Ashley Bolton

The meeting involved introductions and the approval of the August 2025 meeting minutes. The Board voted to approve a new Board Membership Pre-Application after requesting revisions, specifically to change the title and add contact information for assistance. Board Officer elections were held, with results pending announcement the following week. Key discussions included potential changes to the 2026 meeting dates due to venue unavailability, requiring a survey to determine the preferred virtual or in-person dates. Workgroup updates covered several initiatives: the Systems Workgroup is piloting brain injury training for substance use providers in Bucks County and attempting collaboration with the child welfare system; the Education and Resource Facilitation Workgroup is planning a concussion awareness poster contest pilot targeting middle schools; and the Board reviewed referral gaps for DOH brain injury programs, recommending a county-level referral map. The Board also discussed results from the Board Input Survey and findings from the statewide needs assessment initiative, which revealed widespread gaps in care coordination and provider knowledge. Under public comment, updates were provided on Medicaid waiver initiatives (Reentry Waiver and Community HealthChoices modification), Brain Injury Awareness Day plans, changes to PA ABLE Account eligibility, and a fundraising event. Finally, the upcoming February 2026 meeting date and location were reviewed.

This annual report details the progress of the 2023-2028 State Health Improvement Plan, a comprehensive five-year strategy to enhance the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians and reduce health inequalities. The plan focuses on three overarching areas: improving health equity by addressing social determinants of health, reducing chronic disease risk factors and societal impact, and increasing access to culturally humble whole person care throughout the lifespan. The report highlights activities and achievements in 2024 towards these strategic goals.

The agenda for the multi-day virtual meeting included several key components. Discussions centered around the Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan Recommendations (Parts 1 and 2). Specific activities involved a Team Building Activity featuring HPG Positionality Statements and a Provider Spotlight on PAAR (Pittsburgh Action Against Rape). The meeting also included updates from various HPG Subcommittees (Evaluation, Intersectional and Innovation), Workgroup Updates (Employment, Protocols, Membership & Recruitment, CQI), a presentation on HIV Friendly Presentation techniques, and a session on Late HIV Diagnosis. The structure of future HPG meetings was also discussed.

The agenda for this meeting included welcome and introductions, bureau updates from the Department of Health (DOH) covering budget and staffing, and committee business such as appointments/reappointments and setting 2026 meeting dates. Discussions also covered updates from HRSA/ACMG and the PA Newborn Screening Health Committee. Specific technical topics included G6PD Screening/Reporting, updates from Revvity, and matters related to Lysosomal Storage Disorders/X-ALD/Met, Cystic Fibrosis, SMA, and Hematology, as well as discussion on new conditions. The meeting concluded with a public comment period.

The meeting included a welcome and introductions, followed by the approval of changes to the State Action Plan language concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) due to a federal executive order. Discussions covered the upcoming Board Officer elections scheduled for November 2025, with nominations due by August 15, 2025. The board also addressed conducting unofficial virtual Round Tables twice a year to allow for public feedback. Presentations were given on the Blue Envelope Project, which relates to including emergency contacts in driver records via House Bill 1268, and an update on the Board Input Survey, which was reopened until September 8, 2025, due to low response rates. Workgroup updates detailed the renaming of the 'Health Equity' workgroup to 'Growth, Access, and Development (GAD)' and progress on a Board-specific application. Furthermore, updates were provided on federal funding changes, including the relocation of Administration for Community Living (ACL) programs, and the status of the Head Injury Program (HIP) waitlist. Public comments included information on a Brain Injury Awareness Event and the new PA CareKit.