The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on health and human services in January. The day started at the St. Marys Area Ambulance with manager Nick Burdick and staff hosting the morning by giving a presentation about the services they provide.  Bill Floyd, with Cameron County Mountain Rescue, also gave an informative presentation while at the ambulance center. One participant shared “I was never aware how much goes into the ambulance services and how much it costs. It has made me think about volunteer work and personal donations.” Next on the agenda was a community resource simulation at the Red Fern.  Thirteen health and human services agencies from the area participated by setting up stations while the participants rotated through the stations learning what the agencies have to offer.  Agencies attending the event were Clarion Psychiatric Center, CAPSEA, Dickinson, Keystone Rural Health, CareerLink, OHS/Aging, Timerland Credit Union, Alliance for Nonprofit Resources, ADAS, Guardian Angel Center, ATA, and St Marys Area School District. Lunch was provided by Red Fern and was sponsored by Dickenson Center and Doris Stackpole Foundation.

Following lunch, the participants traveled to the St Marys Area Police Station where Chief Nicklas and his staff talked to the participants.  The class heard from DA Grove about emerging issues in Elk County. Sgt Shaffer and K9 Draco did a demonstration showing the class how police dogs work.  Sgt. Pistner, Detective McManus and Ptlm. Welsch talked to the class about current and emerging local drug trends.  Last, Alan McGill from the PA AG’s office did a presentation about social media’s role in the drug epidemic.  The information learned was well received by the LEC participants. Another participant reflected “I feel like every month when we meet I have no idea what we are in for. My mind is always blown away by the greatness of our community!”

For more information or to get involved in future Leadership Elk and Cameron sessions, please contact the CEC (814) 781-3437.