Submitted photo
Pictured from left are Commissioner Todd Graybill, Commissioner Alice Gray, Kathy Whalen, administrator of Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services, and Commissioner Mark Partner.

MIFFLINTOWN — Mental health awareness has evolved over the years, but mental health issues still carry stigma.

Juniata County Commissioners aimed to help break the stigma in their community on Tuesday by issuing a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

During the Commissioners’ meeting, Kathy Whalen, administrator of Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services, shared local events aimed at boosting mental health awareness.

Whalen said that on Saturday, May 16, all are welcome to the “Shatter The Silence” cornhole tournament fundraiser for suicide prevention at a cost of $20 per participant.

The tournament will be held at the Mifflin County Youth Park in Reedsville. Registration starts at 10 a.m., and participants will “blind draw” for their tournament partners; prizes will be awarded at the end of the tournament.

Whalen added that the Community Support Program recovery day picnic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 12 at Walker Township park with food provided.

This picnic is an annual community event to celebrate mental health recovery and support for individuals with mental illness or co-occurring disorders.

Whalen shared that residents and businesses can show their support for Mental Health Awareness Month by lighting up their front porch green.

Commissioners later approved a resolution establishing a policy for handling cash payments in response to coin circulation shortages.

Hillary Kindervater, director of the tax claim office, explained to commissioners that the office is facing a penny shortage due to the U.S. ceasing production of pennies.

The tax claim office will now accept exact amounts or round up to the nearest dollar for cash payments.

Commissioners also:

-Ratified the payment of Juniata County hazardous material checks to Lake Ford in the amount of $408.60;

-Approved the space available agreement between Juniata County Children and Youth Services and Central Counties Youth Center. The term of the agreement is from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027;

-Approved the March 2026 departmental report for the Juniata County Children and Youth Department;

-Approved Adam Eubanks of the security department as a full-time employee as of April 28, 2026.