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The PA Department of Health and Penn State University have created a survey to better understand PPE knowledge amongst healthcare workers in Pennsylvania, including dental providers and office teams. In addition to PPE knowledge, they would like to better understand healthcare worker feelings about vaccinations and mental health. All responses are anonymous.
This survey should take you no more than 10–20 minutes, and people who complete the entire survey will be able to register for two chances to win a $250 gift card. Participants can access the survey here.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please reference the contact information within the flyer.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides funds and discounts for families and households struggling to afford internet service. You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Visit here to check your household’s eligibility.
Eligible households may receive assistance of up to $30 a month in discounts for broadband service and/or a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. See the flyer for more information. Visit here to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program and learn more.
ACP Information Session
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is hosting a webinar to provide an overview of the ACP for interested stakeholders. The webinar will cover more information on the ACP, who is eligible, how to apply, ACP outreach grant opportunities, and a Q&A session. Visit here to register for the ACP Overview webinar.
As clinician and staff burnout continues to rise, behavioral health providers have to get creative in finding ways to increase staff productivity, retention, and recruitment.
Streamline client 4C Health did just that – they introduced a 4-day, 32-hour work week. The results?
Join leaders and employees at 4C Health for a discussion on their approach and best practices for other behavioral health providers who may be considering a shortened work week.
Webinar Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm CT
*All approved registrants will receive a link to the recording 1–2 days post-webinar.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) joined RCPA-member University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to announce that DDAP is awarding nearly $19 million in grant funding through its substance use disorder (SUD) loan repayment program. This program is aimed at aiding SUD treatment and case management professionals with repaying their outstanding qualifying educational loans.
More than 280 SUD practitioners, including case managers, counselors, licensed social workers, physician assistants, and registered nurses, were awarded the funding to go toward repaying their student loans. Of the total grant recipients, six are current UPMC employees, each receiving grants of up to $100,000 per person.
“We are thrilled that the administration is investing into helping and boosting the behavioral health care workforce,” said Noreen Fredrick, vice president of ambulatory and community behavioral health services for UPMC Western Behavioral Health and RCPA’s Chairperson-Elect. “Behavioral health workers have been at the forefront of addressing substance use disorders and saving lives. There are many ways in which UPMC is advocating for our employees, and programs like this will certainly help ease the heavy loan burden many clinicians obtain to do this important work.”
High rates of turnover and shortages of health care professionals have placed increased pressure on employee recruitment and retention, as well as access to care for Pennsylvania residents seeking SUD treatment and supports. Through this SUD loan repayment program, DDAP will provide loan repayment opportunities as an incentive to retain SUD practitioners willing to continue providing services within the commonwealth.
Candidates who were selected were required to demonstrate a minimum of two prior years of experience in the SUD field as well as agree to a service commitment of two additional years.
This funding opportunity is made possible from the Opioid Settlement Fund (McKinsey) and Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program Fund.
“The Wolf Administration remains committed to strengthening the drug and alcohol treatment and case management system across Pennsylvania and this loan repayment program is just one more example of that commitment,” said Secretary Jen Smith. “Easing the burden of student debt is paramount to helping incentivize SUD professionals to remain in this field, which in turn will benefit some of our loved ones, friends and neighbors who need SUD services most.”
Join RCPA for a Membership Benefits webinar on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 1:00 pm in order to orient yourself with all that an RCPA membership entails. This webinar will review the benefits that come with RCPA membership, including many that you may not be aware of. Those considering membership are also invited to become acquainted with the benefits.
Register here to attend this webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more:
Visit the RCPA member benefits page or contact Tieanna Lloyd for more information. We look forward to your participation in this webinar.