Harrisburg, Pa.  – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today reviewed how to vote early in person by mail ballot at county election offices and satellite election offices, one of three voting options available to Pennsylvanians for the Nov. 3 election.

“I voted early in person in Bucks County, and it was easy, convenient and secure. I recommend it highly — you don’t have to worry about the mail, and you can do it on your own schedule as long as the county election office is open,” Secretary Boockvar said. “Voters who wish to use this option should contact their county election office to find out their hours and whether they recommend making an appointment ahead of time.”

Voters simply visit their county election office or satellite office and apply for a mail ballot. County election officials will check their eligibility while they wait and, once their eligibility is verified, give them a ballot. They can then complete their ballot and cast it all in one visit.

Voters should make sure that they enclose their ballot first in the white inner secrecy envelope and seal it, then insert the inner envelope in the outer pre-printed return envelope and sign and complete the voter’s declaration on the outer envelope.  Voters must include these steps in order for their ballots to be counted.

Some county election boards have opened satellite offices to offer residents mail-in and absentee ballot application processing and voting in convenient locations across their county. These satellite offices may be open additional hours, including weeknights and weekends. Each satellite office has a secure ballot collection receptacle to store voted mail-in and absentee ballots submitted at the location.

The option to vote early in person by mail ballot is available until Oct. 27, the deadline to apply for a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

Pennsylvanians also have the option of voting by mail or in person at their polling place on election day.

Pennsylvanians voting by mail ballot must return their ballot by the deadline of 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Ballots can be hand-delivered to county election offices or other designated locations or mailed. The Department of State urges voters to return their ballot today to ensure timely arrival.

Polling places will be open in every county from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Voters should wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines at the polls. The Department of State is supplying counties with masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, floor marking tape and other supplies for polling places so Pennsylvanians can safely exercise their right to vote during this COVID-19 emergency.

“Pennsylvanians have more secure, accessible and convenient voting options than ever before,” Secretary Boockvar said. “We urge every eligible voter to take advantage of one of these options to make their voice heard.”

Citizens, officials, and organizations are encouraged to use resources from the state’s Ready to Vote Toolkit at www.votesPA.com/r2vtoolkit to educate every eligible Pennsylvania voter about their options for how to cast their ballot in the Nov. 3 election. The toolkit includes sample social-media posts, web banners, newsletter content, videos, flyers, and more.

For more information on voting and elections in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today discussed support the Wolf Administration is providing for long-term care facilities through the Regional Response Health Collaborative (RRHC) program, a statewide program providing clinical, operational, and educational support to long-term care facilities preparing for or facing outbreaks of COVID-19 at their facility. The secretary was joined by Dr. David Nace from UPMC and Dr. Emily Jaffe from Allegheny Health Network (AHN), who lead the UPMC-AHN RRHC, and leadership from DHS overseeing the RRHCs to discuss UPMC and AHN’s work supporting facilities in Southwest Pennsylvania and why the program must continue to be supported beyond its December 1, 2020 end date.

“We know how dangerous COVID-19 can be in congregate care settings, particularly in settings that serve people who are medically fragile or have other health vulnerabilities that make them more likely to experience additional complications from COVID-19, as often is the case for residents of long-term care facilities,” said Secretary Miller. “The unfortunate reality of this pandemic is that outbreaks can and will happen because these facilities and their staff cannot exist in a bubble. What matters most is how we catch and respond to outbreaks when they occur, and the RRHC program is strengthening our response at the state level and making local facilities better equipped to respond. This collaborative approach is saving lives.”

“The Department of Health is pleased with the RRHCs’ work to assist in ensuring facilities have the resources they need to respond to COVID-19 in these vulnerable settings,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “As we are in the midst of a fall resurgence, the RRHCs will become even more important. The introduction of COVID-19 into a long-term care facilities is a reflection of the number of cases in the community, which is why all Pennsylvanians have a role in helping protect these facilities.”

