Commissioners Recognize National Prevention Week In Franklin County

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery; James Eagler, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol administrator; Katelyn Becker, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol prevention specialist; Lyn St. Clair, Healthy Communities Partnership coalition and prevention coordinator; and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 12-18, 2024, to be National Prevention Week in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are highlighting the importance of substance misuse prevention and its negative impacts on mental health.

Substance misuse and mental health conditions are prevalent across the U.S. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 48.7 million people aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year, and an estimated 59.3 million adults had a mental illness. Locally, data suggests an estimated 31,000 Franklin County residents are affected by mental and substance misuse disorders. 

“Substance misuse and mental health disorders are not unique to Franklin County; they are present in communities across the country,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “It’s important that all of us recognize that both of these disorders affect all walks of life, and it’s up to us to offer these individuals our support and help them receive the help they need.”

By recognizing National Prevention Week, Franklin County joins communities across the U.S. in their efforts to raise public awareness of, and action around, mental and substance misuse disorders. The Franklin County Commissioners are urging residents to become more aware of the signs of mental health and substance use and to know that there are resources available to assist those in need.

In Franklin County, support and resources are available by contacting the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol program at 717-263-1256 or ffda@frankincountypa.gov. Information is also available on the Franklin County website, www.franklincountypa.gov. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, call or text 988.

To mark National Prevention Week, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol and First Start Partnerships for Children and Families invites the public to attend an Operation Save a Life training to learn how to prevent opioid overdoses and safely store medications. Trainings will be held at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 16 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 431 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg. The public is also invited to attend meetings of the Chambersburg Cares Coalition, which meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Lynn St. Clair, Healthy Communities Partnership coalition and prevention coordinator, at 717-264-1470 or lstclair@hcpfranklinpa.org.

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