Upshur County Commission inks proclamation

BUCKHANNON -- The Upshur County Commission signed a proclamation acknowledging Oct. 19 as Unity Day throughout the county. The initiative, which is part of National Bullying Prevention Month, seeks to unite communities in kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Lori Ulderich Harvey, director of the Upshur County Family Resource Network, presented the proclamation to the Commission. Harvey noted children who are bullied are more likely to experience low self-esteem, perform poorly in school, have fewer friends, have a negative view of school and experience physical and mental health issues due to the strain of bullying.

She also noted witnesses also are at risk of using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, have increased mental health problems and are more likely to miss or skip school. According to the proclamation, 57 percent of bullying cases stop when peers intervene. Harvey hopes a raise in awareness may lead to more of those outcomes.

"It is definitely a problem," said Commissioner J.C. Raffety. "In the national news, you see sometimes alleged victims bringing weapons to school and harming innocent bystanders. It is an issue we shan't take likely."

The proclamation was approved after a motion by Commissioner Troy "Buddy" Brady, and seconded by Raffety. All residents are encouraged to wear orange to show their support.

The next regular meeting of the Upshur County Commission is Thursday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. at the Upshur County Courthouse Annex.