By CHRISTINA L. MOSS
Clarion News writer
Every two years the county Hazard Vulnerability Analysis undergoes an update. Clarion County Commissioners approved the 2019 update on April 9 at their regular board meeting (chairman Ted Tharan was absent).
Two new areas of vulnerability have been added to the document which involves opioid addiction and human trafficking.
According to emergency management Homeland Security Planner David Dunn, “We’ve updated everything that’s in there but human trafficking is a big issue now under the kidnapping/hostage section and we added the opioid section in because of everything going on with that.”
The purpose of the analysis is to develop a common awareness among emergency service agencies, public officials and the public of the major hazards existing in Clarion County.
It identifies the locations, number of persons and major facilities that may be vulnerable, encourages cooperative management of emergency situations, enhances our emergency and disaster response and recovery and encourages plans and actions for preventive measures.
Human trafficking
According to the analysis human trafficking has come forward as a major issue across the United States in the last few years. It is a hidden crime as victims rarely come forward to seek help because of language barriers, fear of the traffickers or fear of law enforcement.
For Clarion County, the updated analysis states there is a medium probability for this type of event.
There have been reports of human trafficking occurring due to accessibility of movement by captors with the six interchanges connecting to interstate 80 and other major roadways across the county.
Opioid addiction
Nationally, Pennsylvania is among four of the hardest hit states from opioid-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly 38 out of every 100,000 Pennsylvania residents died from opioid-related overdoses in 2016.
The analysis lists the probability for this event to occur in Clarion County at a high level.
The Clarion County Coroner reported 6 deaths in 2017 and 11 in 2018 from overdoses. Treatment facilities reported 17 people in 2017 and 40 people in 2018 were treated for drug overdoses.
The CDC defines the following as the three most common types of opioids:
- Prescription opioids- opioid medication prescribed by doctors for pain treatment such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) or morphine.
- Fentanyl- a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and used for treating severe pain. Illegally made and distributed fentanyl is becoming more prevalent.
- Heroin- an illegal natural opioid processed from morphine and is also becoming more commonly used in the United States.
Opioids are highly addictive. They block the body’s ability to feel pain and can create a sense of euphoria. Additionally, individuals often build a tolerance to opioids which can lead to misuse and overdose.
In other news
– Commissioners approved Resolution #10 of 2019 to apply for a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant to fund the addition of a playground at the County park. The grant total for the application is $175,000 and the plans include equipment and surfacing that will be American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
– A contract with Merakey was amended on behalf of Mental Health for increased utilization and more than anticipated use of children’s placement in Community Rehabilitation Residence. The amendment increased the contract from $10,000 to $25,000.
– A contract with Clarion County’s Promise was amended on behalf of Children and Youth Services (CYS) for in home parenting services, periodic development screenings for children aged birth to five years. The total cost of the contract is $211,223 with a county match of 20 percent.
– Commissioners approved a contract with Mobilcom for $1,000 for a new 11 ghz microwave license to link to the St. Petersburg tower.
– A contract with Government Payment Services, LLC was approved for a credit/debit card payment system. There is no cost to the county for the new system. Terms include a 2.25 percent fee on every transaction with a $1 minimum purchase.
– Two Community Development and Block Grant (CDBG) items were approved. A sub recipient agreement with East Brady Borough for fiscal year 2015 for the Grant Street sewer line replacement project and a standard mitigation agreement between Clarion County on behalf of Foxburg Borough and the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation office for the demolition project of 72 and 176 North Palmer Avenue.
– A bid of $805 for a property in Beaver Township on the repository list was accepted. The taxes on the property have not been paid on the assessment since 2011.
Personnel
– Appointment of Sheriff Rex Munsee to the Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board was approved for a three-year term from May 28, 2019 to May 28, 2022.
– The board accepted the separation of employment of Ryan Detwiler in corrections.
– Alex Burkhart was promoted into the vacant position of full-time corrections officer. The position is non-exempt 36-48 hours a week with a salary of $13.59 an hour.
– Megan Rizzuti was promoted from 9-1-1 telecommunicator trainee to certified telecommunicator. The position is non-exempt, 36-48 hours a week with a salary of $11.96 an hour.
– Justin Morgan and Jodi Eller were hired to fill the vacant positions of 9-1-1 telecommunicator trainees. Both positions are full-time, non-exempt, 36-48 hours a week with a salary of $10.66 an hour.