BELLEFONTE — The Centre County Board of Commissioners adopted two proclamations last week focused on protecting vulnerable communities and fostering safer environments.

The commissioners designated June 2026 as Elder Abuse Prevention Month and issued a proclamation highlighting the importance of gun violence prevention and secure firearm storage.

Safe and Secure Firearm Storage Month

In 2025, there were 17 deaths by suicide, nine of which involved firearms. In the first five months of 2026, there have been 10 deaths by suicide, two of which involved firearms, according to a spokesperson from Centre County. These statistics, shared by the Interfaith Coalition for Gun Safety (ICGS), they said demonstrate the prevalence of devastating firearm incidents in the community.

Research and education programs developed by various organizations — such as the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Shooting Sports Foundation — advocate for safer storage practices for firearms.

Properly securing firearms has been associated with reductions in self-inflicted injuries by 78 percent and unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens by as much as 85 percent, the county commissioners office said.

Knowing these benefits, local organizations — including the Jana Marie Foundation, the Centre County Suicide Prevention Task Force and the ICGS — collaborate to spread awareness about responsible firearm use and storage.

The commissioners took the proclamation as an opportunity to remind Centre County residents that Project ChildSafe makes firearm safety kits available for free at the following local law enforcement agencies: Centre County Sheriff’s Office, Bellefonte Police Department, Ferguson Township Police Department, Patton Township Police Department, Spring Township Police Department and State College Police Department.

Elder Abuse Prevention Month

The commissioners also urged the community to be more vigilant, educated and involved in supporting older adults, caregivers and local professionals serving older adults.

Elder abuse and neglect are complex and often hidden problems, the commissioner’s office said.

In Centre County last year, there were over 330 reports of abuse against community members over the age of 60.

Almost half of those reports, 160 total, required further formal investigation by the Centre County Office of Aging.

Quentin Burchfield, director of the Office of Aging, noted increases in emergency cases. He mentioned growing numbers of crumbling caregiver arrangements without backups, leaving older adults without care until the Office of Aging is able to intervene.

Separate from concerns about care, many older adults are targets and victims of financial exploitation. Protective Services Supervisor for the Office of Aging Sheri Neale-Gummo shared details about an educational program, Scam Jam, which spreads information about identifying, avoiding and reporting attempts at financial scams.

A public session of Scam Jam will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, at the Community Services Building, 502 E. Howard St., Bellefonte. A second Scam Jam session dedicated to professionals and volunteers who work with older adults will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, at the Community Services Building as well.

Both Scam Jam sessions are free to attend and will include a lunch; however, seats are limited, so pre-registration is strongly recommended. Contact Sheri Neale-Gummo at sknealegummo@centrecountypa.gov or call 814-355-6716 to register.

Solving elder abuse and neglect is not a single group’s issue, though, the Centre County Commissioners said. The problem does not belong solely to family members or medical facilities or law enforcement. Instead, the community must strive to learn more about the issue, familiarize themselves with local resources for assistance and know the proper channels for reporting.

To find resources, report abuse or neglect and ask questions about services for older adults, contact the Office of Aging at 814-355-6716 or aging@centrecountypa.gov.