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Volume 17, No. 1 x 2015 Continued on page 4 Secretary Tennis reports from our State Department of Drug and Alcohol Continued on page 4 WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE "RECOVERY VOICES COUNT" IN PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance PRO.A is now on FACEBOOK –“like” us at www.facebook.com/ PaRecovery OrganizationAlliance Like the rest of the nation, Pennsylvania is suffering the worst epidemic of fatal drug overdoses in its history. In 2012, nearly 2,400 lives were lost due to drug overdose in Pennsylvania. Based on individual county reports, we believe the death rate is even higher today. Streamlining. The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' mission is to find every means possible to bring more resources to bear to prevent and treat substance use disorders and to reduce the loss of life. With limited resources during tough fiscal times, Secretary Gary Tennis has worked to streamline archaic and unwieldy regulations so that treatment programs can use more of their staff time to provide treatment to those who struggle with substance use disorders. Medicaid for county jail releases. In the past two years, we have worked with the Department of Human Services to get Medicaid turned on right away for those coming out of county jails and in need of residential treatment. This has resulted in millions of dollars for more treatment for those in greatest need. The work before Director of National Drug Control Policy A Message from Michael Botticelli Us m Many great movements to change public perception and policy around a public health issue have been fueled by people with a disease speaking out publicly. What is seen as someone else's problem—someone else’s disease – takes on a new dimension when people speak up about it. Such was the case when Betty Ford revealed her breast cancer diagnosis and her substance use disorder. Such was the case when Magic Johnson's revealed that he was HIV positive, spurring action to stem the AIDS epidemic.

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Page 1: Streamlining. p treatment. This has resulted in millions ...pro-a.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PRO-A-Quarterly-Report-Febru… · Yoga and Meditation Work Together, yoga and meditation

Volume 17, No. 1 x 2015

report

Continued on page 4

Secretary Tennis reports from our State Department of Drug and Alcohol

Continued on page 4

workiNg together to make

"recoVery Voices couNt"

iN peNNsylVaNia

pennsylvania recovery organizations alliance

PRO.A is now on FACEBOOK –“like” us at www.facebook.com/ PaRecovery OrganizationAlliance

Like the rest of the nation, Pennsylvania is suffering the worst epidemic of fatal drug overdoses in its history. In 2012, nearly 2,400 lives were lost due to drug overdose in Pennsylvania. Based on individual county reports, we believe the death rate is even higher today.

Streamlining. The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' mission is to find every means possible to bring more resources to bear to prevent and treat substance use disorders and to reduce the loss of life. With limited resources during tough fiscal times, Secretary Gary Tennis has worked to streamline archaic and unwieldy regulations so that treatment programs can use more of their staff time to provide treatment to those who struggle with substance use disorders.

Medicaid for county jail releases. In the past two years, we have worked with the Department of Human Services to get Medicaid turned on right away for those coming out of county jails and in need of residential treatment. This has resulted in millions of dollars for more treatment for those in greatest need. P

R A

the work before

Director of National Drug Control Policy

a message from

Michael Botticelli

us

mMany great movements to change public perception and policy around a public health issue have been fueled by people with a disease speaking out publicly. What is seen as someone else's problem—someone else’s disease – takes on a new dimension when people speak up about it.

Such was the case when Betty Ford revealed her breast cancer diagnosis and her substance use disorder. Such was the case when Magic Johnson's revealed that he was HIV positive, spurring action to stem the AIDS epidemic.

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cont

ents

2 • •

Volume 17, No. 1 x 2015900 South Arlington Avenue, Suite 254A

Harrisburg, PA 17109 . 10141.800.858.6040 Toll Free • 717.545.8929 • 717.545.9163 Fax

[email protected] • www.pro-a.org

The PRO.A newsletter is a publication of the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance.

