On May 27, 2026, RCPA member Community Behavioral Health (CBH) held a monthly meeting for Community HealthChoices providers to communicate with and improve access to behavioral health services. Below are the materials shared in the meeting: Community Behavioral Health PowerPoint Presentation Supportive Peer Services One Pager Training Resources for CHC Providers If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

Press Release from PSU : Published May 25, 2026

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications for funding under the 2026–2027 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) solicitation from eligible governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations seeking to implement projects and programs that directly address the objectives and goals outlined in PCCD’s approved 2026–2030 Strategic Framework . Eligible organizations include local units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations. A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne JAG funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30–35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. The funding announcement details new guidelines regarding eligibility criteria, eligible program activities, and documentation. Applications must be submitted electronically through PCCD’s Egrants system by July 14, 2026. Questions regarding this funding announcement should be emailed with “2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)” as the subject line. Questions must be received by close of business on July 7, 2026. All questions and answers will be posted under this funding announcement title on the Active Funding Announcements page of the PCCD website.

Press Release from the Department of Human Services : Published May 14, 2026

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be hosting two (2) one-hour virtual Listening Sessions on the 55 Pa. Code Chapter 5250 Crisis Licensing Regulations. The Listening Sessions are intended to provide a high-level summary of changes being made to the final form package based on the comments received and to gather provider perspectives on those specific areas. Please register for one of the two session dates being offered by selecting the appropriate link below. Session 1: Tuesday, June 9, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am Session 2: Monday, June 15, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm After completing your registration, you will receive an email confirmation containing instructions to join the webinar. If you experience any issues with the registration process, please email . The RCPA Crisis Regulation Review Team will meet in late June as a follow-up to the listening session to develop further recommendations based upon OMHSAS’s prospective changes. If you are interested in being a part of this review team, please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp .

Message from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing: Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed rule, Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-for-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments , implementing provisions of H.R.1 to establish new limits on certain Medicaid managed care State directed payments (SDP). Additional information on the proposal can be found in the press release and fact sheet . In alignment with H.R.1, total SDP rates are capped at 100% of Medicare in expansion states and 110% in non-expansion states for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, and qualified practitioner services at an academic medical center. Where a Medicare benchmark is unavailable, the payment limit would be 100% of the state-plan-approved rate. However, most significantly, the proposed rule would extend the SDP limits beyond the four original services under H.R.1 (listed above) to all SDPs, regardless of service type, in all states, Washington, D.C., and all territories beginning Jan. 1, 2029. The proposed rule would also apply similar limits to certain targeted Medicaid fee-for-service payments. This would include behavioral health SDPs and could lead to significant disruption in 2029. Additional provisions in the proposed rule include proposals to: Eliminate uniform increase SDPs as a permissible type of SDP for rating periods beginning on or after January 1, 2028, with a limited exception for grandfathered SDPs. Permit states to adopt minimum or maximum fee schedules that are no greater than the applicable payment rate limit without CMS prior approval for rating periods beginning on or after January 1, 2028. Establish new claims-level compliance and reporting requirements, including submission of provider-specific (NPI-level) data, identification of applicable benchmark rates, and documentation of controls to ensure that each individual service payment does not exceed the cap. Introduce new reconciliation requirements for value-based payment SDPs, requiring states to demonstrate post-period compliance with the cap at the service level. The rule specifies that payments exceeding the cap constitute Medicaid overpayments subject to recovery and reporting requirements, explicitly linking SDP limits to existing overpayment regulations. The rule is set to be formally published in the Federal Register on May 22, with a 60-day comment period following its publication. The National Council will continue to further review this proposal, provide you with timely updates, and will plan to submit comments on this rule. We are here to support you every step of the way through these changes. For additional information on H.R.1, please visit the National Council’s H.R.1 Hub . If you have any questions, please reach out via email .

