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SAP Connection September 2025

A monthly newsletter brought to you by PA Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS)

SAP Interagency

Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP)
PA Department of Education (PDE)
Department of Human Services (DHS )

Exploring SAP Infrastructure on the PNSAS website

This year’s SAP articles will focus on the resources available on the PA Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS) website. PNSAS regularly updates documents and adds additional resources to the site. The SAP Connection articles will review available resources each month to assist SAP teams and other stakeholders.

The PNSAS tab of the SAP website has a Pennsylvania SAP Infrastructure guide to clarify the roles SAP partners. This document starts with the child and family and the roles of schools, liaison, counties, PA Approved SAP Training Providers (PSTP), Regional Coordinators. PNSAS provides leadership and oversight of SAP in PA. PNSAS is led by the Interagency Committee, which is a collaboration among three state departments: Drug and Alcohol Programs/ Division of Prevention and Treatment, Education/Office for Schools Climate and Wellbeing and Human Services/Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services) that oversee the Pennsylvania PNSAS. For more information on this click here.

The PNSAS tab of the website also shares information on the eight Regional Coordinators that provide local technical assistance. PNSAS Regional Coordinators have working knowledge of the SAP best practices and are available to provide support and consultation to SAP teams, districts, county mental health and drug and alcohol offices, SAP liaison agencies and child-serving agencies. There have been some recent changes to the Regional Coordinators in some areas. Click here for information on your Regional Coordinator.

Regional Coordinators focus on collaboration and coordination in their region. They can attend countywide SAP meetings, such as County Coordination and/or District Council meetings. They can provide relevant state/local data as well as other resources. They are available to provide technical assistance and resources regarding the implementation of SAP best practices. They are available to support SAP professionals with conflict resolution, when appropriate.

Why is all this information good to know? The information provided is to help everyone to better understand the SAP infrastructure in PA. It is good to know you are not alone and that PNSAS is here to assist you! Reach out today with any questions you may have or if you would like to be on our distribution lists for the monthly SAP Connection Newsletter and other updates.

Please reach out to your PNSAS Regional Coordinator for assistance with SAP team or liaison reporting.

Announcements

New PNSAS and SAP Logos - We’re excited to announce that the PA Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS) and SAP have a fresh new look! Our regions, staff structure, and logos have been reorganized to better serve our community. View our new logos and Regional Coordinator maps in this newsletter and at www.pnsas.org.

SAP Training Funding - Funding is available to offer SAP training through participating trainers at no cost to school entities. Registration and substitute costs may be covered - find out additional information here. Access the training calendar for scheduled upcoming trainings here.

Suicide Prevention Month Toolkit -The Jana Marie Foundation, Aevidum, Prevent Suicide PA, STAR-Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Youth Suicide Prevention Grant are pleased to share a resource guide for National Suicide Prevention Month. This September, the week of September 7th-13th is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week, with Wednesday, September 10th marking World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is a continuation from last year’s theme of “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with a call to action to “Continue the Conversation.”
The guide provides a variety of suicide prevention resources and activities that you can implement in your organization or community to raise awareness about suicide prevention. This includes infographics, ideas for events, social media posts, virtual backgrounds, a sample proclamation, and more.We encourage you to share this resource guide with partners in your communities that can work together to save lives.

SAP Liaison Connection Meetings -PNSAS is excited to announce that our previous SAP Liaison Networking Calls are now the SAP Liaison Connection Series!
This refreshed series will focus on training, professional development, and strengthening our liaison community. Each session is designed to support your growth and success in your role. Upcoming SAP Liaison Connection Series Dates:
September 11 | 8:00–9:00 AM
November 20 | 1:00–2:00 PM
February 12 | 8:00–9:00 AM
April 23 | 1:00–2:00 PM

SAP Retraining & Refresher - PNSAS is offering a free SAP Refresher workshop for existing SAP team members. Attend a 1-hour virtual session to receive valuable statewide SAP updates and learn more about the SAP Case Manager Role and SAP Action Planning. Join other SAP team members from across the state to hear more about ways your team can share the workload and incorporate action planning and follow-up. One hour of Act 45 or 48 credit is available after attendance with completion of an evaluation. Space is limited - registration is required – sessions will be closed as they reach capacity!

Choose one session to attend and register by clicking here:

September 18th: 10am-11am (this session is full/closed)
September 30th: 9am-10am
October 9th: 8am-9am
October 16th: 2pm-3pm
October 23rd: 1pm-2pm
November 3rd: 9am-10am

Pennsylvania Get Help Now - Pennsylvania Get Help Now operates 24 hours a day, staffed by trained professionals, many in long-term recovery, committed to providing free and confidential support for individuals and their loved ones seeking Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Resources.
Please feel free to use this Get Help Now Materials Request form to order Get Help Now promotional materials to share.
Together, we can make meaningful strides toward promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering community recovery and resiliency!
If you are interested in learning more about PA Get Help Now or would like to request further information, please contact Megan Gross, program director at [email protected]

Suicide Prevention Training Series - The Pennsylvania Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Youth Suicide Prevention Grant team and partners are providing a range of suicide prevention trainings for mental health professionals working with youth across settings. Trainings are offered on the first & third Tuesday of the month from 12-1 pm, between September 2, 2025, through November 18, 2025, and February 3, 2026, through May 5, 2026. Click here for more information and to register.

Contact [email protected] with any questions.