The newsletter is published four times a year and sent to recipients in the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

Newsletters are mailed in February, May, August & November.

quarterly report

FEATuRES

Secretary tenniS reportS from our State Department of Drug anD alcohol 1

the Work Before uS 1

neeD health inSurance? check out Special enrollment perioDS 2

yoga & meDitation for aDDiction recovery 3

DDap Seeking applicantS 5

neWS from the Bethlehem recovery center 5

the Work Before uS 6

pro.a volunteerS at Witf 8

recovery corner 9

Supporting youth recovery enhanceD crS certificate program 10

ADVERTISERS gatehouSe intervention center 4

treatment trenDS inc. 7

the raSe project 7

meSSage carrierS of pennSylvania 8

malvern inStitute 10

White Deer run 11

performcare 12

Need health insurance? CheCk out

Special enrollment

Periods

You may be eligible to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act past the February 15, 2015, Open Enrollment deadline if you:

l Recently married

l Gave birth to or adopted a child

l Had a change in immigration status

l Were released from incarceration

l Received an exemption from the Marketplace but now have a higher income

l Lost health insurance coverage due to:

• Leftorlostajob

• Divorce

• Turned26andlostcoverageonaparent’splan

• LosteligibilityforMedicaidorCHIP

If any of the above events apply to you, you have 60 days from the time the event occurs to sign up for health insurance through the Marketplace.

Visitwww.healthcare.govorcall1-800-318-2596(TTY:1-855-889-4325) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to enroll. For help, contact a Marketplace NavigatorinPennsylvaniaat1-855-274-5626,daytimeworkhours.Theyarelocated around the state and are part of a consortium of Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association, Mental Health Association of Pennsylvania, Mental Health America in Westmoreland County and The Advocacy Alliance.

pro.a is now on FaceBook – “like” us at www.facebook.com/

parecoveryorganizationalliance

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• • 3

In 2014 the Bethlehem Recovery Center of Northampton County started a trial series of weekly Yoga & Meditation classes for Addiction Recovery. The classes are free, beginner-friendly and open to the public. Yoga and meditation are known for promoting relaxation, physical exercise and overall feelings of well-being. Tim Munsch, Executive Director of the BRC, wants to make yoga and meditation accessible to folks who might not

otherwise have the resources to participate elsewhere. The program has been in place for several months and

will continue, ultimately becoming a core component of a wellness program currently in development at the Center.

Chris Jacob, Manager of The Bethlehem Recovery Center, plans to add to the program, including weekly guided walks around town and workshops on nutrition and self-care. "Alcoholics and addicts often neglect healthy lifestyle habits. Improving these areas leads to greater self-confidence and produces an improvement in psychosocial factors, often prompting the individual to work, volunteer or serve as a mentor to another person in recovery." Doing service work is one of the basic tenets of 12-Step Recovery Programs. The concept is that for an individual to maintain his/her own sobriety, they must help another addict or alcoholic with a mutual sharing of experience, strength and hope.

Clinical ResearchFor several decades, clinical researchers have been studying the effects of meditation on individuals who report stress, anxiety, depression and pain. It is a widely accepted belief that calming the mind through efforts such as directed breathing and guided meditation help these individuals manage their discomfort. However, until recently, there has been no published data to back up these claims. Researchers had made progress in their quest to prove that meditation could not just alter one's perceptions of mental and physical discomfort, but actually change the way that the brain's neural circuitry processes stress, anxiety, depression, fear, etc.

Harvard Publishes Evidence-Based ResultsIn 2014, Harvard researchers published the results of the first clinical studies that provides evidence-based data that serves as proof that meditation does, in fact, change the brain's structure - showing that the brains of individuals who meditate become structurally different than the brains of individuals who don't meditate.

Why using Alcohol and Drugs to Feel Better Doesn't WorkWhat does all of this mean? How does it relate to addiction recovery? "MariaSmith"(notherrealname)saysthat"asanaddictandalcoholic, I've used drugs and alcohol to feel better, get rid of anxiety, help my depression, and mostly so I can get sleep." But when full-blown addiction takes over a person's life, these "needs" are no longer met, and the brain's chemistry changes.

More of the drug is required to attain the high that used produce relief. Furthermore, advanced drug addiction and alcoholism causes severe physical health problems, legal troubles, psychiatric diagnoses, and even death.

