Clermont County commissioners issue proclamations for veterans, emergency preparedness, suicide prevention and recovery month

The Clermont County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 3 presented a certificate of recognition to Disabled American Veterans chapter leaders and issued proclamations recognizing Ohio Emergency Preparedness Month, National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 7–13) and National Recovery Month (September 2025).

Jim Stanzak, commander of DAV Chapter 63, accepted the certificate on behalf of local veterans and described the chapter’s work providing equipment and direct support to veterans. “We do more for veterans than almost anybody else. We 100% of the money that we get goes back to the veterans,” Stanzak said, and he encouraged residents to contact the chapter for equipment such as wheelchairs and beds.

Pam Haberkost, director of the Clermont County Emergency Management Agency, accepted the proclamation for Ohio Emergency Preparedness Month and urged residents to know local hazards, prepare family emergency plans and build a three‑day supply kit. “On average, for every dollar that we invest in mitigation, we’re going to save $13 in response and recovery efforts,” she said, and pointed listeners to the county preparedness web page (ema.clermontcountyohio.gov/preparedness) for details.

Marcy Keith, community engagement manager at the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board and leader of the Suicide Prevention Coalition, accepted the proclamation for Suicide Prevention Week and described county initiatives aimed at reducing deaths by suicide. She said Clermont County operates a 24/7 crisis line (the Clermont‑Brown County S.A.V.E. hotline at (513) 528‑7283) and that 988 calls are routed to the county crisis line; she noted outreach efforts such as a candlelight vigil at Sycamore Park and a Sept. 13 “Revving Up for Mental Health” event intended to reach middle‑aged men and veterans. “Twenty minutes of conversation can change a person’s perspective,” Keith said.

Keith and county supporters also accepted a proclamation for National Recovery Month. County officials credited collaborative programs — including recovery housing expansion funded by levy dollars and coordinated treatment efforts such as drug court and the Clermont Addiction and Recovery Partnership (CARP) — with a reduction in overdose deaths from earlier years. County presenters said recovery housing has grown roughly 38% in recent years through local investments.

Commissioners posed for photographs with the honorees and thanked first responders and community organizations for support. The proclamations were signed by David L. Painter, president; Bonnie Bachelor, vice president; and Claire Corcoran, commissioner.