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Pennsylvania Announces Grant Opportunities to Provide Recovery Support Services for Communities
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced today the availability of $2.7 million in funding for Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) to expand or enhance recovery support services to individuals in recovery from substance use disorder.
“Community is one of the four dimensions that support and sustain life in recovery,” said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. “By providing communities with appropriate support services, we can help individuals and their loved ones be better suited for their recovery journey and ultimately live happy, healthy lives.”
The grants are part of $55 million in federal funding awarded to Pennsylvania through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program COVID-19 Supplemental Awards. The funding spending plan submitted by DDAP is currently pending approval by SAMHSA. More information will be shared about this funding and supporting projects as it becomes available.
Eligible applicants can find the grant application and project summary on the DDAP website here. Three to five grants will be awarded up to $700,000 to RCOs for a wide variety of eligible items, including:
- delivery of recovery coaching through Certified Recovery Specialists,
- telephonic supports,
- the provision of education and employment supports,
- engagement in GED services,
- additional life-skills support groups and delivery of substance-free social activities.
All applications must be submitted via email to RA-DAGrantsMgmt@pa.gov by 12:00PM on Monday, May 3, 2021. Applications will be competitively reviewed and scored based upon the applicant’s adherence to the funding announcement guidelines, and a timely submission to DDAP. Additionally, awarding of the funds is contingent upon plan approval by SAMHSA.
Questions regarding the grants and the application process should be forwarded to RA-DAGrantsMgmt@pa.gov.
Throughout the Wolf Administration’s second term, DDAP is placing a heavy focus on reducing stigma associated with substance use disorder, intensifying primary prevention efforts, strengthening treatment systems, and empowering sustained recovery. The aim of these efforts, laid out in DDAP’s 2019-2022 State Plan, will be to positively influence the knowledge and behavior around the topic of addiction.
For more information about the work the Wolf Administration is doing to combat the opioid crisis, visit pa.gov/opoioids.
Pennsylvania Legislative Hearing Highlights Financial Impacts Stemming from Federal Definition Change
Changing the definition of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) can have important financial implications for many Pennsylvania municipalities in terms of federal reimbursements for health care, funding for housing, and investments in transportation. Those are just a few of the important implications that were discussed during a virtual public hearing held by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), on redefining MSAs.
“The proposed changes to defining MSAs by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has the potential to impact 10 counties in Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Yaw, “and the change may have potentially significant impacts for rural Pennsylvania.”
According to Anthony Pipa, senior fellow of Global Economy and Development at Brookings, while OMB clearly says that the MSA standards are to be used for statistical purposes only, and that “nonmetro” is not meant to define “rural,” there are many federal programs and policies that rely on the definition when determining funding, and financial incentives. And Pennsylvania would have the most people impacted of any state, with almost 1.2 million people living in counties that would be reclassified from metro to nonmetro.
“Federal programs often use the MSA standards to set eligibility requirements, allocation formulas, scoring criteria, and several other dimensions of program administration,” Mr. Pipa said. “It’s important to recognize and emphasize that the impact of the proposed change on these programs has not been fully analyzed, nor is it well-understood. Previous federal attempts to evaluate the implications of changes to the MSA for program administration are woefully incomplete.”
Ronald Grutza, senior director of Regulatory Affairs and assistant director of Government Affairs with the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, said one funding implication is the Community Development Block Grant. “We are concerned that some boroughs may lose this direct funding because of OMB’s change,” he said, adding that the change could have a ripple effect in communities, especially among lower income populations.
Kim E. Wheeler, executive director of SEDA-Council of Governments, said the redefinition may affect the status of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and result in a redesignation to Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs). “The SEDA-COG MPO and eight other MPOs in the Commonwealth stand to lose engagement and investment in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation planning and programming process as well as the critical funding that supports that process.”
According to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), preliminary analysis shows that there could be 24 Pennsylvania hospitals impacted by the definition change, of which 17 could see a negative impact. The total Pennsylvania impact is estimated to be an annual loss of $43 million in Medicare reimbursement to hospitals. (Based on hospitals in core-based statistical areas that have a population between 49,999 and 99,999, and are currently flagged to go from urban to rural if OMB changes the definition – using the 2010 census).
“It’s clear that OMB needs to put the break on this definition change, as it has the potential to have a significant impact on rural Pennsylvania,” Sen. Yaw said. “To implement these changes now, without first considering all of the potential ramifications, would be shortsighted.”