Pennsylvania’s long-term care system serves more than 127,000 people living in nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living residences, and private intermediate care facilities. Due to the congregate nature and because they often serve individuals who are older or have co-occurring medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to an acute case of or complications from COVID-19, constant vigilance is necessary to avoid a serious outbreak at these facilities.

The RRHC program was designed to bolster Pennsylvania’s support for long-term care facilities and their residents and staff. Launched in late July, the RRHC program was established to provide clinical support, technical assistance, and education to long-term care facilities as they work to prevent and mitigate spread of COVID-19. The RRHCs are available 24/7 to support the nearly 2,000 nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living residences, and private intermediate care facilities in Pennsylvania and the residents they serve. Eleven health systems were selected to serve six regions across Pennsylvania. Southwest Pennsylvania’s RRHC is a partnership between UPMC and AHN.

Each RRHC is required to make a minimum of two on-site visits to each facility in their region, including an initial on-site assessment that will help the RRHC evaluate a facility’s COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies and their preparedness to respond to an outbreak if that were to occur. Based on this assessment, the RRHCs will help those facilities implement best practices in infection control, implement contact tracing programs in facilities, support clinical care through on-site and telemedicine services, and provide remote monitoring and consultation with physicians. RRHCs are in regular communication with DHS, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to report on experiences interacting with facilities, trends experienced by facilities, and potential challenges.

When a RRHC engages with a facility or is called in to help with a concern identified from collaboration between DHS, DOH and PEMA daily calls, these efforts are classified as missions. A mission could be anything from assistance with testing, assessing a facility’s preparedness, staffing support, rapid response deployment to facilities, PPE support, testing to ensure PPE is properly fitted, and questions or concerns requiring consultation. Since launching, the RRHCs have been assigned more than 6,800 missions, primarily covering testing, consultations, facility assessments, and support with PPE. The RRHCs are also working with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation to operate a statewide learning network available to all long-term care facilities. This network holds regular webinars on topics related to infection control and the latest guidance for responding to and mitigating spread of COVID-19. These webinars have reached more than 5,200 participants since the start of the RRHC program.

The administration can also deploy rapid response teams staffed by the RRHCs when an outbreak is suspected or confirmed at a long-term care facility. These rapid response teams consist of clinical and infection control professionals from the RRHCs to evaluate the situation, ensure proper cohorting of patients based off COVID status, facilitate resident transfers and additional staffing if necessary, and coordinate safe continued care for residents who are not COVID-positive. The rapid response teams can also provide emotional support to both residents or staff to help with the stress and fear associated with an outbreak. Rapid response teams are designed to stabilize potential or confirmed outbreaks, and assistance from RRHCs is not withdrawn until the situation is stabilized and there is no immediate risk to staff and residents.

The UPMC-AHN RRHC serves 11 counties in Southwest Pennsylvania. Since July, the UPMC-AHN RRHC has participated in 2,120 missions covering facility assessments, testing assistance, PPE support and fit testing, training and consultation, and staffing assistance, among others. UPMC and AHN have assisted with 83 rapid response deployments across the Southwest Region.

“This collaborative program has been a crucial and essential partner to providing facility support, consultations, testing assistance, provision of personal protective equipment and successful outbreak management services. It really is a model program for the rest of the country,” said Dr. David Nace, chief medical officer for UPMC Senior Communities and clinical chief of geriatric medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “We know most long-term care facilities, even if they have funds, could not implement this type of operational and clinical undertaking independently. This program really proves the value of public-private partnerships between academic health centers and the Department of Health and Human Services.”

“We are extremely pleased to be part of this collaboration which has brought together the region’s leading healthcare resources for the benefit of seniors and others who are at most risk for COVID-19,” said Emily Jaffe, MD, MBA, vice president and executive medical director, HM Home and Community Services and post-acute medical director, AHN. “Together with Highmark Health, AHN’s patient-centered, community-focused mission lends exceptionally well to this critical effort.”

