We encourage all Pennsylvanians to support and recognize the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities, as we strive to create a world of belonging, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Read the full proclamation: home.myodp.org/2026/03/02/m...
We recognize the need to eliminate barriers, increase understanding, and promote inclusivity so that all individuals can lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Individuals with developmental disabilities are an integral part of our society, making meaningful contributions to our communities, workplaces, and culture.
Governor's Proclamation
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This month is an important time to recognize and honor the abilities, talents, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities.
#DDAM2026
Due to maintenance, COMPASS desktop and the myCOMPASS PA app will be unavailable from: 3:30 pm through 7:00 pm Monday, March 9, 2026
Please be advised that COMPASS will be unavailable from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm today, March 9, 2026, due to maintenance and upgrades.
Use the online tool prior to or following the maintenance window: dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS
Illustration of a cat napping on a fluffy cloud pillow on a night sky background illustration with the text Sleep is Self-Care
It’s National Sleep Awareness Week! Getting enough sleep is a great self-care strategy to help fight stress. Establish a bedtime routine that allows you 7-9 hours of rest every night.
#NationalSleepAwarenessWeek
#NationalNappingDay
Today, I’m particularly grateful for all of the strong women in my life who make me better every day — including my wife and Pennsylvania’s First Lady Lori, my daughter Sophia, my mom Judi, and my mother-in-law Ellie.
Whether you talk to friends, family, or a therapist, stay in good communication with people who know you well. It’s OK to ask for help!
Getting treatment for a mental health condition is an important step toward recovery. To find treatment, start by talking to a doctor, nurse, or mental health professional in your area. You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
More than 1 in 5 women in the United States experienced a mental health condition in the past year, such as depression or anxiety. Learn more about the mental health conditions affecting women and find ways to get help: womenshealth.gov/mental-health Find resources in Pennsylvania: dhs.pa.gov/mentalhealth
Here are some tips for better mental health care for women. Share to acknowledge your support for the women in your life today!
#InternationalWomensDay
The foods you eat and what you drink can have a direct effect on your energy levels and mood. Ask your doctor or nurse about the right foods to eat to help keep your mind and body healthy.
Regular exercise can boost your mood, make it easier to sleep, and help with depression and anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, and strength train at least two days a week to build and maintain muscles.
Try not to deal with stress in unhealthy ways. This includes drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating. Positive ways to manage stress include breathing exercises, getting enough sleep, taking time out for yourself, and talking to friends and family. If you are struggling, reach out to a professional. Talking to your doctor or therapist can help.
Abuse, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual, can have long-term effects on your mental health. Trauma can affect how you feel about yourself and how you relate to others. Abuse or trauma you have suffered is not your fault. Reach out to a mental health professional. You can get better with treatment.
Mental health is health, and mental health conditions can affect women in different ways from men. Inclusive mental health care means acknowledging people's different needs and experiences and taking steps towards reducing the stigmas associated with mental health care.
'I'm a single mother that's starting over. If knew that this (SNAP Employment and Training) was available, I would've done this years ago. Shelly, Pittsburgh SNAP E&T Participant Don't Wait. Build a Better Future with SNAP EARN. 877-395-8930
Ready to train, work, or earn your GED? SNAP EARN connects you with adult education, job advisors, and personalized case management to help you thrive!
Contact the SNAP team today: www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs...
In addition, higher wages would generate roughly $80 million per year in new revenue, strengthening Pennsylvania’s fiscal position while helping working families get ahead.
Learn more: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
By raising wages for nearly 61,000 workers who currently rely on Medicaid and earn less than $15 an hour, the Commonwealth would reduce reliance on public assistance and save an estimated $300 million in the first full year in Medicaid.
Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal once again calls on the General Assembly to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour beginning January 1, 2027.
2026-2027 Pennsylvania Budget Proposal Raise the Minimum Wage Raising wages for nearly 61,000 workers who currently rely on Medicaid and earn less than $15 an hour would reduce reliance on public assistance and save an estimated $300 million in state and federal dollars in the first full year in Medicaid
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for more than 15 years, falling further behind the cost of living and leaving hundreds of thousands of workers struggling to make ends meet.
#PABudget
Graphic with a heart and hand inside a red outline of Pennsylvania on a dark blue background. Happy National Social Work Month, PA!
