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Help for addiction is out there

LEWISTOWN – Area residents suffering from addiction or family members coping with the problem are reminded that services are readily available in Mifflin County.

During Thursday’s business meeting of the Mifflin County Commissioners, Mike Hannon, executive director of the Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Commission, was on hand to present his annual update on the ongoing opioid crisis.

“Opiates seem to constantly be in the news,” Hannon said. “But we must remember addiction is addiction. Marijuana and alcohol abuse have been the main issues in the 23 years I’ve been here. We continue to look at addiction as a whole. One of the biggest problems is the stigma (of addiction). Most people feel that if it doesn’t involve them, it’s not a problem. The truth is 90 percent of the people know of someone or have a family member that has an addiction problem. It just happens.”

Hannon said it is important to let the community know that his agency has services available to help those who wish to seek treatment.

“We have contracts with 22 facilities in the state that provide in-patient care,” Hannon reported. “We’re able to help those who are under-insured or uninsured and we encourage anyone seeking help to contact our office at (717) 242-1446. We can help you try to navigate the system.”

In other business Thursday, the commissioners:

¯ Adopted an ordinance and formal agreement between the county and Lewistown Borough for the county to administer the borough’s Community Development Block Grant funding beginning with fiscal year 2016 and beyond.

¯ Approved a three-year prison HVAC service agreement with NRG Building Services of Harrisburg at a cost of $12,735 for the first two years and $13,120 for the third year.

¯ Approved purchase of service agreements for use, if needed, by Children & Youth with the following agencies: Diakon Child, Family and Community Ministries of Topton, PA; Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 of Lewistown; and Raystown Developmental Services Inc. of Huntingdon.

¯ Approved a request for 2018 Liquid Fuels allocation from Lewistown Borough in the amount of $7,135.72.

¯ Announced the Leon Donahey farm in Oliver Township has been added to the Agland Preservation Program for 2018.

¯ Accepted the resignation of Rachel Jimenez, Children & Youth caseworker, effective August 15.

¯ Accepted the resignation of Mitch Carter, part-time corrections officer, effective August 7.

¯ Hired Richard Walter as a part-time telecommunicator effective August 6.

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