The Development of a Wellness ProgramRebecca de Jesús, who teaches yoga and meditation at the BRC is excited for the future of the wellness program. "Yoga and meditation have become an integral part of my own life. The practices help me manage stress, anxiety and pain caused by health issues. I love sharing yoga and meditation with others and seeing the awesome benefits that the students experience after consistent, weekly attendance in my classes."

Rebecca adds that she has had a longtime interest in the science behind the imprinted neural pathways that guide our physiological responses to experiences in life. I know now that it is absolutely possible to change our brains and rewire the ways that our brains respond to life stressors. In addiction recovery terms, this is the equivalent of "learning to use new tools in recovery to stay sober."

PostTraumaticStressDisorder(PTSD)causes some of the most decay-resistant strongholds over the brain. PTSD is very prevalent in addicts and alcoholics. de Jesús has plans to attend a Trauma-Informed Yoga Training, a program currently offered through the The Shanthi Project, which is based in Easton, PA. (http://www.shanthiproject.org)Shewillincorporate what she learns into her teaching style.

Yoga and Meditation WorkTogether, yoga and meditation teach addicts and alcoholics to sit with discomfort. To learn that they can respond calmly and appropriately to life, rather than react hastily out of fear or anger. Yoga and meditation help students understand that discomfort does eventually pass. This mimics what addiction clinicians and specialists teach about handling triggers.

For more information, please contact Chris Jacob, Manager of The Bethlehem Recovery Center of Northampton County, at [email protected], or Carlos Molina at [email protected]

yoga & meditation for addiction recoveryThe Bethlehem Recovery Center of

Northampton County By Rebecca de Jesús

Chris Jacob adds, "The goal of the yoga and meditation

classes, as a part of the budding Wellness Program at the Bethlehem Recovery

Center, roots itself in Harvard's evidence-based clinical research results.

So far we are seeing positive changes. It really does work if you work it."

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4 • •

Prescribing Guidelines. Tennis also focused on assembling a wide gathering of stakeholders to promulgate three sets of Pennsylvania Prescribing Guidelines, aimed at helping doctors and dentists reduce prescription drug abuse and overdoses, with safer and more effective pain management.

Overdose Rapid Response Task Force. This was created with key players from federal, state, and local law enforcement, health care officials and providers. This task force communicates regularly and focuses on rapid response of overdose and drug trends between law enforcement and emergency medical services. This is a critical unified step to ensure real-time information is being relayed to officials to prepare and deal with overdose or preventing drug overdose from occurring in their areas.

Naloxone. On Nov. 29, 2014 a critical life-saving law was enacted. With the steadily increasing opioid overdose deaths in Pennsylvania, it was important to get a life-saving antidote, Naloxone, into the hands of first responders and loved ones. In Delaware County alone, 20 lives have been saved due to this law being enacted. Tennis and key staffers have worked feverishly to engage both police departments and naloxonefunders(healthinsurers)togetthehandsinfirstrespondersacrossthestate,aswellasintothehandsoffamilymembersandfriends of those at risk of fatal overdose.

This is just a few of the many strides that Secretary Tennis has been leading at the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in its first two years. He is deeply committed to making available drug and alcohol prevention and treatment resources for our communities to reduce the terrible suffering and death in Pennsylvania communities caused by substance use disorder. Secretary Tennis was re-appointed to the department by the Wolf administration to continue the department’s mission.

Secretary Tennis reports from our State Department of Drug and Alcohol

continued from page 1

Biography Secretary Gary TennisGary Tennis of Philadelphia was appointed to serve as the first secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in January 2012.

Tennis served from 1986 to 2006 as Chief of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Legislation Unit, where he represented the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association working with the General Assembly. In addition to more than 20 years of legislative experience, Tennis served as Executive Director of the President’s Commission on Model State Drug Laws in 1993. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa in 1975, where he was a Rhodes Scholarship nominee. After teaching junior high school for two years, he attended and graduated from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1980. His life mission is to ensure treatment with clinically integrity for Pennsylvanian struggling with addiction, and to implement the most effective prevention programs throughout the state.

