CBS News: Eligible Pennsylvanians Can Now Apply for Property Tax and Rent Rebates of Up to $1,000
Shapiro Administration
Post-Gazette Editorial: Another Budget, Another Chance to Help PA’s Struggling Disability Care System
Shapiro-Davis Administration Announces School Safety and Security Grant
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has announced a $155M School Safety and Security Grant for K-12 schools, with a focus on mental health support, as part of the 2023/24 state budget. The grants cover noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants, formula-based School Safety and Security Meritorious Grants, and Competitive School Safety and Security Grants. To apply and access information, including eligibility criteria, visit PCCD’s School Safety and Security web page. The application period ends on February 29, 2024. The funds aim to address basic safety needs and mental health services, as outlined in the Committee’s Revised Baseline Criteria Standards. For inquiries, please contact PCCD staff. Funding is facilitated through House Bill 301 in the 2023/24 state budget. For any other questions, contact RCPA Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp.
Inside Aging January 2024 Newsletter Now Available
State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Special Session Scheduled on Jan. 10
A Special Session of the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation has been announced and will be held on January 10, 2024, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm via Zoom. The purpose of the session is to discuss and seek approval of the VR portion of the State Plan as well as approval of the letter to Governor Shapiro. You can view both the agenda notice and information on connecting to the meeting.
SUD Treatment Staffing Flexibilities Signed Into Law; DDAP to Provide Guidance
Governor’s BH Council Members Announced, First Meeting Held
Pennsylvania’s Behavioral Health Council, created through executive order in October, held its first meeting yesterday.
The council intends to develop and recommend to the governor a statewide action plan to address any gaps in access, affordability, or delivery of services, with the goal of removing silos across state agencies, healthcare providers, payers, state and local government sectors, as well as decreasing the wait time for services for Pennsylvanians in need.
Read the full press release and list of Behavioral Health Council members.
Feedback Sought on PA Behavioral Health Council Initiatives
Established by Executive Order 2023-20, the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council plans to address mental health and substance use challenges statewide. The Administration and Council are currently seeking stakeholder input through a survey, which is open until December 14, 2023. Please complete the survey, and feel free to share the link.
Inside Aging December 2023 Newsletter Now Available
More Than 300 Recovery Houses Now Licensed In Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced today that 312 recovery houses are now licensed throughout the commonwealth.
Since the licensure program began, DDAP has provided hands-on technical assistance to recovery house owners and continues to work individually with applicants to ensure accurate submissions when applying. DDAP developed and now offers a new provider workshop that has helped to increase accuracy of applications, which further streamlines and expedites the licensure process.
The purpose of DDAP’s recovery house licensure program is to help empower sustained recovery for individuals with substance use disorder by ensuring a network of safe drug and alcohol recovery houses across Pennsylvania.
A listing of licensed recovery houses as well as information regarding the licensing application process can be found on the DDAP website.
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