Elizabethtown /townlively
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 36
Price Named EACC Director
Essential workers in Lancaster County who are struggling with the emotional effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for a new program that provides three free sessions with a therapist. The program is funded by the Steinman Foundation and administered by Mental Health America of Lancaster County.
MHALC Presents CMAP During the COVID-19 shutdown, the Steinman Foundation wanted to respond to the needs of the community. One way the organization chose to do that was to focus on mental health, with a goal of making sure community residents felt supported in unprecedented times. The foundation reached out to Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC) to bring a Community Mental Health Assistance Plan (CMAP) to local workers. “They partnered with us because we had relationships with service providers and we’re able to support individuals beyond the project,” said Kim McDevitt, executive director of MHALC. MHALC turned to Philhaven/WellSpan as a consultant. “WellSpan runs an Employee Assistance Program (EAP),” explained McDevitt, who added that the organization provided a lot of guidance
in the best way to execute the plan, especially emphasizing that less than a quarter of each patient’s session should be spent on paperwork. “We wanted it devoted to getting to the (patient’s) story,” said McDevitt. “We want people to feel comfortable and to walk away with some tools, skills, and ideas on how to move forward with the angst or fear that they have.” MHALC hired Caryn Thompson to be the project coordinator. In early May, she began researching the best way to implement the program, amassing a list of nearly 70 providers, which was reduced to 10 providers based on grant applications. The final list represents a variety, from groups to individuals, with providers that offer bilingual services, those who focus on seniors, one whose specialty is the Plain population, and more. “We wanted to make sure we (reached) everybody in the county,” Thompson said. By
early June, Thompson was holding online training sessions for the providers to let them know what was expected and to explain the documentation they needed to complete so that MHALC will have the demographic information needed to continue the program. McDevitt explained that the program is designed as an approach to the increase in anxiety, depression, and other fear-related behaviors associated with the shutdown. “We have seen an increase in police calls, and crisis outreach is starting to tick up now,” she said. Lancaster County residents who are in need of professional support may call MHALC at 717-397-7461 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for an intake form. “You will talk to one of our navigators who will help you identify a therapist,” said McDevitt. Thompson will recommend a therapist, and CMAP will provide three free confidential
DSAA Seeks Donations For Care Kits
businesses and the community at large as we navigate the challenges and opportunities the current economic climate provides,” Price said. He added that he will eventually maintain regular hours at the Chamber’s office, but he is currently going into the community to meet Chamber members. Price holds a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated with honors. He is the founder of PennPrice Management Group. He and his wife, Marcia, reside in Elizabethtown. They have four grown children and five grandchildren.
Robert Price
INSIDE THIS ISSUE ECHOS PLANS GIVING EVENT . . . . . .2
BY FRANCINE FULTON
One of life’s greatest tragedies is when a parent loses a child. But some grieving parents have been able to transform their heartbreak into positive efforts to benefit the community. Such is the case with Stacy Emminger, executive director of the Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance (DSAA), which supports those in recovery and provides assistance to families that have a
A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER . . . . .3
BUSINESS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . .5
HOUSE OF WORSHIP . . . . . . . .8
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . .9
See DSAA pg 6
R062825
See MHALC pg 3
Let us show you the difference a caring neighbor can make. Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Palmyra | 717-838-9211 Travis S. Finkenbinder, Supervisor
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BY ANN MEAD ASH
The Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce (EACC) welcomed Robert Price as its new executive director, effective Sept. 1. Price came to EACC from the Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, where he served as executive director. His more than 40 years of varied experience also includes serving as the membership services director for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, executive director of U.S. Green Building Council - Central Pennsylvania Chapter, and founding executive director of the Downtown State College Partnership. “The (EACC) board of directors was impressed by Bob’s extensive experience in leadership, membership services, program and event development, strategic planning, marketing and fundraising, as well as his enthusiasm for helping our member businesses and the local community succeed,” noted Tina Lutter, president of EACC’s board of directors. “We are confident he has the skills to lead our Chamber and provide continued value to our members.” “I look forward to advocating, promoting and supporting our member
Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory Elizabethtown | 717-367-1543 Thomas W. Ford, Supervisor
Fager-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Middletown | 717-944-7413 Alana A. Ace, Supervisor