INTERVENTION SERVICES

717-626-9524

The Gate House now offers intervention services. Our interventionist, Fern Wilcox, is a licensed counselor and certified interventionist. Interventions through The Gate House are non-confrontational, treat the whole family, and include:

For a list of services provided by The Gate House, visit our website at:

We have a variety of intervention plans and can travel throughout the US, by arrangement. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you or your loved one.

• Long-term, Individualized, family-based support.

• Help to navigate the treatment/funding process.

• Local transportation to treatment and the ability to meet at a convenient location.

Paving the road to recovery

Paving the road to recovery

www.gatehouse.org

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• • 5

TheDepartmentofDrugandAlcoholPrograms(DDAP)iscommittedto recruiting qualified job applicants who are deeply passionate about the mission of the agency and who are knowledgeable about the disease of addiction and its devastating impact on Pennsylvania families. We know that this passion and knowledge can be found in our recovering community. Most positions in DDAP are covered by PA Civil Service and require passing a civil service exam to be considered for employment. DDAP is currently recruiting for the following positions:

Drug and Alcohol Program Analyst with the following requirements: Two years of professional experience in social service or human development programs including one year of program planning, developing, and monitoring experience of the same; and a bachelor's degree; OR any equivalent combination of experience and training.

We are hopeful that in the very near future we will also be recruiting for two other job classifications in the agency as follows:

Drug and Alcohol Licensing Specialist with the following requirements: Two years of professional experience in a social services agency providing direct social services, case management services, program planning, program monitoring, program evaluation, nursing services, allied health services, dietary services, or quality assurance services; and a bachelor's degree in the behavioral sciences, education, public health, nursing or allied health sciences. Graduate course work in the behavioral sciences, education, public health, nursing or allied health sciences may be substituted for up to one (1)yearoftherequiredexperienceORanyequivalentcombinationof experience and training which includes two years of professional experience in a social services agency providing direct social services,

case management services, program planning, program monitoring, program evaluation,nursing services, allied health services, dietary services, or quality assurance services; and 24 college-level credits in the behavioral sciences, education, public health, nursing or allied health sciences.

Drug and Alcohol Program Representative with the following requirements: Two years of professional experience in a social services agency providing direct social services, case management services, program planning, program monitoring, program evaluation, allied health services, or quality assurance services; and a bachelor's degree in the behavioral sciences, public health or human services administration, or a closely related field. Graduate course work in the behavioral sciences, public health or human services administration may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two(2)yearsofprofessionalexperienceinasocialservicesagencyproviding direct social services, case management services, program planning, program monitoring, program evaluation, allied health services, or quality assurance services and 24 college level credits in the behavioral sciences, public health or human services administration.

If you would like to discuss your interest and qualifications in applying for civil service positions in DDAP, please send your detailed resume to Cheryl Dondero, Deputy Secretary, DDAP, 02 Kline Village, Harrisburg, PA, 17104-1503 or via email to [email protected]. Whether sending your resume by mail or email, please reference “DDAP/PRO.A Recruitment” in the subject line. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workplace diversity. If you have questions or would like moreinformation,youcanreachCherylat(717)736-7446.EOE

DDap seeking applicants

News from the Bethlehem Recovery CenterOctober through December 2014

October saw the start of the relocation of the BRC from the second floor to the ground floor of 548 north New Street here in downtown Bethlehem. The move was accomplished entirely by our volunteers and is a testament to the commitment of our volunteers and friends of the BRC. Thank you!! October ended on a “sour note” as the BRC hosted a karaoke/Halloween costume party.

The BRC continued to expand its outreach to varying sections of the community in October by providing a presentation from Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. Volunteers and staff of the BRC and Lehigh Valley Drug and Alcohol took part in an interview by the Easton Express in November on a story focusing on opiate use in the Lehigh Valley for publication in early 2015. Participation in this story gets the word out to those who struggle with addiction that the BRC is a resource in the community to assist them while also protecting the anonymity of the participants.

