LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County Commissioners had three proclamations for the month of April during this week’s regular board meeting.

The commissioners recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Donate Life month in the county.

Commissioner Jeff Snyder read out the proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Every family and child is filled with tremendous promise and we all have a collective responsibility to prevent adverse childhood experiences, foster the potential of every child and promote positive childhood experiences,” he read.

Some of the positive childhood experiences listed in the proclamation included safe, stable and nurturing relationships as well as loving caregivers.

“(These) play a vital role in helping children thrive by mitigating trauma and the negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences. Primary prevention of child abuse and neglect can reduce the lifetime economic burden associated with child maltreatment. Communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families. Investment and prevention initiatives such as home visiting programs, family strengthening policies, economic support and economic based child abuse prevention efforts are essential to build safer, healthier communities for children and families. Prevention remains the best defense for children and families,” he continued.

“Together we will create a state where every child can grow up happy, healthy and safe with hope for their future,” Snyder finished.

Commissioner Angela Harding then read a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

“Sexual assault affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Nationally, someone is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Approximately one in six women, one in 33 men and one in two transgender individuals will experience attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually assaulted before the age of eighteen. Ages 18-34 are the highest risk years, and in most cases the victim knows the perpetrator,” she said.

“Survivors often face long term effects including PTSD, substance abuse and other health concerns, yet more than 2/3 of sexual assaults go unreported,” Harding continued.

Harding spoke about statistics from local organization Roads to Peace, located at 34 W. Main St., Lock Haven.

According to Harding, Roads to Peace provided services to 56 survivors in the past year including adults and minors.

“We recognize the vital work of advocates and pledge to raise awareness, support survivors and work together to end sexual violence in our communities… Throughout the commonwealth and throughout the county of Clinton we will combine our resources and skills and pledge to become part of the solution to end sexual violence,” she continued.

Two representatives from Roads to Peace were in attendance to accept the proclamation, Rayne Burgin and Echo Booker.

Burgin spoke briefly after receiving the proclamation, thanking the commissioners for taking the time to recognize this important awareness effort.

“As you heard the statistics there are a lot of people who experience sexual assault. Having them know that there is someone in the county they can call can help. Sexual assault is confusing and awful, and a lot of people who experience it then don’t know where to go from there. Anyone can give us a call and we can assist them with that,” said Burgin.

Lastly, Snyder read the next proclamation for Donate Life month.

“April is nationally recognized as ‘Donate Life’ month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation. More than 104,000 individuals across the United States are currently awaiting lifesaving organ transplants — a number equivalent to the capacity of Beaver Stadium during a home Penn State Football game,” said Snyder.

According to Snyder, every 10 minutes, another person is added to the transplant waiting list. An average of 17 people die every day while waiting for a donor organ.

“One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and enhance the lives of more than 75 others through tissue and cornea donations. Individuals can register as donors online or when renewing their driver’s license,” said Snyder.

He urged all residents to learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and consider registering to donate.

Two representatives from Donate Life were in attendance to accept the proclamation, Heidi Weeder of Gift of Life and UPMC and Diana Nyman of Gift of Life.

Nyman spoke after receiving the proclamation, addressing facts about organ donation.

“Anyone, regardless of age or medical history can sign up to be a donor. The transplant team determines at an individual’s time of death whether donation is possible. Even having an illness early in life you may still be able to donate your organs or tissues. There is no age limit, and the oldest donor in the US, was 98 when they were able to donate a part of their liver. What matters is the health and condition of the organs when you die,” she said.

Nyman also noted most major religions in the United States support organ donation, and consider it as the final act of love and generosity towards others.

“When you are sick and injured and admitted to a hospital, the one and only priority is to save your life. Donation doesn’t become a possibility until all life saving measures have failed,” she said.

Factors in receiving a donation include blood type, time spent waiting, other important medical information, how sick a person is and the geographic location. Race, income and celebrity are never considered.

Each proclamation was unanimously approved by the commissioners.

On top of these month-long proclamations, the commissioners also declared April 13 through April 19 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators week, honoring and recognizing the dedicated professionals of the Clinton County 911 center.

“(They) serve as a critical link between citizens in crisis and emergency responders. These unseen first responders provide essential information, ensure safety of police, fire and EMS personnel, and offer calm reassurance in times of emergency. We thank our telecommunicators for their compassion, professionalism and tireless service to our community every single day of the year,” said Harding, who also acknowledged that their 911 dispatchers have delivered several babies over the last few months.

Several county staff members were welcomed to the front to accept the proclamation.

Lori Rhoads thanked the commissioners on behalf of her coworkers.

“We feel that (this) is a thankless job. … Whoever is on the other end of the line is expecting us to be on the top of our game and get them what they need. A lot of people don’t thank us for that — it’s just part of our job. I have a whole new respect for first responders since I’ve been in this position. I didn’t realize the things they dealt with,” she said.

Currently, they have 10 full time dispatchers and four part-time dispatchers at the 911 center.

Under personnel items, the commissioners considered the hiring of three dispatcher trainees for the Department of Emergency Services — Franklin Eisaman, Connor Schrecongost and Erin Tripp.

“I think I speak for all of us (when I say) we do appreciate the work you do every single day. We know that it can be difficult and sometimes you’re faced with situations where things are happening on the other end of the phone and you do your best to try and help those maneuver through it,” said Harding.

Christopher Rupert also spoke for the recognition of public safety telecommunicators.

“The team that we have in Clinton County is great, and I’m glad to be part of the team,” said Rupert.

The Clinton County Commissioners will meet again for a work session on April 21 at 9 a.m. and on April 24 at 10 a.m. for their regular meeting.