McKean County is currently marking two observances: May 9-15 as National Prevention Week and the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
The McKean County commissioners made proclamations on the two awareness occasions at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Maggie Travis, coordinator of the STEPS Drop In Center in Bradford, talked about Mental Health Awareness Month. STEPS, a program of the Guidance Center, provides social and recreational opportunities for adults who utilize the center’s services.
STEPS will hold a concert at 4 p.m. May 27 in Veterans Square in Bradford to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s event will also include a memorial for members who have died; the memorial will be a small kiddie pool with ducks to represent the people they want to remember.
Travis read to meeting attendees about the mental health bell, which represents the continuing progress we make in dispelling misunderstandings and discrimination about mental health.
In the proclamation, the commissioners “call upon citizens, organizations, businesses and schools in McKean County to commit our community to increasing awareness and understanding about mental health, the steps our residents can take to prevent their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental conditions.”
The proclamation for National Prevention Week states that in order to meet the week’s goals, “McKean County will continue to educate the community on prevention by raising public awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.”
Mary McCormick said that Rays of Hope is holding a Health and Wellness Virtual Fair this week, too. Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information.
Rob Dickinson from the Penn State Extension office in McKean County introduced the newest Extension employees, 4-H educator Morgan Cady and forestry educator Katie Schmidt. The three provided a lengthy update on programs at the Extension.
Under human resources, there are two new county employees: Jacob Hutchings, part-time correctional officer, starting May 3; and Jennifer Reed, administrative assistant for juvenile probation, starting May 7.
Commissioner Carol Duffy said applications for the McKean County COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) Grant will be accepted until May 15.
Also, Dan Wertz, administrator of the McKean County Department of Human Services, said there is still money available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. These funds can be used to pay rent or utilities for people in a rental home who experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19. Learn more at compass.state.pa.us or by calling the McKean County Housing Authority at 814-887-5563.
Commissioners approved the McKean County Board of Elections appointment of machine inspectors to serve during the primary election May 18.
They accepted an agreement for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Service Office of Children, Youth and Families Plans of Safe Care Support grant. The grant provides $60,000 to for services for substance-affected infants and their families.
Jeremy Morey was re-appointed to the Industrial Development Authority Board of Directors for a five-year term from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2024. Also, Crystal Kocjancic was appointed to the same board for a five-year term from Jan. 2, 2021, to De. 31, 2025.
Commissioners approved an agreement with Dr. George Castellano to provide on-site physician services from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2024, at the McKean County Jail with the following compensation: $61,298.72 in year 1; $62.524.69 in year 2; and $63,775.18 in year 3.
The next commissioners meeting will be at 10 a.m. May 25.