November also saw the addition of Yoga and Meditation for Recovery. This is a new meeting at the BRC and we are seeing it expand as interest grows. November ended with the AA District 37 Thanksgiving day Alcathon and Five 12-step meetings were held at the center with a Thanksgiving day meal provided with donations from the BRC and participating 12-step groups.

December began with meetings to discuss interest in new services and how to provide them in the coming year with a consensus to provide a duel diagnosis group as well as other mental health orientated workshops. We also held a meeting with Sister Virginia of Stephen’s House and a plan to host an Ugly Sweater Christmas party to benefit PENNSCYPAA, The Pennsylvania Conference of Young People in AA which is working towards hosting the state conference in Bethlehem in 2016.

In summation, the BRC continues to expand its outreach! While we are currently open seven days a week from 9 to 5. We are looking to expand our hours. We continue to look for ways to be of maximum service to the recovering community of the Lehigh Valley.

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6 • •

Yet, despite the fact that nearly every family and community in America is affected by a substance use disorder, those fighting to overcome this disease are too often hidden in the shadows of shame and denial. It is whispered about. It is met with derision and scorn.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only 1 in 9 people with a diagnosable substance use disorder gets treatment. Compare this to the treatment rate for diabetes, for which 72% of people with the disease receive care.

When treatment is provided for substance use disorders, it too often comes at the most acute stages of the disease when effective treatment is far more challenging and costly than in the early stages. Because substance use disorders have historically gone unidentified for far too long, and timely access to treatment has been far too difficult to come by, a person is expected to hit “rock bottom” before seeking help for a substance use disorder.

Standard medical care does not allow a diabetic to enter kidney failure before offering insulin. Yet untreated substance use disorders routinely proceed unchecked until they have reached such levels of emergency. In addition to the unnecessary suffering for patients and their families, our current approach costs the United States hundreds of billions a year in increased health care costs, crime and lost productivity-- over $223 billion related to alcohol and $193 billion related to illicit drugs.

Decades of scientific research have proven that substance use disorders are a health issue: chronic medical conditions with genetic, biological and environmental risk factors. Effective substance use disorders requires a comprehensive, public health approach involving evidence-based prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery support services. The National Drug Control Strategy, the Obama Administration’s template for drug policy, outlines more than 100 action items across federal government to prevent drug use and its consequences.

Earlierthismonth,PresidentObamainhis2016Budgetrequestedhistoriclevelsoffunding--including$133millioninnewfunds--to address the opioid misuse epidemic in the U.S. Using a public health framework as its foundation, our strategy also acknowledges the vital role that federal state and local law enforcement play in reducing the availability of drugs—another risk factor for drug use. It underscores the vital importance of primary prevention in stopping drug use before it ever begins by funding prevention efforts across the country. It sets forth an agenda aimed at stripping away the systemic challenges that have accumulated like plaque over the decades: over-criminalization, lack of integration with mainstream medical care, insurance coverage and the legal barriers that make it difficult for people once involved with the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives.

The implementation of the Affordable Care Act will dramatically increase coverage for treatment and ensures that services are comparable to otherchronicconditionsformorethan60millionAmericans.Thisisthebiggestexpansionofsubstanceusedisordertreatmentinageneration,and it will transform millions of lives.

All of these advancements, however, are not enough unless we fundamentally change the way we think about people with addiction. There are millions of people in recovery in the United States leading meaningful, productive lives full of joy and love and laughter – and I am one of them.

Tonight, the United States Senate voted to confirm my nomination as Director of National Drug Control Policy. This is an honor I never dreamedof26yearsago,whenmysubstanceusedisorderhadbecomesoacutethatIwashandcuffedtoahospitalbed.Iacceptthischallengewith the humility and tenacity of someone in long term recovery.

I am open about my recovery not to be self-congratulatory, I am open about my recovery to change public policy. I have dedicated my life to treating drug use as a public health issue, and that’s how I approach this new role, as well. I hope that many more of the millions of Americans in recovery like me will also choose to “come out” and to fight to be treated like anyone else with a chronic disease. By putting faces and voices to the disease of addiction and the promise of recovery, we can lift the curtain of conventional wisdom that continues to keep too many of us hidden and without access to lifesaving treatment.

