May 2023

ServSafe® certification is a series of trainings – followed by a test – which instructs foodservice workers on the best practices for preventing foodborne illness in commercial settings. The certification takes 16 hrs to complete and is an industry recognized certification.  Congratulations to all!

HARRISBURG, Pa. (May 17) – During a special meeting held today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Board of Commissioners gave final approval to a list of proposed fishing license fee adjustments for the 2024 license year.

Under the proposal, the price of the most common fishing licenses and permits, a Resident Annual Fishing License, Trout Permit, and Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit, would increase by $2.50 each when 2024 licenses go on sale beginning on December 1, 2023.  Separate adjustments would be applied to other license and permit categories for non-residents, seniors, and tourists.  Revenues from these fee adjustments are expected to generate an estimated $2.4 to $2.9 million annually for the PFBC’s Fish Fund to support fishing related programs.

In accordance with Act 56 of 2020, which provided the PFBC with the authorization to set fees, the proposed fee adjustments were given preliminary approval by the Board during a special meeting on March 1, presented during a public hearing on April 24, and given final approval by the Board today.  Also, in accordance with Act 56, the final rule proposal, transcript of the public hearing, and all public comments associated with the proposal will now be shared with the Pennsylvania House and Senate Game and Fisheries Committees for their review.

On an average day, people don’t typically think about the worst happening at any moment, but then a sudden pain fills your chest, a family member has a traumatic accident, or maybe someone close to you begins to have an allergic reaction. What do you do? Dial 911 and wait for the ambulance to come. First on the scene, no matter the call, day and night, EMS clinicians are at the ready – prepared, professional, rising to every challenge and vigilant for whatever is next.

As we enter National EMS Week (May 21-27), I want to take the opportunity to offer appreciation and praise, personally, and on behalf of my colleagues at UPMC in North Central Pa., to these often-unsung heroes answering the call and caring for our communities.

This year’s theme – EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins – acknowledges the essential role our EMS clinicians play in ensuring quality emergency care is just a phone call away.

Access to quality emergency care is a critical part of the health care delivery system, especially in rural regions like those we serve here in north central Pennsylvania, and it starts before a patient ever makes it to a hospital or care facility. Annually, the EMS system in Pennsylvania responds to a little over 2.4 million requests – the majority of which are emergency responses to incident scenes. EMS clinicians are always being asked to do more with less and yet they continue to rise to the occasion without faltering. Career or volunteer, it doesn’t matter, as they are all professionals when the tones drop.

EMS clinicians, thank you for all that you do. Successful outcomes in emergencies start with you. You are the most present example of health care in our communities. You are the ones out on the streets and in homes every day making a difference.

As the demand for EMS services in our communities continues to exponentially grow, I encourage everyone to take the time to inquire on how they can help support their local EMS agencies. Many of these agencies are looking for volunteers and you can help make a difference. Additionally, I ask everyone to consider taking a CPR, first aid, or Stop the Bleed course. These courses can often be completed in a few hours but can help you make a difference as a bystander and potentially even save a life.

Jeffrey Myers, DO
EMS Medical Director
Emergency Services, UPMC in North Central Pa.

The Education Council is pleased to partner with UPMC Cole to provide a healthcare exploration experience for students. Healthcare explorers will spend three days at UPMC Cole running through medical simulations and health science career observation. The other two days will be spent at the Education Council’s Coudersport office, being introduced to common medical terminology and the human body through games, hands-on activities, and learning about the opportunities for healthcare career preparation. Transportation and lunch are provided. 

This camp, taught by Lana Barth, CTC Health Assistance Instructor, is for students entering grades 7– 9. It is scheduled for Monday, July 17 through Friday, July 21, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. To register, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 545-1333.