News
- Published on: 1/8/2021
The York County Commissioners today recognized the York County Human Trafficking Task Force in its issuance of a proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month, which occurs January each year.
“Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery,” President Commissioner Julie Wheeler said in her introductory remarks. “It’s a crime involving the exploitation of someone for forced labor, or commercial sexual acts through force, fraud or coercion. Human trafficking is a market-driven criminal industry based on supply and demand principles like drugs or arms trafficking.”
Vice President Commissioner Doug Hoke read the proclamation, which noted that 77 percent of victims are exploited within their country of residence. The abhorrent crime harms adults and children of all ages and demographics.
Accepting the proclamation on behalf of YWCA York and the task force, Crystal Perry said her mission is to get the word out and get people in York County involved in the education process. While education is critical, even more critical are the services that victims require including case management, legal advocacy and trauma support, to name a few.
York County government, through the District Attorney’s Office, Coroner’s Office, Probation and Children, Youth & Families, have membership on the task force, which helps strengthen its resolve alongside the Children’s Advocacy Center, local law enforcement among others.
Learn more about the York County Human Trafficking Task Force on its Facebook page.
CARES Act business
The final allocations for CARES Act funding, which required disbursement of $40.5 million by the end of 2020, have been made. This equated to 855 small business recipients in York County as well as 138 nonprofit recipients. Linked here is a comprehensive list of recipients.
Some funding went into commissioning a feasibility study aimed to explore the possibility of creating a countywide health department. No decision has been made on this, as the Commissioners are awaiting a final report.
COVID-19 vaccine information
The county has been working with WellSpan and UPMC Pinnacle as the two hospitals serving York County have begun vaccinating their employees. More information on the two hospitals’ plans and guidelines can be found on the homepage of this site.
York County, through its Office of Emergency Management and in coordination with other health agencies, plan to implement a vaccine distribution site for York County first responders and emergency service personnel. More on this implementation plan will be publicized as the county proceeds with this critical service.