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Substance Use Disorder

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Workshop Series

  • Reminder: The Office of National Drug Control Policy has launched a new workshop series for rural faith leaders. It is entitled Empowering Faith Leaders to Help Persons with Substance Use Disorder. This is a series of four workshops that will allow rural faith leaders to share valuable information and resources. The first workshop, Substance Use Disorder and the Pandemic in Rural Communities, will take place on December 8, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern Standard Time. If you would like to attend, RSVP to Betty-Ann Bryce. Please include your name, title, organization, and contact information.

­Funding

  • The Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Statewide Family Network grant program (SFN). The purpose of this program is to more effectively respond to the needs of children, youth, and young adults with serious emotional disturbances (SED) and their families by providing information, referrals, and support; it will also create a mechanism for families to participate in state and local mental health services planning and policy development. The application due date is January 4, 2021.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Statewide Consumer Network grant program (SCN). The purpose of this program is to improve efforts to address the needs of adults with serious mental illness (SMI) by developing and/or expanding peer support services, peer leadership, and peer engagement strategies statewide. The application due date is January 4, 2021.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services – Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Professionals aims to increase the supply of behavioral health professionals while also improving distribution of a quality behavioral health workforce, thereby increasing access to behavioral health services. A special focus is placed on the knowledge and understanding of children, adolescents, and transitional-aged youth at risk for behavioral health disorders. The closing date is January 21, 2021.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the National Telehealth Resource Center (NTRC) Program. The purpose of NTRCs is to support the delivery of telehealth technical assistance through Regional Telehealth Resource Centers (RTRCs). Two NTRCs may be funded. The closing date is January 21, 2021.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the Regional Telehealth Resource Center (RTRC) Program. RTRCs assist health care organizations, health care networks, and health care providers in the implementation of cost-effective telehealth programs to serve rural areas and populations. RTRCs also assist patients and families living in rural areas with telehealth technology so that they can obtain health services. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will support 12 RTRCs that focus on statewide and regional telehealth activities. The closing date is January 21, 2021.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the Rapid Response Rural Data Analysis and Issue Specific Rural Research Studies Program. The purpose of this program is to assist rural communities with conducting rapid data analyses and short-term issue-specific rural research studies to understand the impact of current and proposed policies and regulations as well as provide information that will improve health care in rural America. The closing date is January 29, 2021.

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Earlier this year, Governor Wolf signed Act 18 of 2020, which temporarily extended the time period for certain professions required by the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) to obtain or renew an FBI Criminal History clearance. Act 18 was passed to create flexibility since the pandemic caused many fingerprinting locations across the state to close earlier this year. Most locations have since reopened.

Pennsylvanians are strongly encouraged to get fingerprinted and obtain their FBI Criminal History clearance as soon as possible in order to avoid potential delays due to an increase in the number of people needing to obtain this clearance. To obtain a list of fingerprinting locations that are open during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the IdentoGO Location Map. Anyone seeking fingerprinting services should call IDEMIA’s customer service line at 844-321-2101 to ensure that the location is still operating, schedule an appointment, and discuss necessary COVID-19 safety precautions.

If employers have a large number of employees who need new or renewed clearances, arrangements can be made to have fingerprinting occur at the workplace. Mobile fingerprinting services are available for an additional fee through IDEMIA for groups of 20 or more. Agencies in need of this service should contact IDEMIA to schedule.

For directions on obtaining fingerprints, please visit this webpage.

If you have any questions or thoughts, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with Apple and Google, has launched an exposure notification app called COVID Alert PA. It is available to download for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The app is an effective tool, but the commonwealth needs your help getting it in the hands of Pennsylvanians. We need help getting the word out – and downloads up.

Can you help us? We have an extensive catalog of marketing materials, including posters, social media posts, press releases, and other customizable content. You can find downloadable marketing materials on the Community Resources webpage.

COVID Alert PA is a free mobile app that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and the Exposure Notification System developed by Apple and Google. Features include:

  • Interactive COVID-19 symptom checker;
  • Opt-in for alerts concerning potential exposure to the virus;
  • Updates on the latest public health data about COVID -19; and
  • Language options available in English, Spanish, German, and traditional Chinese.

COVID Alert PA protects both privacy and personal information. The app does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information. It will never collect, transmit, or store personal information. It is completely anonymous.

Thank you in advance for helping to get the word out to your employees, customers, family, friends, and neighbors.

Thank you for your support!  

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The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is pleased to release the 2020 Compulsive and Problem Gambling Annual Report.

This report details the impact of programs funded by the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund, including Single County Authority on Drug and Alcohol (SCA) funding; gambling treatment provider funding; and oversight of programs, trainings, and helpline services.

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Photo by Nelly Antoniadou on Unsplash

As COVID-19 cases are surging and the holidays are approaching, it is critical that Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) licensed residential facilities remain vigilant about preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities.

As you know, your residents are among the most at-risk population for COVID-19. Visitation and non-medical outings during the upcoming holiday season will increase their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

  • Facilities should ensure that residents and their families and friends are fully aware of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Considerations for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19. It is suggested that facilities communicate openly with residents and their families and friends.  We’ve attached a pledge to assist you in educating and having residents and their families and friends acknowledge an understanding of the seriousness of this matter.
  • The COVID Alert app is a critical tool in our fight against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Encouraging residents and staff in your facility who have a smartphone to download the app will be useful in mitigating the virus.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact your RCPA policy director.

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has planned a special open-door forum to discuss the final rule that was released on November 20, 2020. This final rule clarified the regulations that interpret the federal physician self-referral law (known as the Stark Law). It supports CMS’s “Patients Over Paperwork” initiative by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on physicians and other health care providers. It also reinforces the Stark Law’s goal of protecting patients from unnecessary services and the practice of being led to less convenient, lower quality, or more expensive services because of a physician’s financial self-interest. This final rule will be published in the December 2, 2020 Federal Register.

Agenda topics for this special call include:

  • Exceptions that Facilitate the Transition to Value-Based Care Delivery and Payment Arrangements
  • New Guidance and Clarifications Related to Key Terminology of the Stark Law
  • Flexibilities to Enhance Compliance and Reduce Burden

This open-door forum will be held on December 2, 2020 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern Time. To participate, use the information below:

Dial-In Number: 1-888-455-1397

Participant Passcode ID #: 2037400

A transcript and audio recording of this open-door forum will be posted to the Podcast and Transcripts webpage.

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