Now open for applications: Services for mental health and substance use disorder, boating infrastructure

(May 21, 2021)

Below are some funding programs that recently opened for applications, including a federal grant opportunity for community-based organizations to hire and mobilize community outreach workers, community health workers, social support specialists, and others to increase vaccine access for the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities. STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Solicitation RFA 16-21 Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Intervention Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations that provide prevention, intervention, and treatment services to Pennsylvania residents, and their families, with mental health, substance use, and/or behavioral health needs. Use : Prevention, intervention, and treatment services to support individuals with lived experience, as well as their families. Funds : Awards up to $500,000 for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Solicitation Due Date : June 3 More Information : http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA%2016-21 . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Public and private operators of open-to-the-public boating facilities, including municipal agencies (cities, towns, counties, etc.), state agencies (State Parks, DNR, Fish & Wildlife, etc.), and other Read more

 

Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic: College Age

(May 19, 2021)

This virtual panel discussion, Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic: College Age, is the fourth in a series of discussions Rep. Otten and Rep. Sappey have hosted. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (May 14): PA Rescue Plan: Ensuring federal relief dollars help working families

(May 14, 2021)

Earlier this week, I joined the House Democratic Policy Committee for a hearing on our caucus’s proposal to invest federal American Rescue Plan dollars to help Pennsylvania recover, restore, and reimagine after the pandemic, starting with getting Pennsylvanians back to work through investments in clean energy jobs. Read more

 

Otten reintroduces Pipeline Early Detection and Warning proposal cited in PUC decision

(May 13, 2021)

EXTON, May 13 – State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten, D-Chester, has reintroduced legislation that would place the costs of early detection and warning systems on pipeline operators rather than taxpayers and ensure that these systems are in place prior to pipeline operation. Pennsylvania law requires school districts, municipalities, and local emergency management agencies to implement disaster response and emergency preparedness plans consistent with guidelines developed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. However, a recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission found that pipeline operators have too often failed to provide any reliable means of monitoring pipelines for leaks or alerting communities of pipeline incidents, leaving local officials unable to fulfill their state-mandated emergency preparedness requirements. House Bill 1364 , which Otten introduced as H.B. 1735 during the 2019-20 legislative session, seeks to address that failure by establishing a pipeline early detection and warning board. This board would collect fees from pipeline operators and distribute those funds to municipalities, school districts, or county governments for the development of early detection and warning systems to alert communities and emergency responders in the event of a pipeline incident. “For too long, Pennsylvania taxpayers and our local communities have borne all the risks and all the costs of pipeline Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (May 7): COVID mitigation measures lifting this month

(May 07, 2021)

Earlier this week, Governor Wolf announced that COVID-19 mitigation orders, except masking, will be lifted on Memorial Day, May 31. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 29): Talking about youth mental health and the pandemic

(Apr 29, 2021)

Earlier this month, my colleague Rep. Christina Sappey and I co-hosted the third event in our series of four online panel discussions focused on Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 23): Explaining Pennsylvania's upcoming ballot measures

(Apr 23, 2021)

We are now less than one month from the May 18 municipal primary election, and I want to take this opportunity to share some more information about what will be on the ballot. Read more

 

Senator Katie Muth and Representative Danielle Friel Otten Announce $793,330 in Funding for Key Transportation Infrastructure and Community Improvement Projects in Chester County Municipalities

(Apr 21, 2021)

EXTON, April 21- State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks, and state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, announced today that projects totaling $793,330 were recently awarded to key Chester County community and infrastructure projects through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA). “Funding approved today represents significant investments in our regional infrastructure, vital support for outdoor recreational opportunities, and demonstrates an overall commitment by the Commonwealth to Chester County and Southeast Pennsylvania,” said Muth.? “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our local township officials continued to show up every day, working with foresight toward what will improve our region tomorrow.? I am always happy to support the work of our community partners and I look forward to completion of these important projects.” “The grants awarded today will help to enhance and protect public spaces and improve quality of life for residents of Uwchlan Township, West Vincent Township, and the surrounding areas,” Otten said. “I applaud our township officials and the volunteers who serve on our local Parks and Rec committees and Environmental Advisory Councils for their proactive and ongoing work to develop a unified vision for our municipal spaces and bring that vision to fruition. I am proud to help bring this funding back to Chester County and Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 16): Vaccine and primary election updates

(Apr 16, 2021)

On Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now available for everyone 16+. Read more

 

Otten announces $1.69 million grant to preserve water quality, improve traffic safety

(Apr 16, 2021)

