Submitted photo
Mifflin County Commissioners issued a proclamation on Thursday for Emergency Medical Services Week. Pictured are Josh Pennepacker, 911 supervisor; Commissioner Noah Wise; Michael Coldren, Fame chief of operations; Krystal Amaro, Fame emergency medical technician; Bill Womer, of McVeytown EMS; Commissioner Rob Postal; Tony Salso, of McVeytown EMS and Commissioner Kevin Kodish.
LEWISTOWN — Each May, communities across the country observe Mental Health Awareness Month, a longstanding initiative focused on increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek help when facing mental health challenges. The observance serves as a reminder that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, affecting how people think, feel, and interact with others.
Despite growing awareness, stigma remains a significant barrier. Many individuals still hesitate to speak openly or pursue treatment due to fear or misunderstanding. Efforts throughout the month aim to change that by promoting education, visibility, and supportive conversations. Local organizations, service providers, and governments play a key role in reinforcing those messages and ensuring residents know that help is available.
That message was a central focus Thursday morning as the Mifflin County Commissioners incorporated Mental Health Awareness Month into their regular meeting at the Mifflin County Courthouse.
Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
The commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation designating May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month across Mifflin County in partnership with Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services.
Submitted photo
Mifflin County Commissioners issued a proclamation on Thursday recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Pictured are Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Commissioner Noah Wise, Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services Director Kathy Whalen and Commissioner Rob Postal.
The proclamation described mental health as “the foundation of an individual’s thought processes, relationships, productivity, and community understanding,” while emphasizing that access to services allows individuals to “handle stress, move forward and lead a fulfilling life.”
At the same time, the declaration acknowledged an ongoing challenge.
“Despite its prevalence, mental health remains shrouded in stigma, preventing many from seeking help,” the proclamation stated.
By adopting the measure, commissioners called on residents to take an active role in addressing those barriers, urging the community to “challenge stigma, seek help, support organizations and create safe and supportive environments for open conversations about mental health.”
Local Efforts Promote Awareness
Following the proclamation, Kathy Whalen of JVBDS addressed the board, thanking commissioners for their continued support and outlining a series of local initiatives held throughout the month.
“First off, I want to say thank you for including mental health awareness month,” Whalen said. “We’ve had a busy month with celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month.”
Among the highlights was the CSP Recovery Day Picnic, held this year at Walker Township Park in Juniata County. The annual event, which rotates among the three counties, drew strong participation and provided a welcoming setting for individuals, families and service providers.
“Wonderful participation, great food,” Whalen said, noting the sense of connection the event fosters. She added that leftover food was distributed to local drop-in centers, extending the benefit to others in need.
A new event this year, the “Shatter the Silence” cornhole tournament, aimed to encourage conversation in a relaxed, community setting.
“It wasn’t as well attended as we would have liked, but it is our first year,” Whalen said, expressing optimism it will grow moving forward.
She also highlighted the ongoing “Light Up Green” campaign, which encourages residents, businesses and municipalities to display green lighting in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.
“People will often ask, why the green lights,” Whalen said. “And then it does start that conversation … to help remove some of the stigma surrounding mental health.”
Whalen also announced that the Out of the Darkness Walk is scheduled for October at Kish Park, continuing efforts to raise awareness and connect residents with resources related to mental health and suicide prevention.
Commitment to Community Well-Being
While routine matters were handled, the meeting was defined by its emphasis on community health. Through the recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and local outreach efforts, commissioners reinforced the importance of understanding, compassion and access to care.
As the proclamation concluded, it called for a community “where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental health well-being and seek help when needed” — a message that resonated throughout the meeting.
EMS Week Also Recognized
In addition to the mental health proclamation, commissioners approved a second resolution recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week, observed May 17-23.
Michael Colburn, chief of operations for FAME EMS, spoke on behalf of local responders and thanked the commissioners for their recognition.
“It’s the local people helping others, and it’s important,” Colburn said. “We’re getting these young folks involved to come up through the ranks and make EMS better.”
Several EMS representatives attended the meeting, while others were unable to do so due to active emergency calls, underscoring the constant demand placed on first responders. Officials noted that EMS personnel are often on the front lines of both physical and mental health emergencies.
Contracts and agreements
The commissioners approved:
· Five-year tower HVAC service agreements with MGM Mechanical Inc. for 2026-31, at a cost of $4,360 per year.
· Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement for fiscal year 2025 for the period of Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, at a cost of $44,737.
· Reduce the Scattered Site Roof Replacement Project by $3,720 and reallocate to the Yeagertown Area Road Reconstruction Phase 2.
Personnel matters
The commissioners approved:
· Hiring of Michael Jones for LPN at Mifflin County Correctional Facility in Lewistown, effective May 14;
· Hiring of Juan Rivera and Kolton Porch for part-time corrections officers, effective May 26;
· Retirement of Ronald Knable as corrections officer, effective May 31;
· Resignation of Daniel Treweek from 911 telecommunicator effective May 15;
· Hiring of Aija Binder for judicial assistant summer intern, effective May 26;
· Hiring of Trey Shoemaker for judicial assistant summer intern, effective May 28;
· Hiring of Matthew Richert for field assessor, effective June 1;
· Hiring of Ansh Patel for an intern in public defender’s office, effective June 1.
Next meeting
The commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, in the Mifflin County Courthouse in Lewistown.
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