The RCPA Telehealth Operations Work Group meeting, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, will be rescheduled to Tuesday, June 30, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. At this time, RCPA is working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) on specific revisions to Pennsylvania’s telehealth policies and practices, including the elimination of encounter forms for telehealth service delivery. We hope to have definitive updates at the next meeting. Additionally, RCPA will be conducting a live survey around telehealth utilization, practices, and future expansion needs. Register for the meeting here . Those who already registered for the original May 26 meeting do not need to re-register. If you have any questions, comments, or agenda topics, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) will be forming a new Reentry Subcommittee, which will work to create a statewide reentry strategic plan for Pennsylvania. The strategic planning process will examine key trends, best practices, and recommendations for improving Pennsylvania’s reentry infrastructure. As part of the strategic planning process, PCCD and OAG are seeking stakeholders’ perspectives in helping to understand where additional improvements may be needed. A brief 2026 PA Reentry Strategic Planning Feedback Survey is available. Responses are due no later than June 1, 2026. Your feedback will help inform planning and future engagement efforts.  Contact PCCD Policy Specialist Kristina Gonzalez with any questions.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), in partnership with other Department of Human Services Program Offices and Executive Branch agencies, has issued OMHSAS-26-03: Rescission of Joint Class One Bulletins . The purpose of this is to rescind bulletins that do not align with current policies, practices, or procedures that were jointly issued by Program Offices/Departments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This bulletin is also classified as ODP Bulletin 00-26-02, OCDEL-26-01, OCYF 00-26-01, and OIM 00-26-01. If you any questions, please contact your RCPA Policy Director.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) has released an advisory regarding a multi-country cluster of Hantavirus cases linked to an international cruise ship expedition. The outbreak has been connected to the Andes virus strain, which is notable because it is the only known hantavirus capable of limited person-to-person transmission under close, prolonged exposure conditions. As of May 11, 2026, nine cases and three deaths have been reported internationally. At this time, PA DOH reports no known Pennsylvania residents connected to the outbreak. Hantavirus infections remain extremely rare in the United States and particularly in Pennsylvania, where only two cases have been reported since 2010. Most infections are associated with exposure to rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Providers and organizations should be aware of symptoms consistent with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, and shortness of breath, particularly when there is a known history of rodent exposure or close contact with a symptomatic individual linked to the Andes virus strain. Early symptoms may resemble influenza or COVID-19. The Department of Health is advising healthcare providers to immediately report suspected cases to local public health authorities or the PA Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH. RCPA encourages members to review the PA-HAN advisory and fact sheet for additional clinical guidance, infection control recommendations, and environmental cleaning protocols related to rodent exposure and prevention.

Family-Centered Care: One Organization’s Revolutionary Approach to Include Families in All Aspects of Care Monday, June 15, 2026 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT; 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm MDT; 10:00 am – 11:00 am PDT Register Here We appreciate your patience with rescheduling this event. All previous registrants have been automatically registered for the June 15 session; no additional registration is required. We apologize if you are no longer able to attend. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the IPRC website. Donna Provenzano, Director of Family-Centered Care Donna Provenzano is the Director of Family-Centered Care at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She has thirty-nine years of experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families at Children’s Specialized. Donna serves on several hospital leadership committees and councils and provides administrative and operational management of Family-Centered Care and Volunteers. She supervises and partners with Family Faculty staff and coordinates with the Family Advisory Council. Donna has presented both nationally and internationally on Patient- and Family-Centered Care. Under Donna’s leadership, her department received the IPFCC Family-Centered Care Partnership Award for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in 2022. Donna has received additional leadership certifications from the Harvard Business School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Ithaca College. Linda Waddell, Family Faculty Manager Linda Waddell is the Family Faculty Manager at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She has been employed at the hospital as a Family Faculty since June of 2008 and a member of the Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Family Advisory Council since 2014. On behalf of the hospital, Linda has presented with her team on Patient- and Family-Centered Care at regional, national, and international conferences. Most recently, Linda was a member of a panel that presented at the 2024 RISE Summit “Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): A Look into Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Program in NJ and Beyond.” Linda participates in various hospital committees and is also a member of the IPRC Steering Committee, where she provides a family member’s perspective for discussions and decision-making. Linda was the 2019 recipient of the Lester Z. Lieberman Humanism in Healthcare Award and received the IPFCC 30th Anniversary 2022 Partnership Award on Social Determinants of Health. Linda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Kean University. Linda’s first experience with Children’s Specialized Hospital began in 1999, receiving multiple services for her newborn, medically fragile baby. She became an expert in the experience of pediatric rehabilitation through caring for her daughter with medical complications. Family Faculty at Children’s Specialized Hospital are paid positions held by parents and family members whose children have received or are still receiving services at Children’s Specialized Hospital Inpatient, Outpatient, or Long-Term Care sites. Their own day-to-day experiences provide a unique perspective, understanding, and empathy for families going through similar situations. Family Faculty partner with staff and families to build a respectful and understanding relationship by listening, providing insights, and encouraging positive communication between staff and families. Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will identify strategies to: Embed Patient- and Family-Centered Care into your organization; Cultivate respectful partnerships and collaboration with leadership, staff, and families; Include families in education and training of staff at all levels; and Engage families and staff in creating valuable resources. Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team. Level: Beginner – Intermediate Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course. Complimentary webinars are a benefit of membership in IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today .

