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Mental Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Allegheny Family Network Celebrates the Retirement of CEO Ruth Fox, Welcomes John Eliyas as Incoming Chief Executive Officer

Pittsburgh, PA — [February 9, 2026] — After more than four decades of dedicated service to children, families, and communities, Ruth Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Allegheny Family Network (AFN), has announced her retirement, closing a transformative chapter in the organization’s history. AFN also proudly announces the appointment of John J. Eliyas, MA, CPG, as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in the next era of leadership and growth.

Welcoming a Seasoned Behavioral Health Leader
As AFN looks to the future, the Board of Directors has appointed John J. Eliyas, MA, CPG, a respected behavioral health executive with more than 30 years of experience across mental health, substance use, forensic, and community-based systems.

John, of Penn Township, Pa., most recently served as Executive Director of Behavioral Health at Merakey, where he oversaw residential, outpatient, forensic, and community programming across Western Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has built multidisciplinary teams, expanded services, increased revenue, and strengthened system partnerships.

His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, frontline engagement, and empowering staff and families — values closely aligned with AFN’s family-run model.

“I am honored to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Ruth and the AFN team have created,” said Eliyas. “Family voice and peer support are critical to strong communities, and I look forward to partnering with families, staff, and stakeholders to expand AFN’s impact across Pennsylvania.”

John shares “lived experience” as a parent and caregiver, personally and professionally, across a variety of systems.

Honoring a Visionary Leader
Ruth Fox has devoted her career to uplifting families and strengthening mental health systems across Western Pa. Beginning her professional journey as a nurse and community volunteer, Ruth transitioned into behavioral health leadership, where she discovered her calling: ensuring families have a voice and a choice in their care.

Ruth, of Cheswick, Pa., began her position as Executive Director in 2008. Under her leadership:

  •       Budget growth from $250,000 to $6.1 million
  •       Staff expansion from 5 to 56 team members
  •       Service reach from 30 families per month to more than 467 families monthly
  •       Launch of the family-run statewide organization, the PA Parent and Family Alliance
  •       Innovative partnerships with family peer support and crisis response systems

Her leadership story is deeply personal as well as professional. Inspired by her own family’s lived experience navigating mental health challenges, Ruth built AFN around compassion, resilience, and the belief that every family deserves support, dignity, and hope. Ruth’s work has empowered thousands of caregivers and families over her tenure.

“Leading Allegheny Family Network has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Fox. “My wish is that the organization continues to grow, and continues to help families who are working hard so that their children can succeed.”

A Strong Future Ahead
AFN’s Board of Directors shared that this transition reflects continuity and growth.

“Ruth’s legacy is woven into the heart of our organization,” said Lisa Stefanko, Board Chair. “John brings the experience, integrity, and vision needed to carry that mission forward. Together, this moment represents both celebration and opportunity.”

Allegheny Family Network remains committed to strengthening families, elevating lived experience, and ensuring that families have access to meaningful support and advocacy.

About Allegheny Family Network
Allegheny Family Network is the largest family-run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families raising children and loved ones with mental health or emotional challenges in Pennsylvania. Through peer support, advocacy, education, and system partnership, AFN empowers families to build resilience, connection, and hope. AFN is based in Pittsburgh, with a satellite office in Natrona Heights, Allegheny County. It services almost 500 families monthly with Comprehensive Family Peer Support Services, Support Groups, Education Programs and Partnerships with child and family-serving systems. AFN has a staff comprised of parents with lived experience of raising children with mental health, behavioral health or trauma, from the Executive Team to the frontline staff.

Media Contact:
Misty Chybrzynski Woody
Chief Strategy & Development Officer
Allegheny Family Network
Office / Cell: 412-438-6130

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared this important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “FDA MedWatch – Medline Updates Instructions for Use for Homecare Beds.”

This recall involves updating instructions for using devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without following the updated instructions.

What to Do:
Customers have reported incidents of hand control pendants burning, overheating, melting, sparking, causing electrical shock, and catching on fire only for the Medline Basic Beds identified in the alert. Such incidents pose significant risks, including serious injury and death. The FDA is recommending affected beds be left unplugged from wall power unless adjustments that require electricity need to be made.

For Medline Basic Beds and Medlite Homecare Beds identified, only use accessories intended for use with Medline Homecare Beds.

