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09/04/2026

The Autism Stats Tell It All
By Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer, OPEN MINDS

Article reprinted with permission from OPEN MINDS. To sign up for a free OPEN MINDS news feed on https://www.openminds.com/market-intelligence/, go to https://www.openminds.com/membership/.

“When an autistic child goes missing, every minute matters,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announcing the first-ever National Autism Missing and Endangered Person alert initiative last month – HHS Launches First National Autism Missing And Endangered Person Alert Initiative.

https://mailchi.mp/openminds.com/the-autism-stats-tell-it-all?e=56f596e6fa

“When an autistic child goes missing, every minute matters,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announcing the first-ever National Autism Missing and Endangered Person alert initiative last month – HHS Launches First National Autism Missin...

09/02/2026

Pennsylvania marked National Su***de Prevention Month by highlighting its new statewide Su***de Prevention Plan, a two‑year, multi‑agency strategy to reduce su***de and expand mental‑health support. The Shapiro administration emphasized major new investments, including $10 million in dedicated funding for the 988 crisis line and $5 million for walk‑in behavioral‑health crisis centers, especially in areas with limited access to care. Officials stressed that mental health is essential to overall well‑being and encouraged Pennsylvanians to reach out for help, noting that more than 145,000 people used 988 last year and most crises were resolved over the phone. The plan focuses on improving su***de‑related data, strengthening partnerships, and expanding upstream prevention efforts.

Shapiro Administration Highlights Statewide Su***de Prevention Plan to Support Mental Health of All Pennsylvanians During National Su***de Prevention Month

09/02/2026

The article explains that new legislation in Pennsylvania would raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain direct support professionals (DSPs) who provide care to people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Lawmakers argue that current rates are too low, making it difficult for agencies to recruit and retain qualified staff. By increasing reimbursement, the bill aims to stabilize the DSP workforce, reduce turnover, and ensure consistent care for vulnerable populations. Advocates stress that higher rates would help address chronic staffing shortages and improve the quality of services, while also recognizing the essential role DSPs play in supporting independence and community living. The proposal reflects broader efforts to strengthen the state’s long term care and disability services system.

Legislation would increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain direct support professionals By Melina Druga  |   September 1, 2026   |   News © Shutterstock The House Human Services Committee held a public hearing on Aug. 18 to discuss House Bill 1939, bipartisan legislation that would...

09/02/2026

The Metro Philadelphia article reports that Pennsylvania is expanding free naloxone access in Philadelphia through the city’s Naloxone in Black program. The initiative, launched in 2025, distributes naloxone kits via newspaper‑style boxes outside 60 fire stations, each holding up to 200 kits with instructions included. The expansion will provide thousands of additional doses to reduce overdose deaths among Black residents, who state data show die from overdoses at more than twice the rate of white Pennsylvanians. The program is a partnership between the Shapiro administration, the city’s Overdose Response Unit, and the Philadelphia Fire Department. Officials highlighted that statewide overdose deaths have declined nearly 30% since 2023, with more than 17,600 documented overdose reversals using state‑supplied naloxone. Gov. Shapiro also proclaimed Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is providing thousands of additional naloxone doses in Philadelphia through an initiative aimed at reducing overdose deaths among Black residents.

09/02/2026

The Doylestown Patch reports that Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn is urging an emergency statewide ban on potent synthetic products derived from kratom, citing rising dangers to public health. These lab made substances, marketed as legal alternatives, are far stronger than natural kratom and have been linked to overdoses and hospitalizations. Schorn warned that the products are being sold in convenience stores and smoke shops, posing risks especially to young people. She called on Pennsylvania lawmakers and regulators to act quickly, stressing that “we cannot wait for more tragedies before taking action.”

The request comes as students return to school amid a growing proliferation of products being sold at smoke shops and gas stations.

09/02/2026

You may not always know what someone is experiencing. A check-in, a listening ear, a number shared at the right moment, can make a real difference. ***dePrevention starts with connection. samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/su***de-prevention-month/toolkit ***dePrevention

09/01/2026

The 2026 RCPA Conference is focused on our theme, Power in Purpose, Promoting Possibilities, and what that can mean for both the individual and organizations within health and human services. With over 60 workshops, attendees will have access to up to 114.5 CEs, teaching them the skills, providing them with tools, and bringing awareness to activities and resources that will help beyond the conference center at Hershey, PA.

With over 60 workshops, RCPA Conference attendees will have access to up to 114.5 CEs, teaching you skills, tools, and activities to unlock your purpose!

09/01/2026

National Recovery Month in September provides a platform for services and professionals to educate the public about substance abuse treatments and mental health services. The entire month serves as a celebration of the steps taking to improve access, information, and treatment.

National Recovery Month in September provides a platform for services and professionals to educate the public about substance abuse treatments and mental health services. The entire month serves as a celebration of the steps taking to improve access, information, and treatment.

09/01/2026

Recovery happens together. Research shows meaningful human connection supports resilience, hope, and long-term recovery. Every connection can make a difference.

08/28/2026

Medicaid goes by different names in different states, leaving some unaware of the upcoming changes. And even among those who do know, figuring out who has to comply can be complicated.

Medicaid goes by different names in different states, leaving some unaware of the upcoming changes. And even among those who do know, figuring out who has to comply can be complicated.