Mayor's Newsletter - May 2024

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mayor Matt Pacifico highlights May as Mental Health Awareness Month, noting that nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition annually. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of community support and resources provided by the Blair County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

• Resources: NAMI offers structured and casual support groups, school presentations, and courses for individuals and families.
• H. O. P. E. Drop-In Center: Located at 711 9th Avenue in Altoona, this center provides a safe space for recovery, offering individual/group support, yoga, crafts, and game nights.
• City Support: City Hall will display green lights throughout May to support the initiative. Residents are encouraged to join in showing support for this critical health issue.
• Websites: www. namiblaircountypa. org and www. hopedropin. org

National Fentanyl Awareness Day

The document addresses the public health crisis of fentanyl, noting that over 70,000 Americans fatally overdosed on illegally made fentanyl last year. Fentanyl is described as 50 times stronger than heroin and 200 times stronger than morphine.

• Naloxone (Narcan): This nasal spray is the only way to reverse a fentanyl overdose. It is safe for anyone to administer to someone showing signs of overdose (unconsciousness, sleepiness, shallow breathing) without fear of legal action under the Good Samaritan Statute.
• Availability: Narcan is available free through agencies like Families United for Change (Blair County Narcan Squad) and the Blair County Drug and Alcohol Program.
• Websites: www. familiesunitedforchange. org and www. fentanylawarenessday. org

Blair Senior Services, Inc. Volunteers

Blair Senior Services is actively recruiting volunteers for two specific programs:

• Classroom Foster Grandparent: Volunteers spend one-on-one time with children in schools and daycares.
• Senior Companion: Volunteers spend one-on-one time with individuals aged 60+ in their homes or senior centers to help maintain independence and increase socialization.

Requirements & Benefits:

• Minimum commitment: 5 hours per week.
• Applicants must be age 55 or older.
• Benefits include a tax-free stipend, paid time off/holidays, mileage reimbursement, and public transportation assistance.
• Contact: Call the Volunteer Program Office at (814) 946-1235.

Altoona Salvation Army: Hygiene for Humanity

The Salvation Army is collecting urgently needed hygiene items, particularly as summer approaches. Donations can be dropped off at 1813 6th Avenue, Altoona, on Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 AM – 2 PM.

Most Needed Items:

• Deodorant (Men’s & Women’s)
• Soap (Liquid or bar)
• Shampoo
• Disposable razors
• Hair Brushes and Combs
• Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Mouthwash & Floss
• Lip balm
• Feminine products
• Hand cream

Altoona Farmers’ Market

The market opens for the season on Thursday, May 16th, and will run every Thursday from May 16 through October 24.

• Location: Heritage Plaza in downtown Altoona.
• Hours: 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM.
• Vendors: Returning vendors include Rispoli’s Produce and Blue Barn Farms. New offerings may include flowers, eggs, soaps, microgreens, honey, fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, coffee, and lunch.
• Vendor Inquiries: Contact Cheryl Smearman at chersmear@gmail. com.

Jewish American Heritage in Altoona

The newsletter highlights the history of the Jewish community in Pennsylvania and Altoona specifically.

• History: Early Jewish residents arrived in the 1700s, with significant migration to Western PA (including Altoona) occurring in the 1800s due to immigration from Germany, Poland, and Russia.
• Current Community: Altoona is home to the Greater Altoona Jewish Federation, two synagogues (Temple Beth Israel founded in 1874 and Agudath Achim founded in 1883), and the Jewish Memorial Center (JMC).
• Torah Artifact: A beautiful Torah, originally from Czechoslovakia and hidden during the Holocaust, was discovered after the war, restored in London, and brought to Altoona. It is now displayed alternately at Agudath Achim and Temple Beth Israel.