Commissioners recognize suicide prevention month

Community Development Block Grant project discussed

MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata County Commissioners proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month on Tuesday.

Karen Rush of FIRST Center spoke about the importance of raising awareness and providing a safe place for people to seek guidance.

"Someone out there cares about them and wants to support them," said Rush.

Rush added, "If someone is out there struggling with their mental health, we want them to know they matter and someone wants to listen to them."

Working together, officials believe awareness can be increased for suicide prevention and believe in helping spread awareness to start conversations between helpers and those struggling to reduce the stigma.

On Sunday, Oct. 4, the Shatter the Silence suicide prevention walk will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at Kish Park in Derry Township.

Commissioners were also joined by Michael Hannon, executive director of the Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission, to discuss substance abuse.

According to the Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission, staff member Emma Steininger told Commissioner Alice Gray that in Juniata County, the top three substances often abused in Juniata County are meth, cocaine and alcohol.

Hannon also shared an update regarding the opioid settlement dollars.

He stated that the funds align with the treatment needs assessment, including enhancing the services the commission provides to Juniata County.

Commissioners then reviewed the proposed allocation and required resolutions at the final public hearing and project selection for the Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Community Development Block Grant.

Michelle Koslap, project coordinator at SEDA-COG, presented the information to the county commissioners, including a resolution for fair housing and an officer resolution to select the compliance officer and establish a grievance procedure.

The chosen project was the second phase of the McAlisterville Area Joint Authority spring transmission line replacement, in the amount of $188,263, with $41,250 for SEDA-COG administration costs.

This is the second phase of bringing a transmission line further down Shade Mountain to provide water to the residents in the authority's area of operation.

The line will go as far as funding allows, and Koslap added that the project will likely have a phase three in future years.

Koslap explained that the flow in the pipes isn’t the issue, but the pipes are congested.

Koslap said that replacing the line will improve water flow.

Gray later congratulated all of the Pennsylvania Century Farms from Juniata County.

"The farms we honor represent the enduring spirit of our rural communities and the families who have devoted their lives to caring for the land, raising livestock and crops, and contributing to the prosperity of our county and Commonwealth," Gray said.

In other news, commissioners approved:

•Juniata County Crime Victim Services Second Year grant proposal that was submitted by Sylvia Middaugh, Juniata County Victim/Witness Coordinator.

•Purchase of service between the Juniata County Public Defender's office and Moseby Law Group LLC for Conflict Counsel. The contract will begin on Jan. 1, 2027 and continue until their paid monthly services of $3,000 for six months or upon 30 day written notice of intent to terminate this contract.

•Resignation of Seth Traxler, 911 telecommunicator, effective Aug. 27, 2026.

The next scheduled Juniata County Commissioners meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 at 10 a.m.