Implications of Governor Shapiro’s Executive Orders and Impact on HCBS Providers
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
This year’s theme — More Good Days, Together — encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all. See ways to get involved.
*Courtesy of Mental Health America (MHA)
Register Today! RCPA 2026 Annual Membership Meeting on June 2
Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services Inc. Receives a Grant Award from Staunton Farm Foundation
For immediate release:
Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services Inc. (CRCSI) is thrilled to announce that it has received a $100,000 grant from Staunton Farm Foundation to enhance the agency’s new Electronic Health Record in the upcoming year. This monumental task could potentially support a new approach to providing treatment through the utilization of integrated assessment and diagnostic tools, providing real time outcomes. Those rich outcomes will enhance the process of care and the collaboration between patient and treatment providers.
CRCSI turned to Staunton Farm Foundation for assistance with this project, being aware of the Foundation’s extensive philanthropic history of funding initiatives to improve mental health and substance abuse services for the residents of the area. Additionally, CRCSI has been the recipient of past awards from the Foundation and has had the pleasure of working with them on previous rewarding projects.
CRCSI has been a leader in mental health care in Western Pennsylvania since 1969 and has long been active in community projects that inspire the health of the community. CRCSI collaborates with other agencies and partners including, but not limited to, Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration, Carelon Health of Pennsylvania, and WVU Medicine/ Uniontown Hospital, to name a few.
Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment, support, and recovery through grant making to nonprofit organizations in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland). Learn more at www.StauntonFarm.org.
Key Details for First Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Opportunities
At midnight on May 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services will open applications for the first opportunity to receive Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding. $25M of grants will be awarded, with a $1M maximum per qualified hospital, healthcare provider, and rural health facility for equipment, supplies, renovations, or structural improvements.
Key Details:
- Application Dates: May, 1 2026 – June 1, 2026, or until the authorized funding cap has been met, whichever is sooner.
- Total Available Funding: $25 million
- Payment Amounts: $10,000 – $1,000,000
- Qualified Entities: Hospitals, healthcare providers, or rural health facilities within specific regions
To receive an RHTP payment, qualified entities must complete and submit the eligibility certification. The payment must stabilize or enhance rural health care access, promote rural well-being, and fall under one of the six initiatives in the Department’s federally approved RHTP application:
- Aging and Access;
- Behavioral Health;
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Transportation;
- Maternal Health;
- Technology and Infrastructure; or
- Workforce
Please note, this RHTP payment is an initial opportunity. If you do not qualify for this RHTP payment and want to apply for funding for other purposes, a future opportunity may be a better fit.
See the PA Bulletin announcement here. Please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp with any questions.
Devereux/TCV Community Services Opens STAIRS Intensive Residential Treatment Program in Homestead
Basics of Medicaid HCBS Infographic
ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities and the National Association of Medicaid Directors, is excited to share a new infographic on the purpose, value, and impact of Medicaid HCBS. This resource includes an overview of key services, facts, and figures on HCBS utilization and spending, and trends and growth through rebalancing efforts. ADvancing States encourages members to use and share this infographic as a foundation for conversations about Medicaid HCBS. Use this link to view and download the infographic.
Pittsburgh Mercy Partners With NFL to Support Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
PAʼs First Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Funding Opportunity
Temple University Offers Paid Research Opportunities about Employment Services
Temple University is conducting a survey to better understand and improve employment services for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania, including those who use languages other than English.
This information will be included in the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA), conducted in collaboration with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council (PaRC), and will inform the State Plan.
You are eligible if you:
- Are 18 years or older;
- Work for an organization in Pennsylvania; and
- Work for an organization that provides services to people with disabilities who speak languages other than English.
The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. It asks about your experiences providing employment services, including challenges, supports, and training needs. Participants will receive a $25 gift card.
Participate in the survey, or learn more
Thank you for considering this opportunity to share your experiences and improve services for people with disabilities who speak languages other than English.
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