The RRHC is funded through Pennsylvania’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act award, the program is currently scheduled to end on December 1. The Wolf administration recently sent a letter to President Trump requesting funding to extend the program so it may continue to be a resource throughout the winter. Governor Wolf urged President Trump to work with Congress on a new stimulus package that would support the RRHC program and other resources crucial to protecting the lives, health and safety of Pennsylvanians.

“The last eight months have been a period of great learning. We’re now at a point where we have a system that is working and helping to stabilize and prevent outbreaks. As the country works to get a vaccine that is effective in market and available, we need to do all we can to protect people who are most vulnerable to this virus,” said Secretary Miller. “The RRHC program cannot stop COVID altogether, but it is undoubtedly making us better at fighting it. We cannot lose this resource.”

For more information on guidance to DHS’ providers related to COVID-19, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

Calls for answers on what the department is doing to protect veterans’ personal information

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) this week joined Republican members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in requesting an immediate briefing from Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie on the recent data breach that exposed the personal information of 46,000 veterans.

On September 14, the VA announced that an online system used to process medical payments had been compromised. During the breach, unauthorized users gained access to patients’ personal information, including their social security numbers.

The letter, led by Subcommittee on Government Operations Ranking Member Jody Hice (R-GA), outlines the steps taken by the VA in the immediate aftermath of the breach—commending the department on its rapid response and investigation. Nevertheless, committee members expressed alarm about the vulnerability of veterans’ personal information and requested a briefing to address concerns related to data security.

On the letter, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement:

“The men and women who have served our country in uniform deserve the confidence of knowing their personal information will be kept safe by the federal government. Looking at a data breach of this magnitude, we need to make sure we fully understand how this happened, what the consequences are, and what steps the VA must take to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“Our veterans have fought hard to protect our country at all costs; it’s only right that we treat their personal information the same way.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.

Eleven (11) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 902 cases, two new deaths, 31 total deaths, with 15,412 negatives according to DOH report

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19

1,425 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 186,297

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 21, that there were 1,425 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 186,297.

Allegheny County is reporting an increase of 114 cases and Philadelphia County is reporting an increase of 100 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 14 and October 20 is 225,406 with 10,226 positive cases. There were 25,152 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 20.

There are 8,562 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 29 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 1,963 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 648 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,167,536 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 21% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to present in October:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 32 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 16 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 19 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 18 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 13 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 10 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 24,830 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,417 cases among employees, for a total of 30,247 at 1,033 distinct facilities in 62 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,666 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 11,795 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Oct. 20:

• Provided latest CMU metrics report.
• Announced participation in national project to review safe inmate population reduction during COVID.
• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today announced the investment of $181 million for 16 drinking water, wastewater and non-point source projects across 12 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

“As our citizens and businesses continue to adapt to an ever-changing environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our top priority must be ensuring secure infrastructure for community water,” said Gov. Wolf. “Access to clean drinking water is foundational to rebuilding and the growth of our communities. These projects will continue to ensure the safety and welfare of thousands of Pennsylvanians.”

The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy funds, federal grants to PENNVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for these projects are disbursed after expenses for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST for review.

“Investments in clean water infrastructure ensure that our new normal is built upon safe and secure facilities that Pennsylvania can rely on,” said Gov. Wolf. “There is no better step toward a stronger future than the commitments we’re making today for these communities.”

A list of project summaries follows:

Drinking Water Projects

Blair County

• *Altoona Water Authority – received a $7,500,000 loan to replace existing air preparation and ozone generation systems with new liquid oxygen storage and feed gas preparation systems.  The project will proactively address Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ozone requirements and will increase the reliability of drinking water to service communities.

Huntingdon County

• Petersburg Borough – received a $348,585 loan and a $131,415 grant to install new flow meters, a new valve control system and vented well cap.  The project will increase safe drinking water reliability and bring the system into compliance with DEP’s Chapter 109 regulations.

