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In this Update:
Removing Barriers to Mental Health Care
This week in Washington County, I stood with mental health nurse practitioners to highlight the need to increase access to health care, especially in the behavioral and mental health area. During National Suicide Prevention Month, it’s important to recognize the critical shortage of qualified psychiatrists and the urgent need for mental and behavioral health resources. My legislation, Senate Bill 25, would expand access to both health and mental health care by granting full practice authority to qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses-Certified Nurse Practitioners (APRN-CNPs). “The cost of collaborative agreements is high – both financially and emotionally. I was already in the process of hiring an additional Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at my practice when I was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Jen Bowman, DNP, PMHNP and co-founder of Southpointe Psychiatry & Wellness. “It became even more important to quickly hire an additional provider, but what should have been a simple hiring process became months of logistical red tape, expensive fees, and stressful decisions.” Nurse practitioners have advanced degrees in nursing and specialized training in primary care or other specialty fields, including psychiatric mental health, and can assess and treat patients, order tests, and prescribe medications. However, at this time in Pennsylvania, NPs can currently only provide these services to patients in their communities if they pursue and maintain two signed collaborative agreements with two separate physicians. According to NAMI Pennsylvania, nearly half of all Pennsylvania counties don’t have a single psychiatrist. The lack of access is so severe that over half of all Pennsylvanians with a mental health condition end up forgoing mental health care altogether. In a state where 1,814,000 adults suffer from a mental health condition, PMHNPs play a key role in mental health care, often serving rural and underserved communities where psychiatrists do not practice. To watch the full event, click on the image above. Washington County Assistance Office has RelocatedThe Washington County Assistance Office has relocated to 90 W Chestnut St., Suite 300 East Wing, Washington, PA 15301 Phone: (724) 223-4300 Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Residents do not need to visit an office to apply for or maintain benefits as there are several ways to interact with the CAO from the convenience of their home: – Online: Apply for and renew benefits, report a change, or submit verification documents online at http://www.dhspa.gov/COMPASS – Mobile app: Download the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to report changes, submit verification documents, and even check SNAP/TANF balances right from a mobile device. – Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia with questions or updates to information. – Call 1-866-550-4355 to apply for or renew SNAP, Medicaid, or CHIP benefits. Happenings in the 46th
This week I had an opportunity to visit Shell Midstream’s Falcon Pipeline System along the Montour Trail in Robinson Township, Washington County. Shell is working with Pheasants Forever and Penn State University to enhance its implementation and measurement of vegetation and habitat management techniques along the right-of-way. The Falcon Pipeline is the feeder to the Shell Polymers Monaca plant in neighboring Beaver County. These efforts are increasing biodiversity, reducing erosion conditions, and proactively engaging with local communities while continuing to maintain a safe and reliable pipeline system.
I have long been an advocate for career and technical centers that set our young people up for success by teaching trade skills so it’s no surprise that I was thrilled to help dedicate the newly renovated welding and fabrication machining lab at Mon Valley Career & Technology Center (MVCTC) this week by – torching the ribbon! At the ceremony, Neil Henehan [MVCTC Director] singled out Vinnie Destefano [Welding Instructor], to acknowledge the challenge he met of analyzing the functionality, safety, and effectiveness of the old lab. “Mr. D” as his students affectionately call him, received his well-deserved recognition while his father, Don, was in attendance to celebrate his achievement. Neil stressed to the students that, “This is a big lesson in the power of one teacher, what one teacher can do when they have a driving force and is fielded by a passion to create something amazing for the betterment of all students.” The students in attendance were hands-on with the demolition, painting, electrical work, and table fabrication. You all have done a fantastic job and I hop you enjoy your new lab.
This week Chartiers-Houston School District (CHSD) convened their inaugural Character Counts, a gathering of local leaders and school officials who are all working towards bringing the community together in a positive and uplifting way. Congratulations to Dr. Christian Lesnett, CHSD High School Principal and the entire administration on a wonderful first meeting. I would also like to extend a big thank you to the student presenters for their inspiring work.
Thank you to all the wonderful people and over 125 vendors who came down to the Senior Expo this week! I am already looking forward to doing it again next year. It was an honor to help coordinate this year’s event with the Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging, State Rep. Tim O’Neal, and the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Child Care Tax Credit Supports Families, Communities
Senate Republicans understand that supporting families helps create strong communities. We led the way in establishing the Child Care Tax Credit and also increased it to provide relief to as many moms and dads as possible. Because of the tax credit, more businesses can contribute toward their employees’ child care benefits, providing financial relief to parents, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Employer contributions may not count as the employee’s income. The tax credit allows employers to claim a tax credit equal to 30% of what they contribute toward an employee’s child care benefits, up to $500. If an employer chooses to make contributions to its employees, the employer must make equal contributions to all employees who have eligible child care costs. Exciting Careers Await in PA Agriculture
There are more than 500,000 jobs in PA agriculture – covering the fields of business, technology, science and more – and 75,000 more need to be filled in the next decade to keep our farms operating and our nation fed. As the industry diversifies and innovates with new technology and its aging workforce retires, new opportunities are continually available. Find available careers in agriculture. State Seminars Explain New Tax Laws
Senate Republicans reformed the state tax code to bring jobs to Pennsylvania and help start-ups. Tax professionals can learn about these and other changes at the Department of Revenue in person or at virtual seminars. The one-day seminars offer information about the Personal Income Tax, sales tax, corporate taxes and compliance initiatives. They also explain how to use the department’s website to establish tax accounts for new businesses, file tax returns and pay state taxes. Seminars are offered through December. Learn more and register here. An Emergency Plan Can be a Lifesaver
Having an emergency plan that everyone in your family is familiar with can keep your loved ones safe during a power outage, severe storm or other unexpected event. A clear plan helps people stay calm and focused during a stressful experience. It should include information about where to go, who to contact and what to have on hand. It’s important to have enough food, water and other supplies to last at least three days. Other items for a basic emergency kit include flashlights, extra batteries, first aid supplies, hand sanitizer and a whistle to signal for help. Learn more. September is National Prostate Health Month
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men in the United States, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. It causes more deaths in men than all but lung cancer. Screenings can often catch the disease before it spreads, resulting in a five-year survival rate of 97.5%. For someone with an average risk, screening should begin at age 50. Getting screened every two or three years is sufficient for most men. While there is no way to completely prevent prostate cancer, men can reduce their risk by choosing a low-fat diet filled with fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising most days of the week.
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