On November 26, Medline sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions:

  • To mitigate risk during use, strictly adhere to usage guidelines and safety instructions provided with the product as well as the following instructions:
    • Do not operate bed above the specified weight limit.
    • Ensure none of the bed components are jammed.
    • Ensure that there is no obstruction to the movement of the bed.
    • Hang the pendant on headboard or footboard when not in use.
    • Do not store the pendant on mattress at any time, including while asleep.
    • Unplug the bed and call for service if any of the following occur:
      • Bed motors appear to be jammed, stalled, or malfunctioning;
      • The bed pendant controls aren’t working;
      • Pendant wiring is damaged;
      • Pendant becomes hot to the touch; and/or
      • Smoke, sparking, or other unsafe electrical conditions occur.
    • Only use Medline side rails and Medline accessories that are intended for use with Medline Homecare Beds. When using Medline side rails and Medline accessories, follow all applicable instructions for use.
    • Do not use non-Medline side rails or non-Medline accessories, including extension cords, with Medline Homecare Beds. The following Medline Side Rail SKUs are compatible with both the Basic Homecare Beds and the Medlite Homecare Beds:
      • MDS89697 (Clamp-On Half Rail)
      • MDS89698N (Spring Loaded Half Rail)
      • MDS89694N (Spring Loaded Full Rail)
      • MDS89695N (Economy Full Rail)

Reason for Correction:
Medline has identified electrical safety risks with its Medline Basic Homecare Beds that may lead to fire.

The electrical safety risk is a potential hazard involving the hand control pendant and associated wires for Medline Basic Homecare Beds, SKUs MDR107002E, MDR107002E-4, MDR107003E, MDR107003E-4, and MDR107003ELO. In certain scenarios — such as operating the bed above its specified weight limit, encountering an obstruction to bed movement, or experiencing jammed components/motor, among other potential conditions — the hand pendant and pendant cords may overheat and, in some instances, pose a risk of fire. Medline Industries has received reports of pendants sparking, burning, melting, smoking, and catching on fire.

As of December 18, Medline has reported 12 injuries and one death associated with this issue.

Additionally, Medline has identified patient entrapment as a potential issue when using non-Medline accessories on Medline beds. Non-Medline accessories or a user error when handling the pendant can unintentionally cause the bed to adjust position, entrapping the user’s body between the bed and the accessory. Entrapment could lead to asphyxiation, serious injury, and death. Patients with reduced monitoring, such as those at home, are at increased risk due to delays in detecting and responding to entrapment incidents.

As of December 18, Medline has reported two injuries and one death associated with the use of non-Medline approved accessories.

Device Use:
An AC-powered adjustable hospital bed is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a bed with a built-in electric motor and remote controls that can be operated by the patient to adjust the height and surface contour of the bed. Hospital beds include side rails that can be latched on or off and moved around.

Contact Information:
Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Medline Industries at 866-359-1704 or via email.

For additional information and specific models affected, visit the FDA’s website.

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The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro included an additional $13.2 million in state funding for Early Intervention (EI) services, with $10 million of this funding specifically targeting provider rates.

Last Friday, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released the 2025/26 Fee Schedule, which included a 7% increase for Early Intervention services, with some exceptions.

Infant Toddler Early Intervention Programs and providers should now use the updated Fiscal Year 2025/26 fee schedule rates to bill for all services delivered on or after July 1, 2025. OCDEL will coordinate with County programs to communicate a Mass Adjustment coordination with all Early Intervention providers for services already billed that are eligible for a rate adjustment.

This news comes after months of joint advocacy from RCPA, EIPA, PennAEYC, and other EI provider groups. RCPA is grateful for these strong partnerships, and we recognize this commitment to investment in the Early Intervention Part C Program by Governor Shapiro, OCDEL, and the PA General Assembly.

Read the full announcement here.

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RCPA has been a long-time partner of the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), a policy design and implementation organization devoted to improving outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid. Our collaborative efforts across the arena of Medicaid and the pending impacts of HR 1 remain a critical connection point to ensure access in Pennsylvania.

On behalf of CHCS, RCPA would like to share this update on resources related to the Rural Health Transformation Project. Per the update:

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), authorized under the 2025 budget reconciliation act (P.L. 119-21), will distribute $50 billion to all 50 states from 2026 to 2030 — serving as a partial offset to Medicaid cuts. In designing and launching RHTP plans, state agencies must meet ambitious federal expectations and timelines. Experiences from other large-scale statewide efforts — such as the American Rescue Plan Act, Opioid Settlement Funds, multisector plans for aging (MPA), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) State Innovation Models (SIM) demonstration — can help inform state planning.

This brief provides practical recommendations to help states establish the administrative infrastructure needed to implement their RHTP plans. Drawing on insights from state officials involved with similar transformation efforts, as well as the Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) experience supporting this work, the brief highlights best practices and common pitfalls across four core domains:

  1. Governance;
  2. Stakeholder engagement and communications;
  3. Budget tracking, reporting, and contracting; and
  4. Data and evaluation.

