Philly introduces method for reporting violence

In March 2022, the 211 violence prevention hotline began to offer 24 hours of free and confidential assistance with conflict involvement, mentoring, and counseling resources from Resource Navigators.

The hotline received approximately 450 calls by the end they year, with 42 percent of individuals requesting violence prevention aid.

The largest share of these callers are residents of neighborhoods experiencing the city’s highest levels of gun violence.  

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Foreclosure assistance mitigates rising rates  

In early 2023, the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) allocated $87 million in housing aid to help with utility and property taxes and missing mortgage payments.

Due to the conclusion of foreclosure protections during COVID-19 and improved assistance through the PAHAF program, residential foreclosure filings are increasing but they remain below the number of pre-pandemic filings.

Pennsylvania also received $350 million in federal payments for homeowners, which must be distributed by September 2025, although many residents do not qualify for the program.  

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Pilot program aims to teach students about inclusivity

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has launched a program designed to teach students in kindergarten through grade 12 about political, historical, and social contributions of people with disabilities.

The initiative is intended to reduce stigma and increase understanding surrounding disability.

Schools accepted into the three-year pilot are eligible to receive $10,000 per year to support curriculum instruction.

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Montana coalition convenes to combat teen suicide   

Montana faces some of the nation’s highest rates of teen suicide.

The LiveWell49 Coalition functions to combat this issue by enhancing cultures of health and wellness.

Participating stakeholders include public and private school officials, healthcare providers, and students themselves.

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Need rises for suicide prevention among pregnant and postpartum people 

According to the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, almost nine percent of pregnant or postpartum people died by suicide in the last decade.

Additionally, data from the National Violent Death Reporting System reveals that 640 pregnant or recently pregnant people died by suicide nationwide from 2008 to 2019.

As maternal mortality continues to rise, it is important to raise awareness of the issue and implement intervention methods such as evidence-based screening, referral, and treatment. 

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New Jersey establishes wind energy workforce program    

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority contributed $4 million to the Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge.

Businesses and schools may access this funding to train workers in the offshore wind energy industry – particularly workers in marginalized populations.

Experts from labor unions and trade schools are available to provide training guidance.

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