WEST BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP, APRIL 16 – State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten, D-Chester, today announced that West Brandywine Township received a $1.69 million grant from the state Transportation Department. The funding will be used for embankment stabilization, drainage and roadway reconstruction of a section of Pratts Dam Road. These repairs will help minimize negative environmental impacts and improve traffic safety. “In addition to improving roadway safety, the project will enhance the water quality of the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek by preventing further erosion into the stream,” Otten said. “This funding will help to ensure that residents and emergency vehicles maintain access to Pratts Dam Road, where deterioration of the embankment has resulted in hazardous conditions. I am grateful to PennDOT for recognizing the urgent need for safety improvements along this important emergency response route and scenic corridor.” This project is one of 43 highway, bridge, rail, and bike and pedestrian projects in 21 counties that were selected for $45.9 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. For more information, contact Otten’s office at 484-200-8259. Read more

 

Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic, Session 3: High School Age

(Apr 15, 2021)

Please join Rep. Danielle Friel Otten and Rep. Christina Sappey for a virtual series on Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic. We will discuss how the pandemic has affected the mental health of children and young adults in different age groups, what resources are available to help them, and how parents can access available resources. We’ll hear from counselors and health care providers, and we’ll reserve plenty of time for Q&A. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 9): Chester County now vaccinating members of Phases 1A, 1B and 1C

(Apr 09, 2021)

On Thursday, the Chester County Health Department announced that COVID-19 vaccination appointments are now available for everyone in Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 1): Expanding coronavirus vaccine eligibility

(Apr 01, 2021)

This week has brought us some very welcomed vaccine news, beginning with Chester County’s launch of its new vaccine scheduling and registration system on Monday. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (March 26): Working for your from Harrisburg to home

(Mar 26, 2021)

The House was back in session this week and last. Last Wednesday, we expected to vote on legislation to push through emergency action for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, but our vote was derailed mid-day. Read more

 

Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic, Session 2: 3rd - 7th grades

(Mar 17, 2021)

Please join Rep. Danielle Friel Otten and Rep. Christina Sappey for a virtual series on Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic. We will discuss how the pandemic has affected the mental health of children and young adults in different age groups, what resources are available to help them, and how parents can access available resources. We’ll hear from counselors and health care providers, and we’ll reserve plenty of time for Q&A. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (March 12): How I'm working to bring more vaccines to Chester County

(Mar 12, 2021)

Vaccines continue to be the number one issue on constituents’ minds, and my colleagues and I continue to push for answers and increased supply to our region. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (March 3): Vaccines for educators are on the way

(Mar 03, 2021)

In my last email newsletter, I asked constituents who had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and had their second dose canceled or “unconfirmed” by their provider to contact our office. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Feb. 19): New web series: Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic

(Feb 19, 2021)

On Thursday evening, my friend Rep. Christina Sappey and I hosted the first event in our four-part virtual series on Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic. This first session focused on how the pandemic has affected the mental health of children ages Pre-K through 2nd grade. Read more

 

Watch here: Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic: Pre-K to 2nd Grade

(Feb 18, 2021)

A panel on youth mental health and the pandemic focusing on the Pre-K to 2nd Grade years. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Feb. 12): Coronavirus vaccine updates

(Feb 12, 2021)

Vaccine distribution remains the number one issue on constituents’ minds. We’ve shared a lot about why and where things went wrong; now let’s talk about what needs to be done to fix it, and where we are finally seeing some signs of hope and progress. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Services for mental health and substance use disorder, boating infrastructure
May 21, 2021

Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic: College Age
May 19, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (May 14): PA Rescue Plan: Ensuring federal relief dollars help working families
May 14, 2021

Otten reintroduces Pipeline Early Detection and Warning proposal cited in PUC decision
May 13, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (May 7): COVID mitigation measures lifting this month
May 07, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 29): Talking about youth mental health and the pandemic
Apr 29, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 23): Explaining Pennsylvania's upcoming ballot measures
Apr 23, 2021

Senator Katie Muth and Representative Danielle Friel Otten Announce $793,330 in Funding for Key Transportation Infrastructure and Community Improvement Projects in Chester County Municipalities
Apr 21, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 16): Vaccine and primary election updates
Apr 16, 2021

Otten announces $1.69 million grant to preserve water quality, improve traffic safety
Apr 16, 2021

Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic, Session 3: High School Age
Apr 15, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 9): Chester County now vaccinating members of Phases 1A, 1B and 1C
Apr 09, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (April 1): Expanding coronavirus vaccine eligibility
Apr 01, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (March 26): Working for your from Harrisburg to home
Mar 26, 2021

Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic, Session 2: 3rd - 7th grades
Mar 17, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (March 12): How I'm working to bring more vaccines to Chester County
Mar 12, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (March 3): Vaccines for educators are on the way
Mar 03, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Feb. 19): New web series: Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic
Feb 19, 2021

Watch here: Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
Feb 18, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Feb. 12): Coronavirus vaccine updates
Feb 12, 2021