';
Tags Posts tagged with "Advocacy"

Advocacy

In the last month, more than 2,500 residents have contacted the administration and their local state senators and representatives urging them to address the workforce crisis affecting Pennsylvania’s human services sectors.

The outreach has been extraordinary! But we can’t stop now.

The House and Senate will be wrapping up their annual budget hearings over the next few days and turning their attention to crafting the commonwealth’s final spending plan before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

If you haven’t done so already, please reach out and urge lawmakers to increase funding to support human services professionals so individuals and families in need get the support and care they deserve. Ask your networks to do the same.

Pennsylvania is sitting on billions of federal dollars and state “rainy day” funds that could increase wages to help us attract and retain human service professionals. Yet, even as this workforce crisis worsens, the money remains unspent as the needs of our most vulnerable residents go unmet.

The outpouring of support so far is evidence of how this crisis is affecting individuals and families, as well as the providers and professionals who want to serve them.

But we need to do more…and we need to sustain the effort.

Please VISIT HERE to learn how you can help. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed of our progress. Most importantly, TAKE ACTION TODAY. Tell lawmakers to increase funding to address the workforce crisis facing Pennsylvania’s health and human services.

Thank you for your continued support.

2022 NADSP Advocacy Symposium: Amplifying The Voices Of Direct Support Professionals
March 9–10, 2022
Register Now!

Over 300 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), self-advocates, and family members from almost every state in the country are set to embark on NADSP’s first ever national advocacy event next week on March 9 and 10. The purpose of this virtual event is to bring the DSP perspective to the forefront of Congress and the Administration during a time of unprecedented workforce challenges.

The NADSP recognizes the previous absence and critical importance of lifting the voices of DSPs to federal policy-makers so that public policy can be informed by the people who are on the frontlines of supporting people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in the community. This 1.5-day virtual symposium will culminate with virtual meetings with Congressional leaders and staff to educate and advocate on NADSP’s public policy priorities for 2022.

Registration will close TONIGHT, March 2, 2022, at 8:00 pm EST. 

As someone on the frontlines, you already know that the workforce crisis affecting Pennsylvania’s human services is worsening. Unless lawmakers act swiftly, vital supports for individuals and families will be in jeopardy. Without additional state funding for human service professionals, providers may have no choice but to cut services or eliminate programs due to this increasing shortage of workers.

State government currently has billions of federal dollars and “rainy day” funds that could increase wages to help retain workers and attract and train a new workforce. Yet, even amid this worsening crisis, the money remains unspent as the needs of our most vulnerable residents go unmet.

That’s why we’re taking action — and we hope you’ll join us.

RCPA is partnering with other associations to urge lawmakers to increase funding and support human services professionals, so individuals and families in need get the assistance and care they deserve. View our official press release.

You can help.

  • Visit the coalition’s website to learn how you can help.
  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed of our progress.
  • Share this message with your own network of providers, professionals, and families and encourage them to do the same, using the hashtag #DirectCarePA.
  • Most importantly, TAKE ACTION TODAY. Tell lawmakers to release funding to address the workforce crisis facing Pennsylvania’s health and human services.

As always, thank you for all you do – for the support and care you provide to our most vulnerable residents. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your support.