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LEWISTOWN -- The Mifflin County Commissioners publicly recognized the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross during their Tuesday meeting, proclaiming March 2024 as "American Red Cross Month."
The commissioners also moved forward with an application for a crucial grant to support victims of crime in the county.
At the meeting, Commissioners read a proclamation highlighting the dedication of local volunteers who tirelessly work through the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross to help their neighbors in times of need.
"Whether it's responding to a house fire, ensuring blood supplies are available for hospital patients, or supporting military families, Red Cross volunteers are a shining example of the generosity within our community," Postal explained.
Laura Burke, executive director of the American Red Cross, Central Pennsylvania Chapter, expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
"We rely heavily on the compassionate individuals who give their time here in Mifflin County. Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of our organization," she said. "We have 22 volunteers in the county supporting our mission. Our volunteers have contributed 17,000 hours in 11 counties."
Burke outlined the impact of local Red Cross efforts over the past year. They assisted 36 Mifflin County people affected by disasters. The Red Cross also installed free smoke alarms and held many blood drives for medical needs. However, she stressed the need to build up the volunteer force. She also wants to increase blood donations and expand partnerships. This is all to meet the community's growing needs.
"We want to increase our blood drives and our blood donors. We have seen blood donation drop in the younger generations," Burke said. "We want to increase our education programs. We also want to expand our volunteer force. We have a variety of opportunities for volunteers. The need to increase our partnerships is vital to our growth.
Also, the Commissioners took a significant step toward providing critical resources for victims of crime by moving to apply for a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant. The grant, totaling $59,870, aims to provide crucial support services for those affected by crime and its aftermath.
Jami Glick of Crime Victim Services explained that the grant is essential. It offsets funding losses and ensures services remain available to help victims.
"This project is vital to helping victims of crime navigate the challenges they face and begin the healing process," Glick said. "We applied for a continuation grant because we lost some funding."
The grant runs from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025.
In other news, the Commissioners:
• Approved VertiQ Software five-year agreement for the Coroner's Office-year 1, $13,145.59, years 2 through 5, $3,600 to be paid from the Coroner's Administrative Fund;
• Approved Library HVAC System Controls agreement with NRG Controls, Inc. -$58,000;
• Approved a Repair Work Order with TK Elevator Corporation to install an ADA Phone in the library elevator cab control panel – $1,369.04;
• Approved a Repair Work Order with TK Elevator Corporation to install and provide a new closed-loop door operator on the library's elevator – $36,270.09;
• Approved the first amendment to the Menno Township T338 Bridge Agreement for an additional $9,873;
• Approved the Project Modification Request for the Mifflin County Reentry Strategic Planning Grant to extend the deadline until September 2024;
• Approved Power of Attorney authorizing the Chairman to sign for the Enterprise Program.
• Approved Confirmation of Training Site Agreement for an intern for the Register and Recorder's Office for the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
• Approved the following personnel items:
The hiring of Brian Fleegal for the 911 Operations and Training Officer effective March 1; Promotion of Robert Sidney from part-time to full-time corrections officer, effective March 3; Promotion of Abraham David from part-time to full-time corrections officer, effective March 10; Retirement of Christian Snook from corrections officer, effective March 7; Retirement of Raymond Deavor from 911 Telecommunicator, effective March 17; Hiring of Raymond Deavor as a part-time 911 Telecommunicator, effective March 18; Resignation of James Bell from Tipstaff effective April 4.