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Mental Health

OMHSAS has announced that Youth Move PA will implement a suicide prevention program, Sources of Strength, in Pennsylvania middle and high schools starting from the 2023–2024 school year. Sources of Strength is an evidence-based model that engages youth as peer leaders and school staff as adult allies to enhance protective factors associated with reducing suicide at the school population level. Contact Kevin Puskaric for more information on the initiative implementation or RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

(Sent on behalf of OMHSAS)

Family feedback requested on accessing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)

The Mental Health Planning Council, under the direction of The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), is conducting a survey on accessing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) and is requesting assistance in distributing the survey to families and providers.

  • The Mental Health Planning Council is conducting a family survey to collect feedback on accessing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS).
  • The survey link and flyer should be shared with providers, who can then share it with families.
  • Feedback will be de-identified and compiled by the Family Satisfaction Team of Montgomery County to be shared with relevant entities.

Data collection for the survey will run from July 3 through August 7, 2023.

“This project, publication/report/etc. was developed [in part] under grant number SM080147, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.” (From the OMHSAS Mental Health Planning Committee)

RCPA, on behalf of our members and those they serve, continue our efforts advocating for children, families, and practitioners delivering IBHS services. We respectfully ask our members to share this survey with families they are currently serving. The information will be utilized to examine challenges and opportunities in creating more viable pathways to IBHS services.

If you have questions, please contact Clare Higgins or RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

The 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity plans to start off strong with a full lineup of workshops addressing current trends and ideas in health and human services. Held at the Hershey Lodge October 10 – 13, the conference will showcase a wide range of topics and host plenty of opportunities for CEUs. Our full brochure is available, and we’re starting off the week with sessions that include:

  • The Milieu Therapist Residency Program
    • Learn about UPMC Western Behavioral Health’s MT Residency program for bolstering staff confidence and increasing retention.
  • Restrictive Practices Across the States: Strategies to Advocate for Change
    • Listen to a panel of experts discuss the restrictions and inequities found in HCBS as well as practical solutions to tackling them.
  • Becoming a Data-Driven Provider: 10 Steps to Creating a Data-Driven Culture
    • Learn about Mainstay Life Services’ development of a “Data-Driven Culture,” including the initial state of infrastructure and tools used for implementation.
  • Devereux Ascend Career Accelerator Program
    • Explore professional development paths and ideas for your employees through the Devereux Ascend Career Accelerator Program.
  • Increasing Dental Care Access for the I/DD and ND Population With Visual Supports and Video Modeling
    • Discover new ways of using visual, audio, and video supports to support those with ID/A in accessing and addressing dental care.
  • The Happy Valley FitLink Approach to Inclusive Wellness
    • Improve health outcomes for those with neurodiversity and ID/A with daily fitness goals and activities.
  • OLTL Updates and Quality Initiatives
    • Engage with OLTL leadership to discuss quality initiatives, FY 2024 priorities, and more.

Be sure to register now to see these workshops in person and earn continuing education credits!

In addition to an amazing roster of speakers, our 2023 Conference will have an exciting array of sponsors and exhibitors. We thank those who have committed to our conference thus far! If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, visit here for more details. You can also contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, with any questions you may have.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Offices of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) issued a Medical Assistance (MA) bulletin today detailing MA payment for street medicine.

This bulletin informs MA providers that DHS will cover certain services for MA beneficiaries experiencing unsheltered homelessness in their lived environment, known as street medicine. Covered services include physical and behavioral health services, such as primary care, vaccinations, wound care, counseling, and diagnostics in the lived environment. The bulletin applies to enrolled physicians, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, mobile mental health treatment providers, and outpatient practitioners in mental health. Managed care providers should contact their managed care organization(s) for billing questions.

The complete bulletin can be viewed here as well as on the DHS website.