Mental Health Advocates March Around State Capitol for Advocacy Day 2026

Pennsylvania coalition marched around the Capitol building to call on lawmakers to strengthen mental health funding, services

HARRISBURG, PA — Hundreds of mental health advocates from across the commonwealth marched around the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Monday, May 4, as part of Mental Health Advocacy Day 2026, a statewide event to elevate lived experience, celebrate recovery, and push for the supports and resources that strengthen Pennsylvania communities. The event was supported by the Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA), one of the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation.

The day featured a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by the march around the Capitol building grounds. Speakers included Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D-Delaware) and Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Human Services' Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

"Mental health touches every family, every community, and every corner of this Commonwealth," said Rep. O'Mara. "This march sends a clear message to Harrisburg: Pennsylvanians are watching, and they expect us to act."

"Recovery is real, and the people who marched at the Capitol today are living proof," said Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary, DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "Their stories deserve to be heard by every legislator in this building."

Mental Health Advocacy Day brought together individuals with lived experience, family members, service providers, and community leaders to engage directly with lawmakers and draw attention to mental health priorities across the state. The event was powered by a broad network of partner organizations that unite each year to lift a shared voice for mental health.

When asked later about this event, Dr. Richard Edley, RCPA President and CEO remarked, "This is what grassroots advocacy looks like. People from every region of the state came together — not for any single organization, but for a shared commitment to a stronger mental health system."

###

About the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA):
With more than 400 members, the majority of who serve over one million Pennsylvanians annually, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) is among the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. RCPA provider members offer mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, children and youth, criminal and juvenile justice, brain injury, medical rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging services, across all settings and levels of care. Visit www.paproviders.org for more information.

< Previous Post

Next Post >

ODP Updates the MAAC on Paid Relative Caregiving & Travel Limitations

By Tim Sohosky • May 29, 2026

On Thursday, May 28, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provided an update to the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) regarding current policies and upcoming regulatory changes following a recent Commonwealth Court decision. On February 17, 2026, the PA Commonwealth Court issued a decision in Dunkelberger v. Department of Human Services that determined that ODP’s limitations on provider model services (specifically the 40/60-hour caps and 90-day travel maximums) were null and void. The decision was based on process rather than policy validity; the Court found that these limitations were not properly promulgated as regulations in accordance with the Commonwealth Documents Law and Regulatory Review Act. To maintain a balanced approach between flexibility and oversight, ODP is moving forward with the following actions: Regulatory Amendments: ODP will amend regulations to establish formal authority for setting service delivery limits that support individual welfare and program integrity. Self-Directed Model Agreements: ODP has already modified agreements for self-directed models to clarify limits on overtime, combined relative service provision, and travel restrictions. Travel Restrictions: Due to the inability to monitor services effectively over long distances, service provision will now be limited to Pennsylvania and contiguous states. Waiver Changes: ODP will seek modifications through the amendment process to the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to include: New requirements for agencies providing IHCS and Companion services to disclose a DSP's relationship to participants; and Strengthened programmatic oversight and integrity measures. Life Sharing Alternative: For participants requiring more than 60 hours of paid care from a relative, the Life Sharing (24/7) service model remains the recommended alternative. ODP anticipates a public comment period for these proposed waiver changes beginning in January 2027.

Two men with intellectual disabilities working happily on a tablet.

Shapiro Administration's Strategic Investments in ID/A Community Lead to Highest Number of Pennsylvanians Ever Served in HCBS

By Tim Sohosky • May 28, 2026

Press Release from DHS : Published May 27, 2026

ODP Provides Updates to PBC 2026/27 Residential Pay-for-Performance

By Cathy Barrick • May 28, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-039 . The purpose of this communication is to provide updated details about the Residential Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Pay-for-Performance (P4P) initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026/27. Updates are provided in red . Please review the announcement for more details. Visit here to access the Pay for Performance (P4P): Residential Rural Capacity Expansion Plan template .