Happy #SocialWorkMonth! To all the social workers in PA: You make a real difference in the lives of the people you serve. Your empathy, compassion, and expertise is inspiring. Thank you for helping to create a more just and equitable Pennsylvania.
Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal strengthens that system with targeted investments to expand access, support frontline providers, and ensure reliable, around-the-clock crisis care in every corner of the Commonwealth.
Learn more: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
2026-2027 Pennsylvania Budget Proposal. Invest in Mental Health. $10 million in proposed dedicated state funding for the 988 crisis hotline - the first such investment in Pennsylvania. Call, tet, or chat: pa.gov/988
Pennsylvania has built an integrated crisis response system to ensure people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can get help quickly — someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.
A recorded message will play on the main phone line if the CAO is closed. You can find your CAO at dhs.pa.gov/CAO.
Access your benefits any time online: dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS
A wide-eyed cat sits in the snow wondering if their County Assistance Office will be open. Text reads: Snow in the area? Call before you go! Find your county assistance office: dhs.pa.gov/CAO.
With winter weather in the air, here’s a friendly reminder to stay safe and plan ahead! If your area is affected and you are planning to visit your local County Assistance Office, call ahead to make sure they are open before you travel.
More people now have to meet work requirements to be eligible for SNAP! Visit dhs.pa.gov/work and use the simple online screening tool to learn what you need to do to keep your SNAP benefits! Graphic showing the screening tool on a computer screen over a blue gradient background.
Check your SNAP Work Requirements! Use our online screening tool to see if you must meet the new requirements and learn more: dhs.pa.gov/work
Ready for Something New? Free job training and career support. Level up your skills and plan for the future with SNAP JETS. 877-395-8930
SNAP JETS equips you with career-ready skills and connects you to work in industries paying a living wage—plus expert help with job placement and retention!
Discover all the benefits of SNAP Jets today! www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs...
The 2026-27 budget builds on that success with an additional $10 million, bringing total investment to $35 million for child care workers at licensed providers in the federal Child Care Works Program.
Learn more: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
The 2025–26 budget included a $25 million investment in workforce stabilization through recruitment and retention grants, providing approximately 55,000 child care employees with up to $450 in bonuses — and more than 4,300 applications were received when the application window closed in January.
To address this, the Governor has taken historic steps to support both families, employers, and child care providers.
2026-2027 Pennsylvanivania Budget Proposal Invest in Child Care Budget proposal would increase current investment for child care workers at licensed providers in the Child Care Works Program by $10 million for a total of $35 million in recruitment and retention grants
Governor Shapiro believes child care workers are the workforce behind the workforce. High-quality early learning helps children thrive while allowing parents to pursue their careers, yet Pennsylvania continues to face shortages of quality child care providers.
PA Navigate connects Pennsylvanians with services in their local communities. Find help now with food, utilities, child care, financial assistance and more. Enter your zip code at pa-navigate.org to get started today!
DYK? PA Navigate connects Pennsylvanians with volunteer opportunities and more! Find volunteer opportunities to help meet your SNAP work requirements by entering your zip code at www.pa-navigate.org and searching “volunteer opportunities.”
Watch this video to learn more: youtu.be/SFo8v7gnzAQ
Please note: EBT transactions and services will be under maintenance tonight, February 24, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Availability of transactions and services may be affected during this timeframe.
Please note: EBT transactions and services will be under maintenance tonight, February 24, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Availability of transactions and services may be affected during this timeframe.
The proposed budget includes $5 million to sustain walk-in crisis stabilization centers, prioritizing regions with limited access to immediate, in-person care and strengthening collaborations among hospitals, community providers, and local responders.
Learn more: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
The Governor’s 2026–27 budget strengthens that system with targeted investments to expand access, support frontline providers, and ensure reliable, around-the-clock crisis care in every corner of the Commonwealth.
2026-2027 Pennsylvania vania Budget Proposal Invest in Mental Health $5 million proposed to sustain support for walk-in crisis stabilization centers, prioritizing regions with limited access to immediate, in-person care and strengthening collaborations among hospitals, community providers, and local responders
Pennsylvania has built an integrated crisis response system to ensure people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can get help quickly — someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.