For more information on the hearing, visit https://www.rural.palegislature.us/publications_redefining_metropolitan_areas.html and listen to the briefing here: HEARING VIDEO
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The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Center works with the legislature, educators, state and federal executive branch agencies, and national, statewide, regional, and local organizations to maximize resources and strategies that can better serve Pennsylvania’s nearly 3.4 million rural residents
HHS Secretary Becerra Announces More Than 500,000 Americans Have Enrolled in Marketplace Coverage During Special Enrollment Period
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced that more than half a million consumers have already signed up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov as a result of the Biden Administration’s Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The SEP, along with the additional financial assistance afforded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), offers the opportunity for individuals and families to take advantage of significantly reduced premiums, increased savings, and quality, affordable health coverage through the Marketplaces using the Federal Platform.
“Access to quality, affordable health care is essential – especially as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Since the beginning of this Special Enrollment Period’s availability on HealthCare.gov, more than 500,000 Americans have already signed up for coverage on HealthCare.gov. Now, thanks to the American Rescue Plan, health care coverage is more affordable and millions of Americans are seeing their premiums reduced. At HHS, we are going to build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and work tirelessly to ensure Americans have the chance to sign up for quality, affordable health care coverage that meets their needs.”
To read the HHS press release, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/04/07/hhs-secretary-becerra-announces-more-than-500000-americans-have-enrolled-in-marketplace-coverage.html.
To read the CMS report, visit: www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2021-marketplace-special-enrollment-period-report-0.
New Resource: Integrating Oral Health and Primary Care
The Primary Care Collaborative has released a new report: “Innovations in Oral Health and Primary Care Integration.” The report provides a comprehensive look at the critical need to integrate oral health and primary care and showcases the multitude of ways that healthcare clinicians, community, and public health leaders are working together across the country to make it happen.
Pennsylvania Seeks Input into Title V Planning
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Family Health is launching a new survey to help Pennsylvania’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program understand the new and existing maternal and child health issues that individuals experience or see in the community. They also hope to hear others’ perspectives on which strategies are most important for advancing the state’s Title V priorities. Individual input is critical and is needed to inform the maternal and child health services provided in Pennsylvania.
USDA Seeks Applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is accepting applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program grants to help provide educational and medical services in rural areas.
The DLT program helps fund distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas to increase access to education, training and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable. USDA plans to make $44.5 million available in fiscal year 2021. Of this amount, $10.2 million is intended for projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services in rural areas.
Eligible applicants include most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses.
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than June 4, 2021. For additional information, please visit the DLT webpage.
Pennsylvania Launches Community to Home Health Services
What are Community Health Services?
The world of healthcare is complicated and ever-changing. Community Health Work is a personalized service to help guide you through these otherwise confusing activities, connecting you with the providers and services you can depend on to stay healthy.
Your Community Health Worker will listen and work with you as a team to create goals that address the problems you are facing.
Community Health Workers offer personal guidance on all aspects of the healthcare system. Whether you would like help finding homecare services, scheduling appointments or better understanding your benefits and program eligibility, a friendly partner is available to help.
Who is eligible?
Any child between the ages of 0-21 who lives in a rural region of Pennsylvania and meets the 300% income poverty level is eligible.
Are participants required to pay for services?
No. Funding for Community Health Services has been made available through the Community to Home Program and there is no fee to participate.
You could receive…
- Individualized goal planning with supportive coaching.
- Health education & personal guidance about steps towards prevention and early detection.
- Explanations of Insurance Coverage including Medicaid and Medicare.
- Connections to community resources including mental health services, education, housing, utility assistance, meals and transportation.
- Electronic or telephonic appointment reminders.
- Support at medical appointments.
Discuss these and other needs with your Community Health Worker today!
How can I get connected?
Call toll-free 1-800-616-3718 to contact CareStar to make a direct referral by telephone, OR complete and submit a referral form to Fax: 724-734-5761 or email: CommunitytoHome@carestar.com
A CareStar Community Health Worker will contact you when your referral is processed and will schedule a meeting at the time and location of your choice to get your services started.
USDA Announces Funding Available to Organizations to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers under Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, an effort to distribute resources more broadly and to put greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers impacted by the pandemic. Today also marks the reopening of FSA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) signup as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days to apply or make modifications to existing CFAP 2 applications.
Visit farmers.gov/cfap for details on all eligible commodities, producer eligibility, payment limitations and structure and additional program resources.
PPP Deadline Extended: How You Can Still Apply
Congress designed the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses keep workers employed during the pandemic. PPP loans revolve around payroll costs, including employer-provided benefits. Business owners can also use a small percentage of the loan to pay mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and other eligible expenses. PPP loans are forgivable.
