SMETHPORT — “Any of us can be impacted by mental health conditions, just like any of us can get the flu,” states a proclamation by McKean County commissioners.
May is observed across the nation as Mental Health Month and commissioners declared similar recognition in McKean County during their regular meeting Tuesday.
“Mental health is a critical component of a person’s overall health and wellbeing and forms a key piece in the foundation of our county’s success and welfare,” the proclamation reads. “Education and awareness efforts play an important role to promote mental wellness and to encourage early identification, intervention and treatment.
“Let’s join together to promote mental wellness, support our families, friends and neighbors in need, and advocate for policies which promote wellness and resilience.”
Further, the pronouncement cited several statistics including one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, depression affects more than 264 million people and is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34.
“Let us use this month to educate ourselves and others and to foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help and support,” commissioners said.
Chairman Tom Kreiner stated during their comment period that it’s also Mammography Month and encouraged area residents to get tested as appropriate, acknowledged Hospital Week from May 12 to 18 and recognized the work being done at Bradford, Kane and Coudersport hospitals, and noted that May 6 to 12 was Nurses Week, with thanks for the service they provide.
Kreiner added he attended Otto-Eldred High School’s FFA awards ceremony last week. He said he looks forward to it every year, calling it an “amazing event” and “very worthwhile program.”
During regular business, commissioners approved Port Allegany Borough’s application for its $250,000 allocation from the county liquid fuels funds to be used for the Arnold Street bridge replacement. They also approved the borough’s exempt status request for a municipal property at 90 Church St., assessed at $250.
Regarding American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, commissioners approved allocating as much as $200,000 in grant opportunities to McKean County trails group projects and as much as $240,000 to the county’s VFW and American Legion posts.
Repository sales were approved for 104 Smith Ave., Port Allegany, for $259 to Edward Vicic and 750 Summit Road, Foster Township, for $400 to Paul McKee.
Marco Equipment maintenance agreements were renewed with Veterans Affairs, CYS and the controller’s office, as well as several software agreement renewals in the Department of Human Services.
Commissioners also approved the renewal of 12 foster care agreements and an intergovernmental agreement creating a radio talkgroup between Pennsylvania State Police and McKean County law enforcement agencies.
The agreement allows local law enforcement agencies to communicate directly with troopers on their assigned channel. Currently, local agencies are unable to communicate to Pennsylvania State Police through radio channels.
During the human resources update, Kreiner noted Caleb Furgeson has been added as a part-time correctional officer at McKean County Jail.
Commissioners’ next meeting is set for 10 a.m. May 28.
