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LEWISTOWN -- Mifflin County Commissioners heard a presentation Thursday addressing opioid addiction in the community.
The highlight of the board's meeting was an informative presentation by Micaela Mills, fiscal officer for the Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission.
Mills provided an overview of the current drug and alcohol services in Mifflin, Juniata and Huntingdon counties and outlined how the opioid settlement funds have been instrumental in expanding treatment and remediation efforts for Opioid Use Disorder.
"My office is responsible for funding and supporting drug and alcohol treatment, prevention, intervention and case management services to the residents of our communities," Mills stated, emphasizing the comprehensive approach taken by her office in tackling substance abuse issues.
The Opioid Settlement funds, awarded to Mifflin County and other jurisdictions as part of nationwide settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies, have been a game-changer for local opioid remediation efforts.
According to Mills, Mifflin County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 with the Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission to establish and expand opioid remediation programs previously hindered by financial constraints or sustainability issues.
Mills highlighted that a two-county advisory council was formed. It consists of key figures from Mifflin and Juniata Counties, including County Commissioners and leaders of partner agencies. The council is responsible for overseeing and evaluating the programming.
To date, Mifflin County has received $203,912.96 in opioid settlement funding, which has been allocated to the Tri-County Drug & Alcohol Commission as per the terms of the memorandum.
Mills outlined several key initiatives that have been implemented or expanded with the aid of these funds, including the integration of drug and alcohol support services into the existing mental health crisis line, medication assisted treatment within the Mifflin County Correctional Facility, and extensive re-entry and recovery support services for individuals transitioning from incarceration.
The funds have facilitated the expansion of prevention, intervention, and treatment services, such as school-based programs, Naloxone distribution, and medication take-back initiatives. Efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and opioid disorders have also been amplified, along with training and education opportunities for staff within the addiction field.
Mills concluded her speech by reiterating the commission's commitment to continuing the expansion of effective programming and introducing new initiatives to meet the needs of residents affected by addiction.
For more information about drug or alcohol services, contact the Tri-County office at (717) 242-1446 or visit juniatavalleydrugandalcohol.com.
In other matters, Commissioners adopted a resolution that aligns with broader state-level priorities set forth by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania for the year 2024.
These priorities, selected by Pennsylvania counties, reflect a proactive legislative agenda aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by counties across the Commonwealth.
The resolution underscored the paramount importance of securing additional funding for 911 operations, emphasizing the current funding levels have not kept pace with the increasing costs necessary for quick and efficient emergency response services. This issue was designated as the top priority for Pennsylvania counties in 2024.
Furthermore, the resolution highlighted the urgent need for an increase in county mental health base funding. The aim is to ensure that residents can access a broad spectrum of community-based mental health services, including residential programs, family-based support, outpatient care, and crisis intervention. Such services are deemed critical for the well-being of constituents and the overall health of communities.
Addressing the challenges faced by county inmates with mental health issues was identified as the third priority. The resolution calls for better approaches to serve incarcerated individuals experiencing severe mental illnesses, reflecting a commitment to both public safety and humane treatment.
The resolution also called for an increase in the state prevailing wage threshold, which has remained unchanged since 1961, and outlined the necessity for Right-to-Know Law reforms to manage the increasing volume and complexity of record requests effectively.
Vote-by-mail reforms, including clarifications surrounding drop boxes, ballot curing, expanded pre-canvassing time, and adjustments to the mail-in ballot application deadline, were identified as the sixth priority, aiming to streamline and secure the voting process.
Broadband access and development were highlighted as the seventh priority, acknowledging the critical need to expand access to enhance economic vitality and improve the quality of life for residents.
Finally, the resolution addressed the juvenile detention capacity crisis as the eighth priority, advocating for timely community-based services for justice-involved youth and ensuring their safety, as well as that of the community.
The resolution concluded with a commitment from Mifflin County to collaborate with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and other counties throughout the Commonwealth in support of these priorities.
The resolution aims to improve stewardship of taxpayer dollars, reduce costs, increase local flexibility, and ensure the quality of services provided by Mifflin County and other counties.
In other news, the Commissioners:
• Amended the action taken on Jan. 4, to exonerate Menno Township Tax Collector Cynthia Clever from collecting 2023 per capita tax bills to 15 total;
• Approved an award notification for a juvenile probation services grant for the period July 1, 2023, through June 30 in the amount of $32,328;
• Approved an award notification for the COVID-19 mitigation grant to the Mifflin County Correctional Facility for the period Aug. 1, 2022, through July 31 in the amount of $98,872;
• Approved an award notification for the Mifflin County Correctional Facility RSAT Grant for Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025 in the amount of $200,000;
• Approved generator and transfer switch maintenance with G.R. Sponaugle, Harrisburg, for March 1, through Feb. 28, 2027 for $8,983 for the first year, $9,252 for the second year and $9,529 for the third;
• Approved an indemnity agreement with Mifflin County School District to use the high school to host a mass casualty incident response seminar and exercise to be held March 23 and 24;
• Approved an agreement with Brown Township for the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund Grant Agreement for the bleacher project at the Reedsville Playground for $7,936;
• Approved an agreement with Bratton Township for the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund Grant Agreement for the Longfellow Playground project in the amount of $15,374;
• Approved an agreement with Bratton Township and on behalf of McVeytown Borough and Oliver Township for the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund Grant Agreement for the McVeytown Boat Launch project in the amount of $1,241;
• Reappointed Barry Bargo to the Mifflin County Municipal Authority for a five-year term;
• Approved the following personnel items: Resignation of Gregory Beeler from part-time Corrections Officer effective Feb. 2; hired Timothy Miller, Shawn Gertzen and Gary Rosenberry as part-time corrections officers, effective Feb. 20, Resignation of Nicolas Winfield from Children and Youth Caseworker, effective Feb. 23.