Reminder: RCPA PH/BH Integration Webinar Series on OMHSAS/OMAP Vision on Sept. 11
Webinar
DDAP, PCCD, Other Partners to Host Webinar on PA Overdose Prevention Program August 30
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), Prevention Point Pittsburgh, and the PA Harm Reduction Network will host a webinar from 10:00 am – 11:30 am tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30. The purpose is to introduce the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program (POPP), which aims to address the opioid overdose crisis by increasing access to naloxone as well as resources and tools for drug checking, helping individuals verify the composition of substances they intend to consume. To participate, register online.
PA ABLE Savings Program Webinar to Be Offered on September 7
On September 7, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) will be offering a webinar on the topic of the PA Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A PA ABLE account provides individuals with qualifying disabilities, as well as their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. The webinar/presentation will be given by a Representative of the PA Treasury Department.
OLTL Service Coordinators, Direct Service Providers, Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care organization (MCO) staff, and any individuals that work on employment are strongly encouraged to participate in this webinar. It will help you understand the PA ABLE Program and how it can benefit OLTL participants.
Please register using this registration link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Additional questions about the webinar should be directed to Ryan Dorsey, OLTL, via email.
Race & Disability Virtual Program: Disability Inclusion and Intersectionality Webinar on Oct. 3
A Joint Initiative of the FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and The Pittsburgh:
Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
REGISTER
No cost, but registration is necessary.
This session addresses the relationship between race and disability and establishes a common language around intersectionality. You will walk away with insights into cultivating programs, practices, and an organizational culture that is grounded in racial justice, disability justice, and inclusion.
This webinar focuses on inclusive practices around disability and racial justice, led by Keri Gray, CEO of the Keri Gray Consulting Group.
Views From the Field: Enhancing Care for Black and African American Health Disparities in Rural Areas
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
REGISTER
Black and African American (B/AA) communities, especially those in rural areas, are often overlooked in discussions about improving mental health and substance use treatment services. There is a growing need for provider organizations to enhance the quality of care for B/AA individuals.
Join us for a powerful roundtable discussion about the impact of social justice concerns, COVID-19, and challenges of providing care in rural communities. As we build on the discoveries from previous focus groups, this event will amplify conversations regarding workforce shortages, accessible technology, and funding limitations, while highlighting solutions and provider recommendations to address these disparities.
This event is sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Morehouse School of Medicine’s African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. Victor Armstrong, MSW, national director of Soul Shop for Black Churches, will moderate the discussion with panelist representatives from:
- Bootheel Counseling Services — Sikeston, Mo.
- Georgia Pines Community Service Board — Thomasville, Ga.
- NC Counts Coalition — Raleigh, N.C.
By attending the session, you will be able to:
- Discuss the current health care disparities of B/AA populations in rural areas;
- Increase your awareness of challenges regarding access, engagement, recruitment, retention, and outcomes for mental health and substance use care providers in rural areas; and
- Identify solutions and strategies for supporting community partnerships to reduce disparities.
DDAP Seeks Input for Technical Assistance Webinars on SUD Confidentiality, Act 33 Impact
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will host technical assistance webinars on substance use disorder (SUD) confidentiality and Act 33’s impact. DDAP is seeking input through a short “SUD Confidentiality Survey” to tailor the webinar topics to the audience’s needs. The survey is open until 6:00 pm on September 22, 2023. To participate in these webinars and other monthly DDAP technical sessions, email DDAP’s ASAM Transition inbox for calendar invites. Questions about SUD confidentiality regulations can be directed to DDAP’s Division of Program Licensure electronically.
MLTSS Subcommittee Meeting Handouts and September Meeting Information Available
The meeting handouts from the August 2, 2023, Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting are available for review. The handouts include PowerPoint presentations and the transcript from the meeting. View the handouts below:
- July Follow-Up Items for August 2023
- Medicaid Research Center CHC Evaluation 2022 Update
- MLTSS Subcommittee August Meeting Transcript
- OLTL Updates
The next MLTSS Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,, September 6, 2023. The agenda for the meeting has been released, and registration is now open. The meeting will be held in person at the PA Department of Education Honors Suite, 1st floor, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126, and also via webcast. The call information is below:
Conference Line:
Bridge Number: 1-562-247-8422
PIN: 936690076#
Webinar Link
Remote Streaming Link
Comments and questions regarding the agenda should be sent via email.
OLTL to Convene Call With CHC-MCO on August 23
During a recent Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider call, a number of issues and concerns were raised specific to AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone to the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) staff. OLTL decided to schedule a call with staff from AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone and providers that utilize them as their Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organization (MCO). Some of the topics to be discussed include the CHC-MCO scorecard, timeliness and length of time for authorizations, terminations, and issues about HHA.
The call is scheduled for August 23, 2023, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. To join in this discussion, the call information is provided below:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Visit here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 250 176 587 490
Passcode: GJwBmd
Download Teams | Join on the web
Or Call In (Audio Only)
+1 267-332-8737,,463224577# United States, Philadelphia
Phone Conference ID: 463 224 577#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
Self-Advocates United as 1 Releases Virtual Event Flyers
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared flyers from Self-Advocates United as One (SAU1) regarding virtual events. Please view the flyers below for details on September events as well as a webinar on housing for those with disabilities.
OMAP Pediatric Shift Care Stakeholder Update Call Rescheduled & Survey Date Extended
The Pennsylvania Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) Pediatric Shift Care Team is conducting a survey to identify individuals interested in participating in the development of education and training content for a new online learning portal. More will be shared about this effort during the upcoming Stakeholder Update Call, which is taking place on August 15 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.
If you are interested in participating in the initiative, please take this short 2-minute survey: Pediatric Shift Care Subject Matter Expert Interest Survey. The survey has been extended and will close on August 18, 2023, following the Stakeholder Update Call.
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