That’s a wrap of Day 1 of #PAVetCon! Today, we had the pleasure of hearing from DHS - Secretary Val Arkoosh Secretary Val Arkoosh, Veterans Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Zaneta Adams, & Erica M. Scavella, MD, FACP, FACHE, as well as, many other speakers who shared their insights.

Explore the latest posts, stories, & community support all in one place over on our 988 Day Social Media Wall! See how people nationwide are showing their support for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline & #mentalhealth. Share your #988Day moments and join the movement: my.walls.io/988Day 💙

Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to care. We can all make a difference in someone's life by learning how to support those considering suicide. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community. samhsa.gov/suicide #SPM24

Please note: Philadelphia’s Chelten district office is closed for the remainder of the day today, Thursday, September 5, 2024. Clients can visit any other Philadelphia CAO office, or submit an application or renewal for benefits online anytime at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.

Does your child need a physical to play school sports? Health coverage from CHIP covers routine checkups and wellness visits! Learn more and apply at ChipCoversPAKids.com

Shapiro Administration Highlights Work Training Program for SNAP Recipients During Hunger Action Month: bit.ly/3B3u0Gj Landforce #HungerActionMonth

Programs like SNAP help Pennsylvanians live with dignity and safety by ensuring they can feed themselves and their families.

But we know that food insecurity does not happen in isolation and often there are underlying structural factors that contribute to someone not having enough food to eat.

In addition to providing nutrition benefits, we also must address the root causes of food insecurity such as lack of stable employment, training, or access to good paying jobs and larger societal issues like racism and intergenerational poverty.

Landforce shows that this is possible every day by serving those who face structural barriers to employment and giving them the skills and confidence to take a step forward. Landforce

Please note: Philadelphia’s Chelten district office is closed today, Friday, September 6, 2024. Clients can visit any other Philadelphia CAO office, or submit an application or renewal for benefits online anytime at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.

Shapiro Administration Celebrates Historic Budget Investments that Increase Access to Intellectual Disability and Autism Services, Support the ID/A Workforce: bit.ly/3TjWKRo

Every Pennsylvanian with intellectual disabilities & autism deserves to receive the services they need when they need them, but for too long, PA has had a system that results in years-long waiting lists for ID/A services instead of providing the right supports at the right time.

With these most recent budget wins, we can get to work and become a leader in the home and community-based services space by beginning the process of eliminating the waiting list for services and investing in our ID/A service providers and direct support professionals.

ICYMI: Shapiro Administration Kicks Off Strategic Planning Process to Improve Maternal Health Care and Address Maternal Mortality, Seeks Community Input This Fall: bit.ly/3X81lr2 PA Department of Health PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs PA Department of Insurance Secretary Val Arkoosh

We must do more to address the maternal mortality crisis in Pennsylvania, and I am excited to work with my agency colleagues and our community partners on this maternal health strategic plan.