Lancaster County

• *City of Lancaster – received a $10,550,000 loan to install three new emergency power generators and construct 7,500 feet of water main.  The project will ensure compliance with DEP’s rule of uninterrupted service and protect the service community from potential outages due to main breaks.

Montgomery County

• *Aqua America, Inc. – received a $3,970,600 loan to install two anion exchange vessels, a new well pump, and upgrade a chemical treatment system to address detected levels of perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS).  The project will address potential health hazards in the raw water supply, which are below the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Advisory level.

Somerset County

• Indian Lake Borough – received a $1,573,245 loan to rehabilitate a well source and install a new, 200,000-gallon storage tank, ensuring adequate system capacity.  The project will address iron and manganese exceedances in well sources, addressing a DEP order, and increase available water to the customer base.
• Windber Area Authority – received a $940,000 loan to rehabilitate a 511,000-gallon storage tank and install a second storage tank to increase storage capacity for the community.  The project will eliminate potential health hazards by addressing secondary contaminants in well sources and improve reliability of service through increase storage.

Wastewater Projects

Allegheny County

• **Elizabeth Township – received a $17,299,863 loan to install a new pump station and conveyance system, including a new force main to convey sewage to an existing multi-municipal treatment center in McKeesport.  The project addresses a DEP Consent Order initiated in 2016 and will also reduce wet weather overflows into a nearby water source.

Blair County 

• **Altoona Water Authority – received a $36,615,700 loan to install a class A digester and biosolids thermal dryer, while also replacing aeration blowers and dewatering facilities.  This Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) project will decrease the need to apply biosolids on nearby farm fields, capture nearly all of the gas output on fixed-cover digesters, and dramatically reduce energy bills to the authority.

Butler County

• Marion Township – received a $2,717,702 grant and a $1,389,790 loan to construct a new influent pump station and sand filter sewage treatment plant, while also making improvements to the collection system.  The improvements will eliminate inadequately treated sewage discharges from the existing lagoon and address a 54 percent confirmed onlot system malfunction rate, satisfying a DEP Consent Order.

Dauphin County

• **Capital Region Water – received a $65,000,000 loan to make several improvements as part of an existing capital improvement plan, including improvements to the project clarifier and rehabilitation of the Front Street and Paxton Creek interceptors.  The loan is part of PENNVEST’s programmatic financing initiative, which addresses long-term approved capital improvements. The project will reduce infiltration into the sewer system, address collection and conveyance issues that cause wet weather backups, and address a federal consent decree.

Montour County

• Washingtonville Municipal Authority – received a $2,774,376 grant and a $1,291,624 loan to construct a new wastewater treatment facility, including new process tanks, sludge storage, and effluent disinfection.  The project will provide for efficient preventive maintenance by replacing an outdated treatment plant that is nearing the end of useful life.

Venango County

• **General Authority of the City of Franklin – received a $4,347,750 loan to construct approximately 13,000 feet of sanitary sewer pipe and rehabilitate approximately 4,500 feet of existing pipe.  The project will eliminate untreated sewage overflows and backups during wet weather, while also satisfying a DEP Corrective Action Plan.

Washington County

• **Clairton Municipal Authority – received a $23,000,000 loan to install four membrane bioreactor basins, two effluent storage tanks, clarifiers, and contact tanks.  The project will address the system’s Long Term Control Plan, reducing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) bypasses, and reduce wet weather overflows into receiving streams.

Wayne County

• LT Realty, Inc. – received a $478,665 loan to replace the existing, malfunctioning sand mound onlot septic system with a new packaged wastewater treatment plant.  The project will address needs of critical populations at a senior living facility and eliminate discharges of untreated sewage into a tributary of Dyberry Creek.

