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Substance Use Disorder

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2019
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Pennsylvania Awarded Grant to Support Access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced today that Pennsylvania has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to increase access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by expanding state-based call centers.

The grant was issued by Vibrant Emotional Health, the nonprofit administrator of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and provides confidential, free, 24/7 support to people in crisis, considering suicide, or helping another person.

“We have an obligation to provide resources and promote safe, supportive environments so people we serve know that there are places to turn if they are in crisis,” said Gov. Wolf. “Silence can perpetuate crisis and make people feel like they are struggling alone with no outlet or options for support, but things can and will get better, and help is always available. Expanding access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is one more way to let more people know help is available in Pennsylvania.”

The Department of Human Services will partner with three Lifeline network centers to form three regional call centers to ensure at least 70 percent of calls are answered in Pennsylvania, with the goal of increasing that percent to 90 within two years. Partners include Center for Community Resources, Family Services Association of Bucks County, and New Perspectives Crisis Services. In 2018, partners supported nearly 3,000 calls. As of June 2019, they have received nearly 2,500 calls.

“No one should ever feel like they are alone – especially in times of crisis,” said Secretary Miller. “The Wolf Administration is committed to dispelling stigma around suicide and mental health and ensuring supports are available to promote a safe, supportive environment so people know there are resources, like the Lifeline, to turn to in emergencies. Expanding our in-state call centers is another opportunity to better serve our fellow Pennsylvanians and prevent suicide across our commonwealth.”

Pennsylvania is committed to reversing the rising national trend of suicide and supporting Pennsylvanians affected by suicide. In May 2019, Governor Wolf established a statewide Suicide Prevention Task Force. The task force brings together leaders from the departments of Human Services, Health, Corrections, Aging, Education, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Transportation as well as the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvania State Police, elected officials, and mental health and suicide prevention organizations to create a comprehensive suicide prevention plan for Pennsylvania.

The task force is holding public listening sessions through November to learn about how suicide impacts the lives of Pennsylvanians and to develop prevention efforts that reflect the diverse needs of individuals and families across Pennsylvania.

For more information on Pennsylvania’s Suicide Prevention Task Force and upcoming listening sessions, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/suicideprevention.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is considering suicide, help is available. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact Crisis Text Line by texting PA to 741-741.

MEDIA CONTACT:  J.J. Abbott, 717-783-1116

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Please find the details below regarding the application process for the upcoming Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification courses. These trainings are funded through a Federal SERG Grant; funds may also be used for trainings throughout the Commonwealth.

                                                                                                                                                           

Pennsylvania has been awarded a Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Emergency Response Grant (SERG) as a response to the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue last fall. One component of the funding includes expansion of Mental Health First Aid across the Commonwealth. The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be hosting instructor certification courses to candidates interested in training in their region. Youth and Adult Certification Courses are three full days with a limit of 16 people per class.  Additional details are included below:

Dates:
Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor Course
November 18, 19, and 20, 2019
8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor Course
December 10, 11, and 12, 2019
8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Location:
BHARP – Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania
301 Science Park Road | Suite 308 | State College, PA  16803

Registration:    Interested participants should contact Brandon Bennet by October 14, 2019.

Expectations:

  1. MHFA instructors must submit an application that will be reviewed by the National Council for acceptance.
  2. Once admitted, participants must attend three full days of training and pass a proficiency exam.
  3. Instructors are required to train a minimum of three times per year and log their courses and evaluations on the national website to maintain their certifications.
  4. In addition, participation in this free course includes the expectation to train at least one course to a target population in their area impacted by the Tree of Life tragedy. Course materials will be offered at no cost for these trainings.

The training application is available here.

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On October 1, 2019, the PROMISe Service Location Enrollment process was effectuated. RCPA understands that many providers have submitted their requests and are awaiting the PROMISe numbers for their programs.

In conversations with the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), we have been advised that as providers await confirmation on program PROMISe numbers for service locations, providers can continue to utilize their main physical site address for billing pending site enrollment.

