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Juniata County proclaims EMS Week, approves letter supporting Christian Retreat Center funding
Summary
On May 12, 2026 the Juniata County Board unanimously approved Proclamation No. 2026-6 naming May 18–24 EMS Week, accepted an informational note about a possible CJEMS–Geisinger Ambulance Service merger, and approved a letter of support for the Christian Retreat Center’s DCED funding application.
Chairperson Alice Gray called the Board of Commissioners to order May 12, 2026 and introduced an informational EMS update and a proclamation recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week.
The board noted an informational item to "listen to" Steve Baumgardner regarding a possible merger between Central Juniata EMS (CJEMS) and Geisinger Ambulance Service; the update was presented as information only and no formal action on a merger was taken. The board also received a presentation item from a representative of the Seven Mountains EMS Council and approved Proclamation No. 2026-6, designating May 18–24, 2026 as EMS Week.
The board moved to support a funding application from the Christian Retreat Center. Commissioner Mark Partner moved to approve a letter of support and Commissioner Todd Graybill seconded; the motion was unanimously carried. The motion authorizes county staff to provide a letter backing the CRC’s request for funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for an outdoor recreational project. Zach Bashore, Director of the Christian Retreat Center, was present and noted to give a brief project presentation at a subsequent meeting or during the application process.
Why it matters: EMS coverage and local service consolidation discussions can affect response patterns and vendor relationships for county emergency services, and county letters of support are a routine part of municipal grant applications to DCED. The CRC request, if successful, would be funded through DCED processes and require no further county appropriation unless explicitly stated in later materials.
Next steps: The Christian Retreat Center will proceed with its DCED application, supported by the county’s letter. The board took no formal vote or direction regarding any EMS provider merger during this meeting.