Non-Point Source Projects

Lancaster County

• **Lancaster County Conservation District – received a $402,880 grant to install an efficient manure storage and transfer system at the Levi Fisher farm, including stream crossings and a riparian buffer.  The project will reduce nutrient run-off into the Pequea Creek, which is limited by a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
• **Warwick Township – received a $556,730 grant to install an efficient manure removal and transfer system at the Jeff Balmer farm.  The project will eliminate 1,914 pounds of sediment, 8,887 pounds of nitrogen, and 3,852 pounds of phosphorus annually, drastically improving the Hammer Creek, a tributary to the Cocalico Creek and Chesapeake Bay.

* denotes projects that are funded with Drinking Water State Revolving Funds

** denotes projects that are funded with Clean Water State Revolving Funds

Notice is hereby given that the 2021 Lycoming County Budget will be placed on Public display on Thursday,
October 22, 2020.

The Budget will be available for public inspection beginning October 22, 2020 and on the County Website at
www.lyco.org.

Additionally, the 2021 Budget is available during the normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m., holidays excluded, in the following locations:

1. Office of the Commissioners, Second Floor, Lycoming County Executive Plaza, 330 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

2. Controller’s Office, Second Floor, Lycoming County Executive Plaza, 330 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

3. Fiscal Services Office, Second Floor, Lycoming County Executive Plaza, 330 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

4. Treasurer’s Office, 33 West Third Street, Williamsport, 17701

5. James V. Brown Library, 19 East Second Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

The 2021 Lycoming County Budget will be adopted on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Lycoming County Commissioners, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Board Room, First Floor of Executive Plaza, 330 Pine Street, Williamsport.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Agriculture today released data related to COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions from October 12 through October 18, 2020. The information is specific to COVID-19 mitigation requirements for restaurants including social distancing, masking, and occupancy limits.

These numbers include actions taken during routine food safety inspections and inspections prompted by consumer complaints.

From October 12 through October 18, the Bureau of Food Safety performed 519 total inspections, 15 of which were complaint-driven; four were COVID-19 specific complaints. The bureau distributed 44 COVID-19 complaint-driven educational letters. Twelve COVID-19 related complaints were referred to local and county health jurisdictions. Six formal Warning Letters were issued.

A county by county breakdown of COVID-19 restaurant enforcement actions can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s website. The data will be updated weekly, with data from the previous week.

Among other requirements, all businesses in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities are mandated to:

• Require all customers to wear a mask while entering, exiting, or otherwise traveling through the restaurant or retail food service business (mask may be removed while seated).
• Employees are required to wear masks at all times.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
• Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

The Bureau of Food Safety has always operated with an education-first model, and always works to educate and correct on-site before taking official action. Businesses unwilling to correct on-site will first receive a warning letter, followed by monetary citations ranging from $25 to $300 per offense. Following an initial warning, food safety inspectors will follow up with unannounced inspections to ensure compliance or issue citations as necessary.

Consumers with general food safety complaints or concerns about non-compliance for COVID-19 mitigation can file a report online. COVID-19 mitigation restaurant enforcement actions will be released on a weekly basis.

For more information about the Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 response, visit agriculture.pa.gov/covid.

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today joined Susan Higginbotham, Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) and Lori Sywensky, Executive Director of Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed every October, by detailing the resources available to survivors and people experiencing domestic violence. The panel also discussed the signs and types of domestic abuse, which survivors may be experiencing in new or more frequent ways as the COVID-19 pandemic requires people to spend more time in their homes.

“Everyone should live free of violence and mistreatment, especially in our close, trusted relationships. If you are experiencing emotional or financial abuse or physical violence from a relative or partner, please know that you are not alone in this, and help is available to keep you and your family safe,” said Secretary Miller. “While we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month every October, the work of preventing domestic violence never stops. We are proud to partner with PCADV as they support survivors through unimaginable obstacles to build a safe, supportive environment and achieve a better life. We must always create a safe, supportive environment where all affected by domestic violence know that they are not alone. If you fear for a friend, peer, or loved one’s health or safety – talk with them. A small action can save a life.”

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors by a partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence may involve emotional or verbal abuse, financial abuse, physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking, either individually or in combination.