RCPA is happy to announce our 2026 Annual Membership meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:30 am. We are offering this meeting as a hybrid event to all members. Please register here to attend in person at the RCPA Conference Center or via webcast. It is not necessary to attend in person to cast your vote. This year’s agenda and the 2025 Annual Meeting minutes are both available for review. The RCPA Nominating Committee has proposed a list of RCPA member representatives to serve as directors and officers of the RCPA Board of Directors. Please VOTE HERE in advance of the Annual Meeting for the election of RCPA Board of Directors and Officers. Following the Annual Meeting, RCPA is hosting a golf outing to benefit the RCPA PAC. It’s not too late to register and join us at the Colonial Golf & Tennis Club in Harrisburg, PA! You can also become a sponsor to support the event and receive recognition. If you are not a golfer but would like to support the RCPA PAC, please consider making a personal online contribution . For those members who wish to attend the Annual Meeting in person and need overnight accommodations, utilize the RCPA negotiated discounted rates at the following hotels: Best Western Premier is located across from the RCPA office. RCPA rate of $119.95 plus 11% occupancy tax. Rates are based upon room availability. Reservations can be made by calling 717-735-9397. Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey is located on Lindle Road, Harrisburg. Rates start at $165.00 plus tax. Please use corporate code A3933 to access the special rate online. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-325-3535. Indicate that you are with RCPA when booking. Thank you. We look forward to your participation!

The Shapiro Administration has announced it will pay for critical drug testing supplies after the Trump Administration reversed course on allowing federal funding to be used for the test strips. The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will now pay for drug testing strips using opioid settlement dollars awarded to the Commonwealth as a result of a multistate investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors. Read the full press release .

Title: HR 1 Eligibility Redeterminations: New Requirements, Timeline and Recommendations Date/Time: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 1:00 pm ET  Registration Link Last summer, HR 1 was passed by Congress and introduced significant changes to the Medicaid program. Among the many provisions of the bill that impact Medicaid was a directive to increase the frequency of program eligibility redeterminations for certain enrollees, from once every twelve months to once every six months. This webinar will explore this provision of HR 1 and its potential ramifications for both states and providers, along with recommendations on how states, behavioral health organizations, and state partners can best prepare themselves for these changes, including: Discussion of the new requirements, including additional guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 6. Walking through the timeline for implementation and relevant decision points that states will need to make along the way. Discussion of recommendations for maintaining coverage for as many individuals as possible, while ensuring workforce and technical capacities remain strong. Register for the webinar here . Please contact RCPA Policy Specialist Emma Sharp with any questions.

