Human Service Programs Public Meeting Nov. 8

Hundreds
of people are directly affected by programs offered by Potter County
Human Services (PCHS), but few take the opportunity to provide input on
how those services are delivered. An organization that’s in place to
accommodate public comments and suggestions will hold its next meeting
on
Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 pm in the PCHS building at
Roulette. PCHS operates programs for victims of alcoholism and other
drug abuse, older citizens, the mentally ill, children who are at-risk,
and the intellectually disabled. Members are appointed by the Potter
County Board of Commissioners. They are Anne Nelson (chair), John
Moshier (vice chair), Charles Wicker, Susan Valentine, Cameron Kockler
(youth representative), Linda Swift, Dr. Victor Brown, Kassie Irwin,
Gail Allen, Gary Perkins, Denise Minderler (consumer), Michele Mather
and Dawn Deiter. Anyone interested in being considered for appointment
to the board should contact the Commissioners Office at 274-8290,
extension 207.
During the board’s most recent meeting, PCHS Administrator Jim
Kockler presented a summary of the impact that the state’s fiscal
2012-13 budget will have on the agency’s programs. While demand for many
services is growing, state funds were cut for some programs.
Commissioner Susan Kefover reported on criminal justice initiatives,
including a long-term “specialty courts” project that will be
implemented incrementally through the local court system and the Potter
County Criminal Justice Advisory Board.
Departmental reports were as follows:
- Colleen Wilber, director of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services,
discussed steps being taken to educate the public on the growing
problem with synthetic drugs in Potter County, notably products being
marketed to addicts under deceptive names such as “bath salts.” Wilber
also commended case management specialist Crystal Thomas on her work
with clients.
- Children and Youth Services recently went through required licensing review and received full accreditation.
- Intellectual Disabilities is undergoing licensing review.
- Sherry Hoffman, director of the Area Agency on Aging, reported that Sue Lush is the new waiver program supervisor.
- Coordinated Services‘ food program is beginning
operation. A limited sum of money has been put aside for emergency
transportation situations while state funds are awaited.