This link will provide access to the bulletin. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp.

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The US Department of Labor has announced ‘The Right Talent, Right Now’ as the theme for 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) administers NDEAM.

“Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy,” said US Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals with disabilities have the right talent, right now.”

Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates America’s workers with disabilities both past and present, and emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies and practices, to ensure that all Americans who want to work can work and have access to services and supports to enable them to do so. With continued advances in such supports, including accessible technology, it is easier than ever before for America’s employers to hire people with disabilities in high-demand jobs.

The official 2019 NDEAM poster is available for downloading or to order. For additional information, contact Carol Ferenz.

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September is Emergency Preparedness Month. While there frequently seems to be a day, week, or month dedicated to recognizing or learning about various topics, this particular topic became a pertinent event this week. The newly renovated central office of a LEAP (Life Enrichment Advancing People), a nonprofit agency in Maine, was leveled in an explosion on Monday. LEAP provides community services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The explosion occurred on Monday morning shortly after the LEAP Maintenance Director noticed a strong smell of gas in the basement of the building and alerted everyone to evacuate the building before it exploded. Sadly, one of the firefighters who responded to the call was killed in the explosion, and six other people were injured, including the Maintenance Director.

LEAP is a member of ANCOR, as is RCPA, and so we share a connection. There has been much conversation regarding this incident in an online ANCOR Forum. LEAP CEO Darryl Wood responded to the outpouring of support on this forum, stating:

There are heroes among us. Our maintenance director evacuated everyone and was working with the first responders when the explosion occurred. Many lives were saved by an attentive person and a team that evacuated as we practiced. Don’t take those emergency plans for granted folks.

Inspired by Darryl’s message, ANCOR is offering two webinar recordings about emergency preparedness free of charge to their members. Offering these webinars is only a small part — but hopefully a meaningful part — of how ANCOR works to support our friends at LEAP and, more broadly, ANCOR members who experience all manner of disasters.

Both of these webinars, which were broadcast previously, offer information that remains relevant for providers seeking to understand the steps they can take to be more responsive to disasters of all kinds. To access the webinars, please use the following links:

We hope all providers take the time to reflect on disaster preparedness by watching these recordings, as well as to review your Disaster Plans and training for all staff and people supported. Other actions that have been suggested include:

  • Evaluate the location of your meeting place when evacuating. In this case, it was really far from the building, yet right on the periphery of the blast area.
  • When evacuating, people should leave immediately and not stop to pick up personal items.
  • People should not attempt to use their cell phones while the emergency is in process. Among other things, phones can trigger explosions.
  • If you have propane at any one of your sites, you should have a propane detector.

In an upcoming issue of RCPA News, there will be additional information provided, as well as resources available to assist agencies with emergency preparedness. For any questions regarding this info or how to assist LEAP in their recovery from this disaster, contact Carol Ferenz, RCPA IDD Division Director.

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In accordance with legislation that passed in 1972, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is required to develop a State Plan and to update it annually. The department has posted a request for public comments on the 2019–2022 draft state plan. Comments are due Monday, September 16 to Jordan Lewis. We request that members also copy RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp on any comments submitted to DDAP. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Sharp.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced two new Grant Initiative Funding Opportunities.

19-02 – Community Recovery Support Services

DDAP is accepting applications for Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) who will expand or enhance recovery support services to individuals with opioid use disorder. Such services include the delivery of recovery coaching through Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS), telephonic supports, the provision of education and employment supports; e.g. job coaching, resume writing, engagement in GED services, etc. Applications must be submitted by October 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm.

19-03 – Opioid Prevention in Higher Education  

DDAP is accepting applications from nonprofit, accredited colleges, universities, post-secondary institutions of higher education, and collegiate collaboratives within Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on preventing and reducing opioid use disorder. The primary goal of the effort is to prevent and reduce use and misuse of opioids by college students. Applications must be submitted by October 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm.

