Over 550,000 residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania are age 65 and older, a number that grows by over 10,000 annually. Over the next 15 years, the number of residents age 85 and over will grow by 70%. By 2030, 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians will be over the age of 65. As we look for creative solutions to ensure that all SW Pennsylvanians not only live longer but thrive as they age, SWPPA strongly advocates for robust and forward-looking public policies and administrative actions in support of healthy aging at all levels of government: municipal, county, state and federal. We must have a unified and seamless effort focused on preserving the ability for all of us to age and live well, with economic stability and dignity within our communities. Failure in this effort is not an option. Our priorities are organized below according to federal and state focus. o Reauthorize the Older Americans Act by supporting passage of 5.2120 o Preserve, protect and adequately fund critical Medicaid programming in support of services improving the lives of older adults and those living with disabilities o To support the Direct Care Workforce by advocating for passage of H.R. 5495/Essential Workers for Advancement Act Advance mental health parity in Medicare, expanding coverage to include interventions that will better address the mental health needs of older adults o Preserve, protect and grow state funding for services for older adults, with a focus on a strong lottery fund restricted for use in support of older adults o Adopt the rate recommendations for all services within OLTL’s rate study, which reflects a 23% increase for Commonwealth Providers — which would enable providers to more effectively combat the Direct Care Workforce Crisis o Support, fund and grow a robust and fluid long-term living continuum of care Strengthen and adequately fund local Area Agencies of Aging as the hub for aging services at the community level O o Upgrade and enact the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) o Support and advance the adoption of Age-Friendly principles

https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/mmrc/index.html

Upper Darby American Legion Tuesday May 5, 2026 11 am to 2 pm with Refreshments Served Post 214 6914 Chestnut Street Upper Darby PA 19082

Shapiro Administration Announces New Resources for Parents, Educators on How to Protect Kids from the Risks of Sports, Online, and Other Forms of Gambling   New gambling resources build on Governor Josh Shapiro’s promise to improve the information literacy skills of educators, students, and families to help the next generation of Pennsylvanians learn how to discern fact from fiction online.     Pennsylvanians struggling with problem gambling can call 1-800-GAMBLER 24/7 – it is free and confidential.   Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Education (PDE) are announcing the availability of new, free online resources for Pennsylvania educators and families to learn what problem gambling is, how to recognize warning signs in children, and where to go for help. March marks the 23rd anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The yearly designation is designed to increase public awareness of the availability of treatment and recovery services and encourage health care providers to screen their service recipients for problem gambling.   “Knowledge is power. DDAP and our partners at PDE encourage teachers, students, families, and all Pennsylvanians to learn about the signs of problem gambling and use that knowledge to stop gambling issues before they start,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “We know that for substance use disorder, with the right treatment and supports, recovery is probable; the same holds true for problem gambling.”   The Promoting Awareness Around Online Gambling and Its Impact Toolkit is designed to be a one-stop shop for educators and parents offering guidance on various aspects of problem gambling in youth. Insight into why it’s important to avoid gambling-related activities in classrooms , learn gambling terms students may be using , recognize signs of early problem gambling behaviors , and how parents can use parental controls to manage children’s games, apps, and gaming consoles.   The resources also provide guidance on recognizing the signs of early problem gambling behaviors, including : Significant time spent on mobile or gaming devices; Loss of interest in activities or a drop in after-school activities; Drop in homework completion or school grades; and Increased interest in sports scores and statistics. “Ensuring the wellness of our students starts with equipping them with the tools they need to recognize when something is dangerous or unhealthy, and to ask for help when they need it,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Together, the Online Gambling and Information Literacy toolkits provide critical resources that can help educators, learners, and their families thoughtfully navigate today’s online world and avoid negative mental health impacts.” Building on Governor Shapiro’s Promise to Prepare PA’s Next Generation As part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 state budget , PDE   developed a comprehensive toolkit to develop the information literacy skills of educators, students, and families to help the next generation of Pennsylvanians learn how to discern fact from fiction online.     The Information and Media Literacy Toolkit ,  which is available to the public on PDE’s website, offers resources about how to recognize biases, distinguish between credible information and misinformation, and create and share content responsibly. Through a collection of evidence-based resources, the toolkit encourages critical thinking, active participation in society, and contextual understanding of past and current events.    Problem Gambling in PA According to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP), in the Commonwealth, over 20 percent of students have gambled at some point.   “With increased accessibility to gambling and activities that include gambling elements, reported problems among young individuals in Pennsylvania are growing,” said CCGP Executive Director Josh Ercole . “It is critical that parents, educators, and young people understand that early exposure and participation can lead to future issues.  By initiating open conversations and utilizing the resources available to all Pennsylvanians, we can work together to prevent problems before they begin.”   Penn State University, in conjunction with DDAP and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, conducts an annual assessment of the impacts of interactive gaming , also referred to as online gambling or iGaming, in Pennsylvania. The report is designed to establish the prevalence of online gambling, examine the demographic characteristics of adult Pennsylvania online gamblers, and identify the characteristics associated with experiencing problems with online gambling. The key findings of the 2025 report indicate: Between 17 percent and 30 percent of adult Pennsylvanians engaged in some form of online gambling last year; Over 50 percent of calls to 1-800-GAMBLER specifically mentioned online gambling as the most problematic form of gambling; and Sports betting was the most popular online gambling format, while lotteries were the most popular offline gambling format. Pennsylvania operates numerous resources to support individuals suffering from problem gambling, including a Problem Gambling Helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), as well as a 24-hour chat service available through CCGP . For more information on the Shapiro Administration’s problem gambling resources, visit ddap.pa.gov .

