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Expert Guidance for Families of Students with FASD. Navigating the education system with a child with FASD can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A recording of Proof Alliance’s first EmpowerED Series panel brings together education, legal, mental health, and caregiver experts to help families understand their child’s rights and advocate effectively in school . Panelists include attorneys, educators, therapists, and parents who share both professional expertise and living experience. This recorded panel discussion provides practical guidance, strategies, and resources to empower caregivers and support student success. This panel is now available for no-cost, on-demand viewing on the Proof Alliance eCampus. Watch the Recording Here https://learn.proofalliance.org/courses/empowered-webinar-series/?blm_aid=240673 Click here to watch the panel >Click here to watch the panel >

Proof Alliance is seeking speakers to connect with and elevate care for people with FASD using strengths-based strategies. This year’s theme, Turning Knowledge into Action , emphasizes practical application. We want every caregiver who attends to leave with concrete steps, actionable tools, and resources they can use immediately. Applications are being accepted through December 5, 2025 Event Dates: May 14th (8 am - 4 pm CST and May 15th (9 am - 4 pm CST), 2026 Location: Plymouth Community Center, Plymouth, Minnesota Audience:  200+ caregivers of individuals with FASD and professionals, community agencies Form for Submission and Information Below https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=gN8FVOaErUCb5XmsQMpyFIboZ2py3EtJqOC17iF6mEJUOUQzTENOREpSMDUyQjZLQTc5Mk02MDlNMSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl&blm_aid=240673 Submit your proposal here >

Dear OMHSAS Stakeholders,    The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is inviting Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) Professionals, CRS Supervisors, CRS Providers, Primary Contractors, Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations, County Mental Health Representatives, and Single County Authorities to provide feedback on providing Medicaid services through Certified Recovery Specialists.     Stakeholders who will not have an opportunity to join us on a virtual listening session are encouraged to use the following link to a survey to provide feedback.  The survey will remain open until tomorrow Friday, October 10, 2025 . We encourage stakeholders to complete the survey well before October 10 th  so your feedback is received in a timely manner.      Survey link: https://mercer.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b4rPh8m11Xb1G3s   The attached flyer also contains the survey link.  The creation of the survey and collection of information is a partnership with Mercer Government Human Services Consulting.   If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Barry Decker at bdecker@pa.gov  or Kathy Nichols at kathy.nichols@mercer.com   Thank you for your continued commitment and cooperation.   OMHSAS Executive Committee

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s SUD initiatives and resources on DDAP’s website .

We're excited to introduce PEAL's brand-new website that features an easy-to-use events calendar that makes it simpler than ever to find and register for upcoming trainings, workshops, and webinars. Whether you're a family member, youth, or professional, get access to the information and support you need.  Check out the new PEAL website.

The PEAL Board of Directors is made up of individuals who are committed to the vision, mission, and goals of the organization.  Board members include a diverse group of families of children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs and professionals  – in fact, our bylaws require that at least 51% of Board members be parents of children and/or youth with disabilities.  The Board of Directors also strives to broadly represent the diversity of the residents of Pennsylvania and includes adults with disabilities, as well as individuals working in the fields of special education, health care, related services, and early intervention. If you are interested in becoming a member of PEAL’s Board of Directors, please complete an application here:  Board Member Application .  Submit your completed application with your resume to  careers@pealcenter.org .

