FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joy Burwell
joyb@thenationalcouncil.org
202-748-8789
RCPA to Host Forum to Ensure PA’s Mental Health System is Robust
Harrisburg, PA (November 30, 2016) – On Friday, December 2 the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA), in partnership with the Behavioral Health + Economics Network (BHECON), led by the National Council for Behavioral Health, will hold a forum to discuss how Pennsylvania can strengthen its community-based mental health system to ensure a robust continuum of care.
The forum, Investing in Pennsylvania’s Behavioral Health Workforce, will examine the current behavioral health workforce in Pennsylvania, identify barriers that hinder the delivery of services, and delve into policy changes needed to support a high-performing workforce. Speakers from a variety of industries will discuss the challenges presented by shifting federal labor regulations, the effect of low reimbursement rates, and opportunities to expand the workforce.
“Due to workforce shortages, financing barriers, and bureaucratic mandates, health care providers in Pennsylvania struggle to serve all those living with mental health conditions,” said Richard S. Edley, PhD, President & Chief Executive Officer at RCPA. “The goal is for attendees to leave the forum with a better understanding of the challenges facing Pennsylvania’s behavioral health workforce and key policy changes needed to strengthen and enhance the delivery of care.”
Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack will provide the welcoming remarks via video. The forum will take place from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harrisburg, PA. View the agenda here.
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About BHECON
The Behavioral Health + Economics Network, known as BHECON (pronounced “beacon”) unites diverse stakeholders in a series of forums to examine and advance policy reforms to strengthen states’ behavioral health delivery systems. Led by the National Council for Behavioral Health with our state partners, BHECON participants include individuals and organizations recognized for their commitment to improving lives of people living with serious mental illness and incorporates representatives from the behavioral health, criminal justice, and public safety sectors, along with individuals working in the greater medical field. BHECON has partnered with academic research institutions to provide data and analysis specific to the topics presented at the forums and has curated national data in support of this effort. To learn more visit https://www.bhecon.org/.
