive services for at-risk youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Each year, more than 2,500 individuals receive specialized care, in the environment best suited to the unique challenges they face, all with the goal of providing them with the academic, social, emotional and life skills needed to flourish in the homes, schools and communities. www.devereuxpa.org

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations, providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare. Founded in 1912, Devereux operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational and employment programs that positively impact the lives of thousands of children, adults – and their families – every year. The organization’s unique approach combines evidence-based interventions with compassionate family engagement. With more than 6,000 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner for families, schools and communities, serving many of our country’s populations in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education and foster care. For more than a century, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health has been guided by a simple and enduring mission: To change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Learn more: www.devereux.org.

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