ISSUE 167 | July 27, 2022
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From Around the Region and the State
Economic and Policy News
PA among 34 states with plans to address financial literacy in public schools 
Historically, financial management has not taken high priority in high school education.

Two bills – HB242 and SB34 – have emerged to make financial literacy a graduation requirement.

Curriculum would include economic education and personal finance instruction, with a capstone project. 
Fewer than half PA’s opioid treatment programs provide mental health services
The rate at which mental health care is available to people in PA opioid treatment programs is on par with the nationwide rate, as is the rate of programs offering buprenorphine maintenance.

The rate of opioid treatment programs offering services in languages other than English falls short of the nationwide rate, however (57 percent compared to 64 percent).

Over 91 percent of the state’s treatment programs accept Medicaid – far better than the national average of 83 percent. 
Pittsburgh’s Complete Streets program promotes health and safety
Complete Streets policies work to improve safety and access to all destinations for all citizens.

With careful planning, they can improve equity as well as public health through walkability.

Pittsburgh is one of three U.S. cities with exemplary policies.
From Around the Nation and the Globe
Economic and Policy News
Holland’s care farms prioritize meaningful work  
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Farm on Earth in Holland has a workforce primarily consists of people with dementia and other physical or mental health challenges.

The farm focuses on employing people to do what they are able to do, rather than focusing care on what they cannot do.

This approach supports emotional well-being, social involvement, and physical activity.
Medical school curriculum now includes climate change
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Emory Medical School has formally introduced climate change to the curriculum.

These classes are designed to teach aspiring doctors about the health impacts of a warming planet, which include varied effects on physical and mental well-being.

The American Medical Association (AMA) endorsed climate change classes in 2019 to broaden awareness of related illnesses and their prevalence.
Baltimore accelerator empowers Black and Latina women  
With a $5 million grant from JP Morgan Chase, the POWER Collaborative is supporting three accelerators – small business incubation, affordable housing development, and skills training for high-demand occupations.

Short-term goals include training of 180 entrepreneurs, career preparation of 51 women, and redevelopment of 20 homes.

Larger objectives include long-term stability through the multiple tiers of community assets.
Research Spotlight: The Institute's Jobs, Economy, and Economic Development Task Force has also studied financial literacy - including related impacts on the regional economy. Use the link below to review the 2017 report.
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