Questions can be submitted via email. For more information, visit the Funding Opportunities page on the DDAP website.

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Pennsylvania Senate Democrats will hold 10 open house events across the state in September, where their constituents can share stories of addiction and recovery and find resources for battling substance use disorder, the caucus announced Tuesday.

The events will begin on Thursday, September 12 in Delaware County and conclude Sunday, November 29 near Pittsburgh. Recovery specialists, family counselors, and legal experts will be at each session to talk with attendees. State agencies including the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and the office of the Attorney General will also be present, alongside personnel from local agencies and addiction treatment groups.

The full schedule of events is listed below. All events are free and open to the public.

  • 12, 6:00 pm–8:30 pm, Delaware County Community College, 901 Media Line Road, Media, PA. Hosted by Senator Tim Kearney.
  • 16, 5:30 pm–8:00 pm, New Life Presbyterian Church, 467 N Easton Rd, Glenside PA. Hosted by Senator Art Haywood.
  • 16, 5:00 pm–8:00 pm, William Penn Middle School, 1524 Derbyshire Rd, Yardley PA. Hosted by Senator Steve Santarsiero.
  • 17, 6:00 pm–8:30 pm, Westmoreland County Community College, 1150 5th Avenue, Rm. 132, New Kensington, PA. Hosted by Senator Jim Brewster.
  • 18, 5:30 pm–8:00 pm, Masjidullah, Inc., 7433 Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia, PA. Hosted by Senator Art Haywood.
  • 19, 6:00 pm–8:30 pm, Lower Providence Fire Company, 3199 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA. Hosted by Senator Katie Muth.
  • 21, 10:00 am–2:00 pm, Montgomery Elementary School, 1221 Stump Rd, North Wales PA. Hosted by Senator Maria Collett.
  • 26, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm, The Mummers Museum, 1100 S 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA Hosted by Senator Larry Farnese.
  • 27, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm, Pioneer Hose, 124 Morgan Street, Brackenridge, PA. Hosted by Senator Lindsey Williams.
  • 29, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm, The Chartiers Room, 370 Commercial Street, Bridgeville, PA. Hosted by Senator Pam Iovino.

(Source: Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Elizabeth Hardison, September 3, 2019)

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), will be hosting eight regional Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Summits this fall. The purpose of these summits is to promote awareness of MAT options for opioid use disorder and to increase the number of practitioners using the waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in an office-based setting.

Participants in the summits will include physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, as well as administrative and clinical support staff in their practices. Other industry stakeholders could also benefit and are welcome to attend.

A web page has been established on DDAP’s website which includes the summit dates, counties in each region, and Save the Date flyers for each summit. This web page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Attendance is free, and registration will open in early September. Another email will be sent when registration opens. Questions can be directed to this email.

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Folders with the label Applications and Grants

The following Grant Opportunities are now open in PCCD’s Egrants System:

Funding Announcement Title: 2019 Substance Abuse Education (SAEDR) Cat 1-Adult
Plan Year: 2019
Release Date: 8/30/2019
Due Date: 10/7/2019
Concept Papers Required: No
Competitive/Noncompetitive: Competitive
Amount Announced: $1,000,000.00

 

Funding Announcement Title: 2019 Substance Abuse Education (SAEDR) – Youth
Plan Year: 2019
Release Date: 8/30/2019
Due Date: 10/7/2019
Concept Papers Required: No
Competitive/Noncompetitive: Competitive
Amount Announced: $1,000,000.00

To view the details regarding this solicitation and others, please click on the Funding Announcement Title listed above. You can view detailed documentation regarding these Funding Announcements by clicking on the Funding Announcement Title on the screen.

You must be registered with PCCD to access the Egrants System. If you are not registered, visit the website and select Register. Once your registration is accepted, select the Login button. Enter the User ID and Password established when you registered, and Login to the system through the Egrants Production link. Then you will see the User Management Profile Details page. You must save this information in order to access the system.

Contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp with questions.

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