MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County Commissioners enacted and proclaimed the week of May 21-27, 2023 as Emergency Medical Services Week to acknowledge and honor the medical staff that serves the county and neighboring counties.

Members of the Juniata County EMS were in attendance during the commissioner’s weekly board meeting and discussed the importance of the job and logistical facets that can make saving a life challenging.

Commissioner Alice Gray thanked Adam Waite, Juniata County 911 emergency director.

“I don’t think people realize this is a 24/7, 365 day a year commitment, and it is largely a volunteer commitment and you save lives — our lives and the lives of county residents,” said Gray.

Seven Mountains EMS Council Executive Director Tim Nilson was among those in attendance and shared some insights that make emergency medical work difficult. Nilson informed the commissioners that Juniata County’s geography makes it one of the more unique counties in Pennsylvania to provide EMS services being in the southern tier of the area they serve.

“I’ve been doing this for 33 years. This is a team. It takes a special person to do this work.

Nilson explained that there are six EMS agencies in Juniata County that provide EMS service, “but your county is the only one that doesn’t have a QRS or quick response service.”

A QRS service is a quick response service which is a local organization; most of the time a fire company that stabilizes a patient until the ambulance gets there. And some locations don’t need a quick response service.

Gray thanked Nilson and Juniata County Emergency Medical Services leadership and staff. Emergency Medical Services local leadership are seeking volunteers in the community from all who are willing to help save the lives of community members and residents of the county.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners proclaimed support and celebration of the United States’ Semiquincentennial and the role Pennsylvanian’s contributed and volunteered in founding America.

In other business conducted on Tuesday, commissioners:

• Approved tax exonerations for Mifflintown Borough as per the material provided;

• Acknowledged Medical Assistance Transportation Program allocation amount of $146,815 for Fiscal Year 2021 -22;

• Approved the agreement between Juniata County Children and Youth Services and Josie C. Souders for Spanish Translation services at an hourly rate of $65. The term of the agreement is Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2024;

• Approved an agreement between Juniata County Children and Youth Services and D&D Driving School for the term of July 1, 2023 through June 20, 2024. The total agreed upon rate for Classroom Driving Instruction is $2,500 for the duration of the agreement. The agreement upon rate for Behind the Wheel Driving is $50 for students and $60 for seniors;

• Approved the purchase of service agreement between Juniata County Children and Services, the Juniata County Probation Department, and Family Care for Children and Youth. Inc. The agreement shall be in force and effect from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 inclusive;

• Approved payment of the following Juniata County Hazardous Materials check in the amount of $210 for Susquehanna Fire Equipment Meter Calibration;

• Acknowledged the following resignations: John J. Peters Jr. from his position as a casual, part-time employee at the commissioner’s office to provide security services as needed effective as of the end of business on May 4; Dakota B. Trego from his position as a Children & Youth Services caseworker effective as of end of business May 19.