It is time to make a simple, yet courageous decision to be counted, to be seen and to be heard. Share your story with us today.

Michael Botticelli serves as Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy. On 2/12/15, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm him as Director of National Drug Control Policy.

continued from page 1

the work before

Director of National Drug Control Policy

a message from

Michael Botticelli

us

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• • 7

BECAUSE YOU MATTER.

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For more information please call 717-232-8535 or visit our website at www.raseproject.org

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8 • •

Our Program Coordinator, Marianna Horowitz, assembled a small group of volunteers to participate in a pledge drive to benefit WITF’s radio broadcasts. Through Smart Talk, their daily, live interactive program featuring conversations with newsmakers and experts, WITF has been running a series of shows to raise awareness about addiction and recovery efforts. This initiative is helping to educate the public on Pennsylvania’s escalating drug epidemic. This initiative involves individuals of various professions. The topics range from heroin and prescription drug use, to underage drinking and synthetic drugs. Visit www.witf.org/smart-talk to find articles and previously aired broadcasts. Look for the kick-off talk which features Secretary Gary Tennis from the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs! As an agency, we were excited to support such efforts and for PRO.A to be recognized on the radio and have a picture of our volunteers posted on the WITF Facebook page.

PRO AVolunteers at

The volunteers pictured above, clockwise from left: Stefanie Ross, Brendan Rackley, Ben Kroll, Kathy Wyatt and Marianna Horowitz.

Two of PRO.A's board members, Mike Harle, left, and

Deborah Beck, right, shown with Marianna Horowitz.

They recently participated on a WITF community.

MESSAGE CARRIERS OF PENNSYLVANIA | 5907 PENN AVE, SUITE 235 | PITTSBURGH, PA 15206

WHEN: Thursday December 18, 2014 TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. WHERE: Mt Ararat Baptist Church

271 Paulson Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206

RECIPIENT: State Representative Ed Gainey 24th Legislative District Allegheny County

CELEBRATING EVERYONE! Please place an ad in our Memorabilia Booklet by Monday December 8, 2014

Booklet size 5½ x 8 Full page $100.00 Half page $50.00 Quarter page/Business cards $25.00

Celebrating the Gift of Recovery $10.00 (name & clean date) In Loving Memory $10.00 (name)

Ad details may be emailed to:[email protected] or given to a Message Carriers Volunteers

Please send your payments to Message Carriers of Pennsylvania

Prevention

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11TH ANNUAL TREE OF LIFE CELEBRATION

Intervention Advocacy

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• • 9

WARM LINENeed help accessing services or have a concern about difficulties you have experienced?

call our warm line at 800-858-6040

pennsylvania mental health consumers association (pmhca)Working with other organizations is important to the mission of PRO.A. That’s why we are excited about the relationship we have built with PMHCA, our counterpart in the mental health field. This relationship is especially important because so many people who are dealing with drug and alcohol addictions also have mental health disorders. We are pleased that we were able to support PHMCA’s efforts by participating intheirtownhallmeetingswheretheyprovidedvaluableinformationaboutenrollinginhealthcareundertheAffordableCareAct(ACA). In turn, PMHCA gave us opportunities to talk about PRO.A’s mission and our activities, provide information about drug and alcohol services and how to access them, and hear about issues that persons seeking help face when trying to get help.

recovery community service program – statewide NetworkThe staff at PRO.A has spent the last several months planning and engaging in activities to expand the capacity of addiction recovery community organizations through the development of an organized statewide network. This work is being made possible by a three-year grantwereceivedfromthefederalgovernment’sSubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdministration(SAMHSA).Underthegrant, we are looking to expanding services to the recovery community, including our CRS training series, a new leadership training course, and technical assistance to recovery community organizations, providers and other organizations. In an effort to determine what technical assistanceorganizationsneed,wesentoutsurveytoassessthelevelofDrugandAlcohol(Peer-Based)RecoverySupportServicesavailablethroughout Pennsylvania. If your organization or one you know of did not receive a survey form, please contact us.

