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Mayor's Newsletter - September 2024

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National Suicide Prevention Month

September is designated as National Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. The goal is to change public perception, spread hope, and provide vital information to families and those affected.

  • Resources: The nationwide hotline for mental health, substance use, and suicide crisis is #988.
  • Local Event: The Blair County Suicide Prevention Group will host the "Out Of The Dark" Walk on Sunday, September 8th at Lakemont Park in Altoona.
    • Time: On-site registration begins at 9:30 AM; the walk begins at 11:00 AM.
    • Cost: Free to register.
    • Activities: Information tables, merchandise, kids' activities, and food from the Dirty Soda Shack.
    • Registration: Visit afsp. org/blair.

Family Services Benefit Fundraiser

Family Services Incorporated is hosting a "Family Jam Fundraiser" to support their services, which include a homeless shelter, victims' services live chat/hotline, a teen center, and residential support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

  • Date: September 7th
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Railroaders Memorial Museum, 1200 9th Avenue, Altoona.
  • Admission: $10 for adults; free for children 12 and under.
  • Museum Tour: Attendees can visit the actual museum for $8 on that day.
  • Features: Music, vendors, and food trucks.

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

The Altoona Curve is hosting its first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Proceeds assist the families and coworkers of fallen local firefighters.

  • Date: Wednesday, September 11th
  • Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Location: Peoples Natural Gas Field, 1000 Park Avenue.
  • Details: Participants climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center (2,017 steps).
  • Cost: $35 registration fee.
  • Bonus: Includes one grandstand ticket to the Altoona Curve Game on September 11th at 6:00 PM.
  • Registration: Visit nfff. akaraisin. com/ui/altoona.

Discovery Night at The Nehemiah Project

Residents are invited to learn about the programs and services offered by The Nehemiah Project.

  • Date: Thursday, September 12th
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Wright Place for Kids, 1809 11th Street, Altoona.
  • RSVP: Call 814-201-2096 or email heather. tnppa@gmail. com.

PA CareerLink® Day and Healthcare Career Fair

PA CareerLink® of Blair County is hosting a Community Resource Fair to connect citizens with local organizations and agencies.

  • Date: September 12th
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Ground Floor of the Altoona Area Public Library.
  • Services Available: Veterans’ services, mental health services, legal aid, housing and utilities assistance.
  • Perks: Fun, prizes, snacks, and food from Big D’s Catering.
  • Cost: Free and open to the public.
  • Registration: Call 814-940-6201 or visit www. pacareerlink. pa. gov.

Local Economic News

  • Unemployment Rate: Altoona’s current rate is 3. 1%, lower than the state average of 3. 4%.
  • Job Growth: The number of jobs in June 2024 was 1,000 higher than the same period in 2023.
  • Job Seekers Helped: Over 2,500 job seekers were helped from April through June 2024, benefiting 226 local employers.

BESC P’s First Annual Chaplain Platoon Softball Tournament

The Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon (BESC P) is holding its first annual softball tournament, "Strike Out The Stigma," to raise funds for mental health awareness and services for emergency responders.

  • Dates: September 21st and 22nd
  • Location: Leopold Park.
  • Format: Co-ed slow pitch tournament following USSSA rules.
  • Team Requirements: Minimum of 10 players, with at least two women playing at all times.
  • Registration: $25 per person or $200 per team (minimum 8 teams).
  • Spectators: Welcome and free.

Chicken Dinner Offer

A chicken dinner is available for pre-order to support the tournament.

  • Menu: Chicken, mac and cheese, roll or cornbread, another side, and dessert.
  • Cost: $12. 00.
  • Pickup Options:
    • At the event.
    • Catholic War Vets office at 290 Valley Avenue between 12 PM and 6 PM on Saturday, September 21st.
  • Ordering: Visit the BESC P Facebook page at facebook. com/blairemergencyservices_chaplainplatoon.

Community Health Needs Survey

The Healthy Blair County Coalition is conducting the 6th Blair County Community Health Needs Assessment.

  • Purpose: To gather input on strengths and challenges in the community to share resources and engage local partnerships.
  • Anonymity: Responses are completely anonymous; no tracking of who filled out the survey.
  • Deadline: September 17th.
  • How to Participate: Use the QR code in the newsletter or visit www. healthyblaircountycoalition. org.
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