Power in Purpose at the 2026 RCPA Conference! The RCPA 2026 Annual Conference, Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities, will take place from September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge. This conference is consistently a landmark event for the Pennsylvania behavioral health, brain injury, children’s, early intervention, intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging provider communities. Several popular speakers are participating this year, including: Dave Raymond, the "Hero of Happiness" — Author, international keynote speaker, thought leader, and the original Phillie Phanatic. Judge Victor Reyes — Renowned facilitator of discussions on self-respect, self-compassion, domestic violence, and leader of yoga/mindfulness classes. Jennifer Lynn Robison – Lifestyle and communications expert, TEDx speaker, media contributor, and traumatic brain injury survivor/advocate. Ed Krow — Talent Transformation Expert on understanding the employee/employer dynamic, achieving talent and culture transformations, and turning negative growth into success. Connections Hall In addition to the Connections Hall activities, there are many networking opportunities throughout the conference. Exhibitors will also have the chance to compete for "Best of Show!" Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities Our conference is privileged to have the support of the finest organizations in the field. Contributing organizations are honored by RCPA through sponsorship circles. View our Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertiser brochure , for the opportunity of name recognition and exhibitor booth self-selection (with completed contract and payment). Sponsorships and exhibit booths are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to submit all materials and be listed on the website, mobile app, and in the conference program is Tuesday, September 8. Please contact Conference Coordinator Carol Ferenz with any questions. RCPA thanks these organizations that have committed their support to our 2026 Conference. You help make this conference an extraordinary, educational, and meaningful event for Pennsylvania's provider communities!

Gaudenzia recently hosted its annual “From Adversity to Hope” event in Philadelphia, convening community leaders, partners, and advocates to highlight the impact of recovery and the importance of expanding access to care. Prior to the event, keynote speaker and national recovery advocate Darryl Strawberry, an eight-time Major League Baseball All-Star and four-time World Series Champion, visited two Gaudenzia programs—Riverview Wellness Village and the Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Center (DRC)—where he spent time with individuals in recovery. Through small-group engagement and personal connection, he shared his lived experience and reinforced a powerful message: recovery is possible.  These visits underscore the importance of community-based treatment, peer connection, and integrated care models that support individuals and families across the recovery journey—particularly as providers continue working to meet growing and increasingly complex behavioral health needs.

For Immediate Release: May 11, 2026 Media Contact: Mike Dunn, 215-570-3432 The goal is to ensure the sustainability of NET’s behavioral health services, benefiting thousands of clients who receive critical services. (Philadelphia) - JEVS Human Services (JEVS) and Northeast Treatment Centers (NET) today announced they are finalizing a plan to enhance the sustainability of NET’s behavioral health services, strengthen both organizations, and ensure continued quality care for clients. The plan will allow both JEVS and NET to continue their missions [read full release] .

The National Core Indicators – Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD™) 2024–2025 National Report has been released. For the last ten years, NCI-AD has partnered with states to gather data on the experiences of people using long-term services and supports across the US. Pennsylvania does not currently participate in the data gathering for this report. However, the same key areas are included in the CAHPS survey, which will be reviewed by the CHC-MCOs at the PD&A meeting on 5/14/2026. Several of the opportunities for improvement will also be evident in the presentations. The 2024–25 NCI-AD survey included more than 20,000 individuals across 24 states receiving services through HCBS waivers, nursing facilities, PACE, and Older Americans Act programs. Overall, the findings reflect strong access to community supports and healthcare, while also highlighting ongoing workforce and service gaps. Approximately 68% of respondents said they participate in preferred activities as much as they want, 92% reported reliable transportation to medical appointments, and 73% said they consistently have transportation for community activities. Nearly all respondents (95%) reported being able to connect with friends and family when desired, although 17% still reported frequent loneliness. Access to healthy food, mental health services, and annual wellness visits remained high at roughly 87%–89%, yet only 14% described their overall health as excellent or very good. The survey also underscored the growing reliance on family caregivers within LTSS. About 40% of respondents identified a paid family member or friend as their primary support person, while 22% reported frequent staff turnover. Although 89% said services help them live the life they want, only 72% felt their services fully met their goals and needs. Among individuals reporting unmet needs, just 55% said their case manager discussed additional service options with them. Since 2016, states have used NCI-AD data to evaluate aging and disability systems, identify quality improvement opportunities, and support policy discussions related to Medicaid and long-term services and supports. To access the report, use this link: Reports | NCI-AD (National Core Indicators-Aging and Disabilities) . If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