I Am Invisible No More  is a cry of the heart. It is a response to the quiet trauma of being disregarded, disbelieved, or shamed simply because a struggle isn’t visible to the naked eye. It is a refusal to be blamed for limitations or abandoned by a society that often lacks the patience for what it cannot see. Together we are changing the way the world sees disabilities. Invisible No More® is the fundamental truth that we are all part of the same human race. Disability and illness are not departures from the human experience; they are a part of life. Every person deserves to be understood and integrated into the fabric of society. We are advocating for a world where everyone is treated with equal respect, regardless of the challenges they carry internally.  Let's create a walk & roll wave that spreads love around the globe and brings awareness and support.   Having an invisible disability often makes life difficult for many. These disabilities, illnesses and pain may not be apparent to the onlooker, yet to the person living with them they are very real. These disabilities are not hidden, imaginary or fake.  Throughout this coming month of May, we will be Honoring , Remembering and Supporting , our family members, friends, co-workers, classmates and neighbors impacted by invisible disabilities, illness and pain! Thank you for joining us for our 4th annual  Invisible Disabilities® Walk & Roll !  We will be walking, running, hiking, treadmilling, biking, spin biking, wheelchair rolling, scootering, skateboarding, roller blading and skating where you live while supporting the ongoing work of IDA by providing encouragement, education, connection and disability awareness. Register today ! Sign up for yourself or for a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor! Will you be walking & rolling for the whole month or in a single event? Either way, the more miles, kilometers and steps you journey to honor, remember and support your loved one, the more opportunities you provide for IDA to Change the way the world sees disabilities!  REGISTER

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 >

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 .

Connect with other youth & young adults in a safe, supportive virtual environment, and create a community that is free of stigma, with a focus on wellness and recovery. Youth Move2551 Walnut St. Harrisburg https://youthmovepa.wildapricot.org ympa@youthmovepa.org

While both complaints and grievances express dissatisfaction , A grievance is a formal, often legally binding issue, typically involving a violation of a contract or policy. A complaint is a more general expression of dissatisfaction that may not require formal action. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Complaint: Definition: A general expression of dissatisfaction or a problem. Nature: Informal and can be resolved through discussion or other non-formal means. Example: An employee voicing a concern about a coworker's behavior. Legal implications: Generally, complaints do not have the same legal standing as grievances. Grievance: Definition: A formal, written complaint alleging a violation of a contract, policy, or law. Nature: Formal and follows a specific procedure for resolution, often involving a union or HR representative. Example: An employee filing a formal complaint about being denied overtime pay, which is a violation of the union contract. Legal implications: Grievances can have legal ramifications, especially if they involve contract violations or discrimination.

An updated systematic review finds that consuming cannabis while pregnant appears to increase the odds of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant death. The study by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. The researchers raised the certainty of evidence from "very-low-to-low" to "moderate" for increased odds of low birth weight, preterm birth, and babies being small for their gestational age.” WEBSITE https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250505/Cannabis-use-during-pregnancy-linked-to-higher-risk-of-infant-complications.aspx

The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh and Achieva are working diligently on House Bill 1068, and we need your support! We need your help to support this important license that will allow families to provide their children's care. This directly corresponds with HB 1068. Please sign on and share with others! The nursing shortage leaves parents, who have been trained in their child’s care, to provide extraordinary care to their children without pay or further supervision and support. Because they cannot be paid, they have to choose between working to support their family or keeping the child at home with their loved ones. If you'd like to help change this, visit https://forms.gle/jBBKis1PgXXFDRmy9 ACHIEVA Instagram ACHIEVA FB Thank you, Michelle Michelle Jordan  Executive Director of the Arc of Indiana County 120 N. 5th St. Ste #2, Indiana PA 15701 Office: 724-349-8230 mjordan@arcindiana.org   Website: www.arcindiana.org