Signs of mental health encourangement on a fence and
Each May the nation recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month. While important to talk about mental health, the “awareness” in and of itself can feel like an endless carousel of the same conversations being had over and over. Many with mental health diagnoses often decry that awareness is not enough.

And, they’re right.

It seems almost daily, Americans hear the news that yet another person in the midst of a mental health crisis has become a victim of police violence, particularly if they’re Black, Indigenous, or a person of color. Often these moments are the most outward sign that mental health services need to improve. More preventative measures need to be in place to reduce these instances of violence and to ensure that people in need of mental health services not only have access to preventative care but have the tools to be able to navigate the system swiftly in times of great need. Black, Indigenous, and people of color in particular need to feel like they and their communities have the ability to seek care without the fear of being criminalized or killed.

Particularly as we slowly come out of the pandemic, the country needs to reevaluate and improve mental health services. For many with mental illness, the pandemic, isolation, and fear have exacerbated their symptoms and made it difficult to seek treatment and services—especially as internet access became another barrier to healthcare as telemedicine access increased.

Mental Health “Awareness” is a low bar. We need to raise our expectations of what mental healthcare could be and then do the work to build towards that goal.

 
Disability Rights Pennsylvania Introduces Vaccine Hotline for People with Disabilities at 1-833-DRP-2-VAX or 1-833-277-2829.

Disability Rights Pennsylvania Announces
COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline for People with Disabilities

1 (833) DRP-2-VAX or vaccine@disabilityrightspa.org 

Harrisburg, PA – Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP), a leader in disability rights advocacy for more than forty years, will operate a Vaccine Hotline to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities who are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

People with disabilities who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, or who are experiencing problems getting it, can call DRP at (833) DRP-2-VAX, (833- 377- 2829) or email DRP at vaccine@disabilityrightspa.org between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please contact the DRP Vaccine Hotline if you:

  • are denied a reasonable accommodation at your vaccination site
  • encounter physical accessibility or effective communication barriers at your vaccination site
  • can’t leave your home to get the vaccine due to a disability
  • need transportation to get to your vaccination appointment
  • need help finding a vaccination appointment due to a disability
  • would like more information about the importance of receiving a vaccine 
 
Hands working on laptop and :

On Monday, April 5, 2021, Disability Rights of Pennsylvania (DRP) started its public comment period for our fiscal year 2022 annual program goals and objectives. DRP invites public feedback on the issues that matter most to individuals with disabilities, along with their families and organizations supporting them.  August 1, 2021, is the final day to offer public comments. DRP will also be hosting 8 forums for community members to communicate with DRP on our Goals and Objectives. If you would like to be notified of upcoming forums, join our mailing list for upcoming information on how to register.

Specifically, DRP asks to hear your ideas about the impact of COVID-19, and any associated advocacy that should be facilitated because of the virus, the vaccination process, as well as current, new, and emerging issues since last year’s comment period...

 
Person using screen reader and
 
Click for resources on healthcare during COVID
DRP's COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Disability Rights Pennsylvania
301 Chestnut Street Suite 300 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
800-692-7443 | intake@disabilityrightspa.org

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