The PA START Allegheny program is the newest addition to the IOD’s National Center for START Services, which aims to improve the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also have mental health needs. More than 200 people attended their launch event on Tuesday, July 18, which was held in Monroeville outside Pittsburgh. Attendees and speakers came from both Allegheny County and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As covered in the August 8th “News and Views,” the keynote, entitled "Assessing Trauma in the START setting," was given by Dr. Gregory Cherpes, MD, Medical Director, Office of Developmental Programs, Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After learning about the foundations of the START model from NCSS leadership, attendees participated in a Clinical Education Team (CET). The CET was focused on Fetal Alcohol Specturm Disorders, a leading known cause of preventable intellectual disability.
The PA START Allegheny program is led by Program Director Loleda Moman, MSW, MA and operated by Resources for Human Development (RHD) with support from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This program can be reached for general inquiries at 412-723-1774 or at www.rhd.org/start/.
We are so proud to work with our community partners to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs in the Allegheny County area! Welcome to the START network!
