Fox43: New Housing to Support Young Adults in Lebanon County
OMHSAS
Early Bird Registration Extended for Children’s Interagency Conference
The Early Bird registration deadline for Pennsylvania’s 21st Children’s Interagency Conference has been extended to March 15, 2024. From April 22 – April 25, 2024, the event will be held at the Penn Stater Hotel in State College, PA, focusing on the theme “Shining The Light on Mental Health: Building Youth Wellness & Resilience.” Keynote speakers Dani Bowman, Anthony Cammilleri, and Victor Armstrong will address attendees on April 22, 2024. The conference is organized by the PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services, and the PA Care Partnership. Registration is now open at the 21st Children’s Interagency Conference Registration web page. For more information about the conference, visit the conference website. For assistance, contact conference planner Katrina Harris.
If you have any further questions, please contact Jim Sharp, RCPA Mental Health Policy Director.
Mindful Aging: Let’s Start the Conversation — Positive Approaches Journal Volume 12, Issue 4 Now Available
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce that the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is now available!
This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal focuses on the aging process in those with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) and mental health. Pennsylvania has seen significant growth in their older adult population, and this trend certainly applies to those with ID/A and mental health.
The articles presented in this issue of the Positive Approaches journal offer insight and expertise into several aspects of the issues that Pennsylvania’s aging population is confronting. Discussion on such key topics as dementia, social isolation, mental health and substance abuse, and the Pennsylvania Master Plan on Aging are addressed.
This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading at MyODP’s website. To print a copy of the PDF, online journal, or a specific article, you will find these options within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. A new window will open with your selected document. In your browser, you may click the Print button in the top left corner of the page, or by using the Print capability within your browser.
Please submit feedback regarding your experience with the Positive Approaches Journal on MyODP by selecting the feedback image on MyODP within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page.
OMHSAS and SAMHSA Announce On-Site SOAR Technical Assistance
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), collaborating with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) SOAR Technical Assistance Center, offers on-site technical assistance (TA) to communities interested in implementing or expanding the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model, aiding individuals at risk of homelessness or returning from institutions in navigating complex benefits systems. The TA, likely occurring in May or June 2024, requires community coordination and commitment. You can also view the one-pager regarding SOAR outcomes and an overview. Providers interested in participating should complete this survey. For any questions, contact Lauren MacWithey.
If you have any further questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
ODP and OMHSAS Announce Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series
The Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) announce the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series, aimed at supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) and mental health needs. The series features presentations on best practices and promising approaches, with session topics chosen based on identified needs and stakeholder input. Registration is free for all professional stakeholders, offering three hours of training credit and a certificate of achievement. Register here. Please send all questions regarding registration electronically.
If you have any further questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
February 2024 Telehealth Work Group Meeting Notes Now Available
Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series Presents “Centering the Humans in Human Services” on March 21
OMHSAS Mental Health Planning Council to Host Quarterly Meeting on February 20
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) Mental Health Planning Council (MHPC) will host its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The meeting will feature committee meetings for adults, older adults, and children, as well as a joint session. Details for accessing each session remotely are provided below:
- Children’s Committee:
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Access Code: 2631 909 4263
- Webex Link
- Password: fnQK8Tvb2w4
- Phone: 1-415-655-0001
- Adult Committee:
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Access Code: 2633 120 2679
- Webex Link
- Password: q7NFKxgYp72
- Phone: 1-415-655-0001
- Older Adult Committee:
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Access Code: 2631 734 4409
- Webex Link
- Password: ASnju542NBg
- Phone: 1-415-655-0001
- Networking Lunch:
- Time: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
- Note: Each Committee Session meeting (Older Adult, Adult, and Children’s) will remain open until 12:45 pm for optional networking. Please note, OMHSAS staff may not be available consistently throughout the entire networking time.
- Joint Session:
- Time: 12:45 pm – 3:00 pm
- Access Code: 2634 353 5963
- Webex Link
- Password: BJjxPx6FP53
- Phone: 1-415-655-0001
Attendees are not required to pre-register or create an account to attend the MHPC meetings. However, it’s recommended to test the Webex program prior to the meeting and log in 10 minutes early. Phone-only participants can use *6 to mute/unmute and *9 to “raise their hand” to speak. For any questions, please email OMHSAS. If you have additional questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
ICWC Technical Assistance Session Follow-Up
RCPA Issues Telehealth Legislative Update
RCPA is pleased to report several successful collaborative efforts this week, including a meeting with DHS, OMHSAS, and a delegation of House and Senate Representatives. We reviewed proposed language for a new bill that would address the 4 walls standard for ongoing telehealth with practitioners not within the 4 walls of a clinic. The bill will also include language previously introduced on the Psychiatric Outpatient Regulatory requirements for the 50% in-office time for clinics and the use of advanced practice professionals to meet those time requirements.
The language for both target areas was approved by all parties and will now move on to the House Human Services Committee. RCPA has a meeting scheduled for early next week to review the finalized version prior to its introduction. We have also met with Senate counterparts to support the measure.
Lastly, RCPA continues its dialogue with OMHSAS for guidance and clarification, including sharing members’ and stakeholders’ feedback. We have had the opportunity to speak with our BH-MCO members and understand OMHSAS Deputy Secretary Jen Smith will be meeting with that group and the county contractors on the processes moving forward.
We are hopeful for an expedited legislative solution that will aid OMHSAS in making any resulting policy, practice, or program changes that will support the initiative. We are extremely encouraged by the system’s efforts and focus this week and will continue to provide key updates to members and stakeholders.
If you have any questions, please contact RCP Policy Director Jim Sharp.
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