While not exhaustive, this brief outlines practical lessons that state staff can use to guide RHTP activities during the critical first six to nine months of program design and implementation, helping states build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Additionally, CHCS published a series of tip sheets to aid stakeholders in exploring strategies and initiatives within the project. The tip sheets offer resources for strengthening rural health, including workforce and access issues.

If members have any questions regarding this update or the Rural Health Transformation Plan, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.

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RCPA continues to seek proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities, which will be held September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge for a statewide audience. RCPA’s Conference Committee is looking for workshop proposals in every area for possible inclusion, particularly those that assist providers in developing and maintaining high-quality, stable, and effective treatments, services, and agencies in an industry where change is constant. The committee looks for presentations that:

  • Discuss strategies for C-Suite leadership to advance their organization with adapting to challenges and opportunities;
  • Provide guidance on building a culture of a committed workforce, including recruitment and employee development as well as effective remote workforce strategies;
  • Highlight new policy, research, and treatment initiatives, such as the use of artificial intelligence and technology in service provision;
  • Provide specific skills and information related to individual and organizational leadership development and enhancement;
  • Discuss advanced ethics practices and suicide prevention; and/or
  • Address system changes that affect business practices, including integrated care strategies, value-based purchasing, performance-based contracting, acquisitions and mergers, and alternative payment models.

The committee welcomes any proposal that addresses these and other topics essential to brain injury, medical rehabilitation, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, children’s health, aging, physical disabilities, autism, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities. Members are encouraged to consider submitting, and we highly encourage you to forward this opportunity to those who are exceptionally good speakers and have state-of-the-art information to share.

The Call for Proposals (featuring a complete listing of focus tracks) and accompanying Guidelines for Developing Educational Objectives detail requirements for submissions. The deadline for submissions is COB Monday, March 23, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically with the form provided; confirmation of receipt will be sent. Proposals submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

If the proposal is accepted, individuals must be prepared to present on any day of the conference. Workshops are 90 minutes in length. If the topic requires an in-depth presentation, a double session can be scheduled for a total of 180 minutes. At the time of acceptance, presenters will be asked to confirm the ability to submit workshop slides and handouts electronically two weeks prior to the conference. Individuals unable to meet this expectation may not have their materials available to participants during the conference.

Individuals are welcome to submit more than one proposal; however, we ask that you submit no more than three total. Notification of inclusion for the conference will be made via email by Monday, May 11, 2026. Questions may be directed to Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.

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Devereux is thrilled to announce that President and CEO Carl E. Clark II was recently elected chair of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership Board of Trustees.

Clark was elected to a one-year term (Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026), having served as an active member of the Board since 2019. The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the awareness, understanding and practice of Servant Leadership by individuals and organizations.

“I am honored to be elected chair of Greenleaf’s esteemed Board of Trustees,” said Clark. “Since launching our Servant Leadership initiative in 2018, Devereux has created an enhanced work environment that empowers team members to share ideas that benefit the individuals and families we serve and our overall organization. In my new role, I look forward to helping advance Greenleaf’s mission, grow its impact and ensure Servant Leadership remains a relevant and actionable model for leaders who want to build trust, develop others and serve with purpose.”

Greenleaf Executive Director Reginald “Reggie” Lewis noted, “Carl is a genuine believer! He truly embodies and lives by the principles of Servant Leadership – a leadership approach that places less of an emphasis on titles and positional authority to focus on the well-being of those served. Over the past several years, Carl has been instrumental in providing guidance on the Center’s efforts to redesign its consultative services to better assist organizations across sectors striving to improve workplace culture and achieve greater societal impact.”

Building on Greenleaf’s legacy
As chair of the Greenleaf Board, Clark will help guide the strategic vision and priorities of the longest, continuously operating Servant Leadership nonprofit organization in the world.

“Carl’s natural inclination to listen first makes him extremely approachable and an ideal thought partner,” Lewis shared. “He has consistently made himself available to advise and support our Center’s strategic direction. Our Board and staff enter this new year with enormous enthusiasm in anticipation of all the ways Carl will assist us in building on Greenleaf’s momentum to strengthen organizations around the country.”

Clark added, “I am committed to building on Greenleaf’s legacy while helping guide a strategic vision rooted in service and putting people first. Together, with my colleagues on the Board, we will continue to elevate Servant Leadership, strengthen its influence and drive meaningful, lasting change.”

About the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership
The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership was founded in 1964 by Robert K. Greenleaf. Servant Leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world. While Servant Leadership is a timeless concept, the phrase “Servant Leadership” was coined by Greenleaf in his 1970 essay, The Servant as Leader. The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership programs include the Greenleaf Academy, Outside Engagements Portfolio, Next Generation Initiative, Greenleaf Scholars, Coffee with Webinar Series and Greenleaf Public Policy Lecture.

Learn more about Devereux.

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