The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Need assistance? DHS offers many services and programs. Discover the types of services we offer: Visit our website to learn more! https://lnkd.in/eHN_B_gR

"It was so great to meet and talk with the grantees that administer the Women’s Service Program as they are working to advance accessible and inclusive women’s health care across Pennsylvania. The Women’s Service Program provides women with empathetic, culturally informed care and support no matter their background, identity, or income, and specifically seeks to assist pregnant women and new mothers through the critical prenatal and postpartum periods. ? "These grantees have the necessary relationships and experience to establish programs and partnerships that reflect the diverse needs of women in their counties and communities, and these regional-based grants help connect more people to the high-quality care they deserve." - DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH

"Today, on this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the lives of those we have lost this past year. Every transgender Pennsylvanian deserves to live safely and authentically as themselves without fear of how they will be treated, how they will be perceived, or whether someone else’s perception will lead to violence against them. The right to live freely and safely is all any of us want for ourselves, our families, and our friends, and transgender Pennsylvanians are equally entitled to that right. "If you need help, or, if you are looking for help for a loved one, I urge you to call or text 988. To talk with an LGBTQI+ trained counselor, dial 988 and then press 3. Or, you can text the word “PRIDE” to 988. 988 is a free, confidential resource where you will be welcomed with no judgment, just help: https://lnkd.in/gAFGJ697 "As we pause, remember, and grieve, we can also look ahead to build the world we want to live in – one that includes everyone and honors their authentic selves." - DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH #TransDayofRemembrance

Yesterday, First Lady Lori Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH Arkoosh joined Project SHARE of Carlisle staff and volunteers loading groceries, including holiday turkeys into clients’ cars during a drive-thru food distribution. Project SHARE, a partner in distributing food assistance through three state programs, serves 1,000 households in South Central Pennsylvania through their Your Choice Pantry, farmstand, drive-thru, and home deliveries, summer feeding programs, nutrition classes, and other programs. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves the peace of mind of knowing where their next meal is coming from without having to make the difficult choice between paying for groceries or paying for rent or medications. That’s why DHS is proud to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps more than 2 million of our fellow Pennsylvanians access fresh, nutritious food and achieve food security,” Secretary Arkoosh said. “We do this work hand in hand with our charitable food network, and I encourage my fellow Pennsylvanians, especially during the holiday season, to please help your local food banks however you can – with a donation of time, money, or food.” Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Z0Jun7

You're worth protecting - Don’t put yourself at risk! Pennie makes it easy to find affordable, quality health coverage. During Open Enrollment, visit pennie.com to shop for a health plan and apply for financial savings!

"I recently had the opportunity to visit the Centre County Assistance Office in State College to talk with staff and thank them for the critical work they do each and every day to help all Pennsylvanians achieve a better, healthier life. ? "If you or someone you know is struggling with basic needs like health care, food, and housing, DHS is here to help: dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS." - DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH

Pennsylvanians, your mental health matters. We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about the vital mental health resources available through the HealthChoices program. If you or a loved one are enrolled in HealthChoices, you have access to a behavioral health plan from the moment you're deemed eligible. The best part? These resources are available immediately, no need to select a separate plan. Your behavioral health plan stays with you, even if you change your physical health plan or primary care physician (unless you move counties). Don't hesitate to reach out to your behavioral health plan for more information on the services available to support your mental wellbeing. Remember, taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Let's look out for each other and make sure we're utilizing the resources available to us. For more information on the Healthchoices program, visit: https://lnkd.in/eDVJBBrz

"Governor Shapiro and this administration are committed to supporting a vibrant, diverse workforce for Pennsylvania. We cannot achieve this without a thriving, stable child care industry.?I recently joined 500 early learning professionals at the Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Summit to share how the Shapiro administration is working to support child care and early learning providers and professionals in Pennsylvania. This work is a core part of our overall economy and caring infrastructure, and the 2024-2025 budget will increase reimbursement rates paid to child care providers who participate in Child Care Works, our subsidized child care program.?Governor Shapiro has also helped secure new and expanded tax credits for families paying for child care and for employers who contribute to their employees’ child care costs.? ? "When we invest in the people and small businesses who do this important work – especially those serving lower income, working families trying to make a better life for themselves and their children – we are investing directly in our communities, reducing barriers to work, and promoting equity and opportunity for all children served by our child care workforce." -DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH

DYK? Getting involved in your community is an act of self-care. You’ll find a sense of purpose and joy throughout the holiday season by helping others. Find your local food bank and get started today! ?? feedingpa.org

“The Department of Human Services works every day to make it possible for people to achieve a better life, whether that's through assistance in accessing essential basic needs like food and health care, or by giving back to families who may be in difficult circumstances through our Holiday Wish program. This work is fundamental to our mission, and I am extremely proud to work with so many state employees with compassion for our fellow Pennsylvanians who help make the holidays better and brighter for the families we serve,” said DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH. “Every Pennsylvanian should know that DHS’ programs are here to help. If you are having trouble financially in any way, I encourage you to reach out to DHS to apply for assistance and see if we are able to help you ease your situation.”