RCPA Presents HR 1 Medicaid Summit

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be hosting an hour-long virtual listening session on the 55 Pa. Code Chapter 5250 Crisis Licensing Regulations. The listening session is intended to provide an overview of selected updates currently being advanced and to gather provider perspectives on those specific areas.  The listening session will be offered on two different dates. Please mark your calendars for one of the following: Session 1: Tuesday, June 9 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am Session 2: Monday, June 15 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Additional details, including registration information, will be coming soon.

Title: Advancing SUD Treatment Through MBC Date/Time: Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT Registration Link: Advancing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Through Measurement-Based Care Our partners at Greenspace Health are hosting an educational webinar focused on improving substance use disorder (SUD) treatment through Measurement-Based Care (MBC). SUD care presents unique challenges where traditional pre and post models of measurement may not capture the complexities of recovery. As a result, many organizations are working without the consistent, actionable data needed to fully understand and support client progress. On June 4, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT, tune in to hear from a panel of clinical and research leaders from the Yale MBC Collective and the HEALing Measurement Center as they share practical insights on applying MBC in SUD settings: Dr. Jessica Barber, Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale University School of Medicine; Dr. Sandra Resnick, Professor of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine; Dr. Kelli Scott, Assistant Professor, Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; and Host: Simon Weisz, President & Co-Founder, Greenspace Health. This is a great opportunity to explore how MBC can help address SUD treatment challenges by equipping providers with the tools and insights needed to deliver more consistent, outcomes-informed care. Attendees will learn how to integrate MBC into workflows, scale across diverse programs, and use data to inform care decisions. We encourage all RCPA behavioral health provider members to join this important conversation and learn from experts who are actively advancing MBC in substance use care. Register here – T hank you, and we hope you can join!

In September 2025, RCPA raised concerns about the risks of Federal actions to weaken the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and subsequent civil rights and access legislation like the ADA and AIDA. Last week, Governor Shapiro issued three executive orders addressing the risks arising from Federal actions, and establishing an Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. RCPA has been named as a member of this Commission. Governor Shapiro’s recent executive actions on disability rights in Pennsylvania should be understood as a proactive state-level backstop against emerging federal uncertainty around Section 504 enforcement. The orders largely reinforce existing non-discrimination standards across state agencies, strengthen accessibility expectations in service delivery, and signal continued administrative prioritization of disability protections in publicly funded programs. In practical terms, Pennsylvania is attempting to “lock in” operational compliance with 504-like principles—particularly around equal access, program integration, and avoidance of discriminatory policies—even if federal interpretation or enforcement weakens. From a policy alignment standpoint, the orders are directionally consistent with longstanding 504 requirements but go a step further in emphasizing state accountability mechanisms. This includes clearer expectations for agencies administering Medicaid, education, and human services programs to maintain accessible systems, grievance pathways, and oversight of contractors. For HCBS providers, the implication is that Pennsylvania is unlikely to relax enforcement posture; if anything, scrutiny around access, reasonable accommodations, and community-based integration could intensify through state channels regardless of federal shifts. For providers, the practical implication is a heightened expectation of demonstrable compliance rather than passive alignment. Agencies could anticipate closer review of intake and assessment practices, service authorization decisions, and any policies that could create access barriers for individuals with disabilities. MCOs and state auditors are likely to expect clear documentation of accommodations, staff training on disability rights, and evidence that services are delivered in the least restrictive, community-integrated settings. Contractually, this may also translate into more explicit non-discrimination clauses, performance measures tied to access and equity, and increased exposure to grievance-driven audits or corrective action plans. The net effect is that Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a “floor state” for disability rights—maintaining continuity even if federal protections erode or become inconsistently applied. For providers and managed care stakeholders, this reduces regulatory ambiguity within the state but increases the importance of state-specific compliance alignment. Operationally, organizations should view these executive actions not as new requirements, but as a reaffirmation that Pennsylvania will continue to enforce 504-equivalent standards through its own regulatory and contractual frameworks. If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

