Our efforts to expand access to mental health treatment in PA

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara July 11, 2026

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Dear Neighbor,

I’m thrilled to report that important legislation which I championed in the House to expand access to mental health treatment has been sent to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Last week, the House ratified Senate Bill 604 to authorize the state to join the Interstate Counseling Compact, making it easier for PA patients to access virtual mental health treatment across state lines.

I was the prime sponsor of its companion bill, House Bill 668, and I led the effort for this proposal in the House, where it passed with strong bipartisan support.

In this era where we are seeing barriers to mental health treatment, such as access and workforce issues, I’m deeply proud to help pass a law that will directly help Pennsylvania residents. I am so grateful to Senator Lisa M. Boscola, the sponsor of the Senate bill, for her leadership and partnership on this issue, and to all the advocates who helped make this possible.

Read more about the legislation here.

SEPTA Senior ID Event in Upper Providence

This summer, Senator Tim Kearney and I are hosting a SEPTA Senior ID Event at the Upper Providence Township Building on August 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals aged 65 and older can stop by with their photo ID or driver’s license to sign up for a free SEPTA Senior Card, which will allow them to ride SEPTA for free. For more information or to register, please call our office at 610-544-9878.

Stay safe and cool in Delco this summer

To help everyone stay safe when temperatures rise, I want to make sure you’re aware of Delaware County’s 2026 Heat Plan. It includes Code Red alerts and cooling centers at senior centers, libraries, and community buildings. To learn more, visit https://delcopa.gov/health-department/heat-information, or call the Delaware County Health Department’s Wellness Line if you need help staying cool at (484) 276-2100.

And remember these tips to beat the heat:

Drink plenty of water
Check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors

Limit time outdoors, especially midday

Never leave kids or pets in a car
If you need to be outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive sweating.
When in doubt, take a break, cool down and seek help.

PA Veterans: Get help finding lost military records

Pennsylvania veterans struggling to locate lost DD-214 forms or other military documents can now receive free assistance from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). These records are essential for accessing benefits, employment, and retirement credits.

Over the past year, DMVA has handled more than 1,300 record requests. Veterans can call 1-800-547-2838 or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. DMVA also assists with DD-215 corrections.

Pro tip: File your military papers safely as soon as you separate to avoid future headaches. For updates, sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry at https://www.pa.gov/form/dmva/pennsylvania-veterans-registry.html.

As always, if you need help with DMVA or any other state department, agency or issue, you can contact my district office, and we’ll be happy to help.

Updates Coming to Morton’s Jacob’s Park

Jacobs Park, located in the heart of Morton between Harding Avenue and Baker Street, is getting a major revitalization! These improvements will help make the park more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for the entire community.

Here’s what’s planned:

New Walking Trail – A loop walking trail will be added so residents can enjoy a safe and scenic walk through the park.
Playground Upgrade – Outdated equipment will be removed and replaced with a new swing set and climber, along with a poured rubber safety surface to make the playground more inclusive for all children.
Basketball Court Renovations – The court will receive a new playing surface, updated backboards, and new player benches and bleachers.
Picnic Area Improvements – Picnic tables and grills will be replaced, and an accessible pathway will be added to improve access for everyone.
Parking Enhancements – The Harding Avenue lot will be expanded and include a new bike rack. A new upper parking lot off Baker Street will be built to provide access to the multi-purpose field, amphitheater, and community garden.
Multi-Purpose Field Improvements – The field will be regraded, and the backstop and player benches will be replaced.
Community Garden – Raised planting beds will be added to create a new community garden, supporting Morton’s growing composting program and providing residents a place to garden together.

This revitalization will create a more active, inclusive, and community-focused park for everyone to enjoy. I'm happy to have supported the grants that are funding this project, which is in its first phase.

You can follow Morton on Facebook at @boroughofmortonpa to stay up to date.

New grant program boosts highway industry careers for PA students

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have launched a competitive grant program to expand career pathways in the heavy highway industry. From July 7 to September 1, eligible educational institutions—including K–12 schools, career and technical centers, and colleges—can apply for up to $500,000 to fund training, certifications, and on-the-job learning for skilled trades such as welding, electrical work, and surveying.

With 92% of contractors struggling to fill positions and 41% of the workforce set to retire by 2031, this $12 million program addresses critical labor shortages. Applications must demonstrate collaboration with industry partners. The new competitive grant program will accept applications from now through September 1.

Seniors: Are you eligible for prescription assistance?

PACE and PACENET are the state’s prescription programs that help cover the cost of medication for eligible residents age 65+. There are income limits, which are listed below.

For more information, click here. Or stop by my office and we can help you with eligibility questions or applications.