Early October saw the Pennsylvania provider community again gathered in force
for the PCPA conference in Seven Springs. The conference mission focused on learning, networking, and improving the “business” of caring for and working with persons with mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental/intellectual disabilities. Though greatly challenged by the state budget impasse and the economic downturn of the past year, PCPA worked with providers and other stakeholders to reduce costs and create a variety of payment options in an effort to bring people together to support one another, share new models of treatment and agency development, and celebrate the resiliency and dedication of the provider community in supporting people in service. PCPA extends a great deal of thanks to all 68 sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers, whose continued participation and support of this statewide events makes it possible.

In addition to 62 specialized workshops covering nine learning tracks, PCPA hosted Bill Capodagli as the keynote speaker. Mr. Capodagli has spent the majority of his career benchmarking the extraordinary business success of the Walt Disney Company and shared insights and tips on leadership and management in his address — If Walt Ran Your Organization! On Friday, PCPA offered a plenary address on national issues affecting behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Dr. Ron Manderscheid, SRA International and Johns Hopkins University; Mr. Chuck Ingoglia, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare; and Ms. Suellen Galbraith, American Network of Community Options and Resources addressed issues from current debate on health insurance reform to long-term care to the implementation of forthcoming mental health and substance use parity regulations. During the course of the week, sessions with staff and deputy secretaries from the Departments of Health, Education, and Public Welfare offered policy updates that enhanced other learning sessions.