For immediate release: Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services Inc. (CRCSI) is thrilled to announce that it has received a $100,000 grant from Staunton Farm Foundation to enhance the agency’s new Electronic Health Record in the upcoming year. This monumental task could potentially support a new approach to providing treatment through the utilization of integrated assessment and diagnostic tools, providing real time outcomes. Those rich outcomes will enhance the process of care and the collaboration between patient and treatment providers. CRCSI turned to Staunton Farm Foundation for assistance with this project, being aware of the Foundation’s extensive philanthropic history of funding initiatives to improve mental health and substance abuse services for the residents of the area. Additionally, CRCSI has been the recipient of past awards from the Foundation and has had the pleasure of working with them on previous rewarding projects. CRCSI has been a leader in mental health care in Western Pennsylvania since 1969 and has long been active in community projects that inspire the health of the community. CRCSI collaborates with other agencies and partners including, but not limited to, Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration, Carelon Health of Pennsylvania, and WVU Medicine/ Uniontown Hospital, to name a few. Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment, support, and recovery through grant making to nonprofit organizations in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland). Learn more at www.StauntonFarm.org .

ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities and the National Association of Medicaid Directors, is excited to share a new infographic on the purpose, value, and impact of Medicaid HCBS. This resource includes an overview of key services, facts, and figures on HCBS utilization and spending, and trends and growth through rebalancing efforts. ADvancing States encourages members to use and share this infographic as a foundation for conversations about Medicaid HCBS. Use this link to view and download the infographic.

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Mercy is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with the NFL, bringing together volunteers and community partners to make a lasting impact beyond the football field. Through this joint effort, teams assembled donation kits to support individuals served by Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net and the Light of Life Rescue Mission [read full release] .

A total of $25,000,000 in RHTP funding is available to stabilize or enhance rural health care access, promote rural well-being and fall under one of the following six initiatives in the Department’s federally approved RHTP application [read full announcement] .

Temple University is conducting a survey to better understand and improve employment services for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania, including those who use languages other than English. This information will be included in the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA), conducted in collaboration with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council (PaRC), and will inform the State Plan. You are eligible if you: Are 18 years or older; Work for an organization in Pennsylvania; and Work for an organization that provides services to people with disabilities who speak languages other than English. The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. It asks about your experiences providing employment services, including challenges, supports, and training needs. Participants will receive a $25 gift card. Participate in the survey, or learn more  Thank you for considering this opportunity to share your experiences and improve services for people with disabilities who speak languages other than English.

Strengthening Behavioral Health Self‑Pay Collections: Best Practices & Strategies Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 1:00 pm Register Here Join Heather Hearn , Chief Revenue Officer, RCPA Business Member ZMark Health, for a focused session on strengthening self‑pay collections through clear communication, consistent processes, and thoughtfully designed workflows for behavioral health settings. Co-hosting this webinar will be RCPA COO and Mental Health Services Division Director Jim Sharp . During this session, ZMark Health will cover: Setting financial expectations early and with clarity; Normalizing collections at the point of service; Applying financial policies consistently; and Additional best practices. As a leader in revenue cycle services for behavioral health organizations, ZMark Health will share practical insights and actionable strategies to help streamline self‑pay workflows and enhance the patient financial experience. This session supports our ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, strengthen financial performance, and deliver service excellence. We hope you can join us!

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Training Section is gathering input from professionals in the substance use disorder and problem gambling fields who serve in supervisory, management, and executive roles. Your feedback will help DDAP better understand workforce training needs, preferences, and barriers and inform future training opportunities. If you previously completed this survey when it was shared last month, there is no need to complete it again. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, May 1.