T he Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced the agencies’ second annual Recovery in Nature sites within Pennsylvania’s state park system. The initiative will run throughout the month of September in conjunction with National Recovery Month . Recovery in Nature is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature - particularly for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) - and encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of trails and waterways throughout the Commonwealth’s state parks. There are nine regional recovery hubs , funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to coordinate a network of community-based services and supports that are person-centered, with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals in recovery from SUD. DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or trail system within a state park near each regional recovery hub. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take advantage of the recommended locations throughout the entire month of September. “Pennsylvania’s state parks offer more than recreation — they are vital spaces for personal growth and healing. There is hope in a sunrise, and peace in the woods,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn . “By supporting Recovery in Nature, DCNR is proud to contribute to a statewide effort that underscores the connection to outdoor access for individuals on the path to recovery.” Region 1: Philadelphia River Walk, Neshaminy State Park The river walk trail takes hikers alongside the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. Visitors can observe scenic views of the water and the Philadelphia skyline. Region 2: Allegheny County Wildflower Reserve Trail System , Raccoon Creek State Park More than 700 species of plants can be found along the more than four miles of trails, between a variety of habitats including oak-hickory forest, pine plantations, meadows, and riparian forest. Region 3: Erie County Bluffs Edge Trail, Erie Bluffs State Park Traveling along the bluffs edge, there are two overlooks with views of Lake Erie along the trail. Region 4: Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Delaware, and Schuylkill counties Mink Trail, Nockamixon State Park Accessed from either the parking lot off Old Ridge Road or from the parking lot on Mink Road, this hiking and equestrian trail loops along the south shore east of Church Trail through forested areas and grass fields. Region 5: York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Huntington, Mifflin, Juniata, and Blair counties Pond Loop Trail, Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area This one-mile loop trail skirts the spring-fed pond which is a popular watering hole for wildlife. Region 6: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette, and Somerset counties Lakeside Loop, Keystone State Park The two-mile lakeside trail is an ideal trail for the whole family to explore Keystone State Park. It circles Keystone Lake and offers views through various ecosystems. These ecosystems are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot birds, fish, reptiles, pollinating insects, and more. Region 7: Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, and Clearfield counties Lowlands Trail, Sinnemahoning State Park The Lowlands Trail follows the course of the First Fork through five miles of the park, passing through open fields, shrubby riparian zones, and mature, towering forests. This scenic trail was originally part of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad bed. In addition, on Thursday, September 11, the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. , which is DDAP’s Region 7 recovery hub, will be hosting a guided hike and recovery-related event to celebrate Recovery Month at the park. Region 8: Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia, and Northumberland counties Beaver Haven Nature Trail, Ole Bull State Park This nearly two-mile loop travels along many riparian wetlands and past a large beaver pond. It offers many options for shorter and longer loops and out and back hiking. It may be accessed in many locations throughout the park. Region 9: Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, and Northampton counties Lake Shore Trail, Frances Slocum State Park This trail begins at the Campground Road bridge or in the Big Pines Picnic Area and offers a peaceful walk along the water’s edge of the Lake Shore Trail. DCNR requires all state park officers to be trained in administering naloxone and to carry a naloxone kit including a pair of gloves, two prefilled, needleless intranasal devices and a carrying case while on duty at DCNR’s state parks . Additionally, many state parks have posted signage containing help for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction, such as avenues to get naloxone, resources for finding SUD treatment, and educational tools. Individuals seeking SUD treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can be connected to local resources by visiting treatmentatlas.org or by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Quitting marijuana can cause persistent thoughts and a strong desire to use. While weed cravings can be unpleasant, they do not need to lead to relapse. Techniques, treatments, and medications are available to help you stop cravings, prevent relapse and overcome weed addiction. https://recovery.org/marijuana/cravings/

“The risk that alcohol poses to women’s health has mounted over the last two decades, as they have begun to drink more frequently and in larger quantities. Alcohol-related deaths among women more than doubled from 1999 to 2020.” https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/alcohol-use-women-health-consequences-followed-rcna220249

“Today, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) , which shows how people living in the United States reported their experience with mental health conditions, substance use, and pursuit of treatment.

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) invites providers, individuals with lived experience, and community members to participate in a brief survey developed by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Equity Coalition (NEPA EC). The survey focuses on equitable access and cultural humility in treatment and recovery support services. Formed in 2023 and supported by DDAP, the NEPA EC is a regional workgroup committed to improving equity in recovery supports . The Coalition meets regularly to identify barriers, elevate community voice, and make recommendations to DDAP that promote inclusive, person-centered care. The survey is open to anyone—whether currently receiving recovery supports or providing them. If you have experience in both areas, please respond through one lens. While open to all, responses from those living or working in Northeastern Pennsylvania are especially encouraged. Responses will remain confidential and reviewed in deidentified summary form only. Survey responses are due Friday, August 15 Questions? Contact NEPAEC@northboundandco.org PLEASE PASS ON THIS INFORMATION! POST IT FOR ALL TO SEE! Thank you for helping to spread the word!! Join our Email Network! Email pasocdianna@gmail.com to join our email network! Have an event? Please email it to us to send on the network!