pro.a membership DriveIf you are not a member of PRO.A, now is a great time to join. We are reaching out to recovery community organizations, local agencies, statewide organizations and agencies, and individuals in the recovery community, including family members of persons in recovery or those seeking recovery. Our members will receive PRO.A’s Quarterly Report, in which we provide updated information about the status of advocacy issues, training opportunities, and events planned by other organizations in the recovery community. Also, as important legislative and policy issues arise, we will reach out to you to join us in advocating for the recovering community. You can join us by contacting us via email or telephone, or through our website at www.pro-a.org.

pro.a websiteThe PRO.A website is undergoing an exciting transformation to better serve the recovery community in Pennsylvania. The new design will allow us to provide a multitude of services, including a platform for an interactive virtual recovery community, a clearing house for trauma informed substance abuse peer support services, webinars to provide important information to our partners and other members of the recovery community, recovery news and events from around the state, and much more. New areas of the website which are currently under construction include easily accessible resources for persons with addictions who are seeking treatment; and information on rights to treatment under the Affordable Care Act, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and Medicare. Check out the PRO.A website today.

Recovery CornerFeBruary 24, 2015

By Nathan Lee GadsdenRecovery Service Community Coordinator

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10 • •

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc./PRO-ACT is excited to announce the awardofaHealthResourcesandServicesAdministration(HRSA)BehavioralHealthWorkforceTrainingandEducation(BHWET)granttokickoffitsnewSupportingYouthRecovery Enhanced CRS Certificate Program this month! This innovative program expandsTheCouncil’sexistingCertifiedRecoverySpecialist(CRS)trainingtoconsistof an unprecedented 90 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of supervised field placement experience. The field placement component will give students an opportunity to practice applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom while enveloped in a supported learning environment. This entire program is designed to enhance the peer workforce’s ability to meet the unique behavioral health needs of at-risk children, adolescents, young adults and their families. To be considered for the certificate program, individuals must meet the minimum CRS requirements, complete an application and interview process, demonstrate the capacity to commit to the entire program and exhibit an ability to use their lived experience to support other young people and their families. The Council will be forming cohorts for this program in three Southeast PA locations: Philadelphia, Doylestown and Rosemont. If accepted through the competitive application process, students will be awarded a full scholarship into the program. Applications and more information are available on The Council’s website at www.councilsepa.org.

Supporting Youth RecoveRY

Enhanced CRS Certificate ProgramBy Brooke M. Feldman, Project Coordinator,

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. / PRO-ACT

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••11

Drug & Alcohol Problem?

Detoxification Adult & Adolescent Rehab

Dual Diagnosis Relapse Prevention Women’s Programs

Transportation Provided 24-hour Admissions

Contact our 24-Hour Call Center

1-866-769-6822

www.whitedeerrun.com | www.bowlinggreenbrandywine.com | coveforge.crchealth.com

together.WOuLD YOu PLEASE CONSIDER MAKINg A DONATION TO PRO.A?We are working tirelessly to reduce discrimination, improve access to services and assist recovery efforts in communities across Pennsylvania. Please help us make recovery a reality to a person, family or community near you. PRO.A is a 501(C) (3) not profit organization with the Mission: To mobilize, educate and advocate to eliminate the stigma and discrimination toward those affected by alcoholism and other drug addiction to ensure hope, health and justice for individuals, families and those in recovery.

THANK YOu!Please send a tax deductible donation to:PRO.A900 SOuTH ARLINgTON AVE. SuITE 254A HARRISBuRg, PA 17109

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We are here to help with alcohol and drug problems. Recovery begins when you ask for help.Call today!Capital areaCumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and Perry ................................................................1-888-722-4686

NorthCentral regionBedford and Somerset .....................................................1-866-773-7891Franklin and Fulton ............................................................1-866-773-7917

Deaf or hard of hearing 1-800-654-5984 TTY or 711 PA relay

Providing drug and alcohol services for adults, adolescents and children enrolled in the HealthChoices Program.

pa.performcare.org

Thank You for Supporting

PRO. A