This is the October 2026 internal newsletter for Piedmont Community Services (PCS), a behavioral health and developmental services provider. It is written for PCS employees and covers agency news, policy changes, upcoming events, and staff achievements.
The October 2026 PCS newsletter is an internal publication for employees of Piedmont Community Services, a behavioral health and developmental services provider. It opens with a message from CEO Greg Preston about federal legislation H.R. 1, which will change Medicaid eligibility and enrollment starting January 2027. The CEO explains that certain adults on Virginia Medicaid Expansion must meet new work or community-engagement requirements, with eligibility reviews shifting from annual to every…
The 'This Month's Happenings' section lists upcoming events: a New Hire Orientation covering personnel policies, benefits, and timekeeping systems; an HR 1 Agency Training to prepare staff for Medicaid changes; a community food drive by the Prevention Department; and a reminder about the CareForward resource for client essentials like wheelchairs, walkers, and household items. The annual PCS Holiday Party is announced with details to follow.
The 'Know Your Numbers Challenge' runs from October 5 to November 9, 2026. Employees track health metrics including blood pressure, resting heart rate, weight, and waist circumference. Weekly educational sessions cover blood pressure management, blood sugar control, healthy cooking, metabolic syndrome, group fitness, and financial stress. Prizes are awarded for top improvement and consistency. Wellness champions are listed for Franklin County, Martinsville, and Patrick County.
The 'Staff Recognition' section highlights the Helping Youth Thrive coalition's presentation at the CCOVA Conference in Staunton, Virginia. Recovery residence staff attended the National Alliance of Recovery Residences summit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A Recovery Month event recap describes a celebration with stories, food, vendors, and activities. Employee birthdays for October are listed.
The 'Above and Beyond Awards' recognize individual staff: Karen Hoynoski, Kelsey Duncan, Jules Freeman, Markisha Martin, Heather Minter, Aisha Newbill, Mary Potter, and Caroline Pilson. Each nomination describes specific actions such as covering shifts, arranging same-day appointments, coordinating emergency resources, and completing grant paperwork under tight deadlines. A nomination form is referenced for future submissions.
The newsletter concludes with a 'Thank You for Your Service' section listing employees by years of service, ranging from 1 to 26 years. Names include Sandy Vernon, Quincy Gravely, Rhonda Brown, and others. A note clarifies that hire dates are original and may not reflect breaks in service.