One in four women and one in seven men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime, and domestic violence can affect any age, race, gender, or socio-economic status. In 2019, 112 women, men, and children lost their lives from domestic violence in Pennsylvania.

Anyone can help protect themselves as well as their family, friends, neighbors, and peers who may be experiencing abuse by understanding the signs of domestic violence and making a referral to a local domestic violence program. Name-calling and demeaning comments, frequent phone calls and texts, casting blame and refusing to take responsibility, isolating the person from their family and friends, expressing intense emotions very quickly, and restricting access to financial resources are common signs of abuse. Additionally, warning signs of a potential abusive relationship can be constant fear of their partner’s reaction, making excuses for their partner’s behavior, a partner displaying jealousy or possessiveness, unexplained injuries, isolation, and changes in behavior or personality. These may be signs that something is wrong. More information on signs of abuse can be found here.

PCADV works in all 67 counties of the commonwealth to support domestic violence survivors, give victims the tools they need to leave, overcome harmful situations, and train advocates to understand and identify signs of domestic violence to broaden the network of support for survivors.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that even in a global pandemic, domestic violence doesn’t stop and neither do the services we provide to survivors and their families. Our 59 local domestic violence programs have swiftly evolved how they provide a breadth of services so that even in the most challenging times, survivors can find a path to safety,” said PCADV CEO Susan Higginbotham.

The current public health crisis has people at home more regularly, and for some people, home is not always a safe environment. If you or someone you care for are experiencing domestic violence, help is available. For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text LOVEIS to 22522.

For more information about signs of abuse, how to support survivors, and PCADV, visit www.pcadv.org.

The Lycoming County commissioners voted Tuesday to award up to $1.5 million of their COVID relief funds to 165 businesses in the county.

The county had received a $10.2 million COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant (CRBG) from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

County Commissioner Scott Metzger said that while they had originally dedicated $1 million to the small business recovery effort, they decided to increase it up to $1.5 million.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our county. We are dedicated to helping them and others recover from the severest impacts of the pandemic,” Metzger said.

Businesses could apply from Aug. 31 through Sept. 18 to receive part of the CRBG grant the county received to assist them with COVID-19 expenses.

To receive their full allocated grant amounts, businesses must provide documentation to show they actually incurred those COVID-related expenses. Checks to the businesses will be issued when the county receives that paperwork.

The full list of businesses that will receive grants can be viewed here.

Grants were available for businesses with annual revenues prior to March 1, 2020 of $3 million or less with 100 or fewer full-time employees.

Funds can be used for eligible costs from March 1 to Dec. 30, 2020 including operating costs, rent, mortgage interest, utility payments, eligible capital expenses, COVID-19 mitigation plans, food loss, outdoor dining equipment, and more. Invoiced documentation is required.

The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce facilitated the process by receiving the grant applications, and the grant review committee included Nancy Eischeid, Jason Fink, John Houser, Matt McDermott, Kristen Moyer, Joe Reighard, and Shannon Rossman.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is assisting the county by providing professional expertise and grant administrative services, as well as activity development and management to ensure accuracy and adherence with federal and state regulations.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Congressman Keller meets with SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza at Linde Corp. earlier this month.

Washington – Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today received the Guardian of Small Business award, presented by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his strong record of support for small businesses in the 116^th Congress.

The Guardian of Small Business award is presented to members of Congress who vote with small business 70 percent or more of the time on key small business issues.

Upon receiving the award, Congressman Keller made the following statement:

“I am honored to receive this award because it means we are listening to the needs of our small businesses and workers. Since coming to Congress, I have advocated for legislation that allows businesses to do what they do best: innovate and produce. While I am proud of the things we have accomplished to support our businesses and safely reopen our economy, there is more work to be done.

“The Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline for millions of Americans as we beat this pandemic, and Congress must immediately reauthorize and extend this program to drive out the remaining $138 billion to the businesses in our hardest hit industries that need it most.”