The Small Business Administration has recently extended the deadline to apply for a PPP loan to May 31, 2021. With recent changes to the program, producers who were denied a PPP loan in 2020 may not qualify if the new rules address the issue that caused the initial denial of their loan. Those who did receive PPP loans in the first round may also be eligible for additional funds if the new rules expand their eligibility. Dairy farmers are encouraged to talk to their local lenders to learn more about their eligibility to receive a PPP loan and the forgiveness associated with it.
To help producers apply for assistance, the National Milk Producers Federation has assembled resources from the SBA to release a toolbox of producer resources. To access those resources, click on the links below:
- Determine your PPP loan amount:
- Understand the Forgiveness Requirements
- Connect with Local Lenders Providing Access to PPP Loans
- Access a Sample First Draw Application Form and a Second Draw Application Form
Pennsylvania Governor Reminds Businesses to Ensure a Safe Workspace for Employees and Customers Alike
As Pennsylvania continues to accelerate vaccine eligibility and availability and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Governor Tom Wolf’s Administration said that all Pennsylvanians should take continued steps to ensure a safe workspace for employees and customers alike.
“We are making tremendous progress vaccinating Pennsylvanians and are now able to accelerate our state vaccine plan,” Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam said. “As we move forward, we are reminding Pennsylvanians that it is still imperative that they follow current personal mitigation efforts such as wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and following gathering and occupancy guidelines so we can protect public health while we jump-start our economy.”
“The COVID-19 virus is still present in our communities,” Beam added. “We encourage anyone who feels they need, or wants, a COVID-19 test to take advantage of hundreds of testing locations if they feel they have been exposed to COVID-19. Testing remains the best way to determine your exposure to and to ultimately stop the spread of COVID-19.”
“We’ve made significant progress in our battle against COVID-19, so we must continue abiding by all guidelines and orders, including masking and social distancing when out and about,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Sec. Dennis Davin. “The best way to support our local businesses is to create a safe environment for everyone so that we can combat the virus’ spread, which will help position us to bounce back easier and faster long term.”
The Wolf Administration offers guidance online through the administration’s guidance for businesses and guidance for businesses in the restaurant industry.
The Open & Certified Pennsylvania process is still open for restaurants that are interested in self-certifying to increase indoor capacity. There is no cost to self-certify and restaurants can access the online self-certification form here. Self-certified restaurants can promote their status with provided branded signage and consumers can search the Open & Certified database to confirm what businesses near them have self-certified. Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact covidselfcert@pa.gov and view Frequently Asked Questions as a reference for restaurant owners and the public.
Newly updated orders and guidance, which take place Sunday, April 4, are available online: Governor’s Order, as amended. Secretary of Health Order, as amended. Frequently Asked Questions. Also starting Sunday, April 4, telework for businesses will be highly encouraged; previously, telework was to be used unless it was not possible to do so.
Pennsylvania to Distribute 7.9 Million Pounds of Emergency Food to Pennsylvania Food Banks
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that the department has purchased an additional $12.9 million worth of U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in Pennsylvania to provide critical support and food to food banks in all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
These supplemental federal funds, provided as part of the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 in response to increased needs driven by COVID-19, have been used to purchase more than 7.9 million pounds of food, which will be delivered between June and December 2021.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the department distributed, on average, approximately 23 million pounds of USDA Foods through TEFAP every federal fiscal year. In federal fiscal year 2020, which ran from October 2019 through September 2020, the department distributed nearly 70 million pounds of food through TEFAP. And, in federal fiscal year 2021, with the addition of this food, the department is once again on track to distribute an estimated 70 million pounds of USDA Foods.
“While we’re actively getting Pennsylvanians back to work as the pandemic slows, many are still recovering from severe economic stress which has in turn stressed our charitable food system,” said Redding. “These federal funds are allowing us to increase the flow of food to food banks across the commonwealth as they work to continue meeting unprecedented demand.”
The department will push $3.2 million in TEFAP money directly to the food banks to cover administrative costs associated with storage, transportation, and distribution of the USDA Foods. In addition to this direct funding, the department has purchased 7.9 million pounds of USDA Foods – including meats, vegetables, canned goods, cheese and more – to the state’s food banks to distribute through their network of local food pantries and other distribution agencies. The food will be disbursed statewide to individuals in need of assistance in all 67 counties.
“We’re proud of all that Pennsylvanians have done to get us to this point, to mitigate against loss and bring us to a new year with new hope and a vaccine,” added Redding. “I encourage anyone who is still experiencing a financial strain to take advantage of these foods through your local food pantry. Better days are ahead, but for now, take a hand up.”
Pennsylvanians looking for help to put food on the table are eligible for state and federal food assistance found at Pennsylvania’s food banks and pantries. Additional support can be found through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
For more about the Wolf Administration’s efforts to address food insecurity in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.