LISBON — The Columbiana County commissioners issued a proclamation Wednesday to bring more awareness regarding men’s health, declaring June 15-21 as Men’s Health Week in the county.

According to the proclamation, Men’s Health Month is part of an effort to educate men, boys and their families about the importance of preventative health screenings, early detection and healthy lifestyles, noting that men have a shorter life expectancy than women and experience higher rates of chronic disease.

It’s an opportunity to recognize the mental and physical health needs of men and boys and promoting the idea of fathers and caregivers serving as “positive role models through preventative care, healthy living and help-seeking behaviors.”

“The growing epidemic of ‘Deaths of Despair,” including deaths related to suicide, substance use disorders, alcohol misuse and homelessness, underscores the urgent need to raise awareness of unrecognized and undiagnosed depression, mental stress, and emotional distress among boys and men,” the proclamation said.

Commissioner Roy Paparodis read the proclamation aloud during the meeting and talked about the awareness period, that week in June from June 15-21, that’s observed annually through “the efforts of the Men’s Health Network to build health empathy, recognition, and understanding of the unique health needs facing men and boys.”

In other matters, Paparodis mentioned the senior services levy quarterly report from the county Department of Job and Family Services, showing expenses totaling $194,765 for the first quarter, including $59,277 for home care/chores, $37,657 for senior service case management and $32,115 for home repairs.

Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between the county law library and the Statewide Consortium of County Law Library Resources Boards for an educational grant of $2,099.50 to prorate membership in the American Association of Law Libraries for January through May and membership in the AALL and Special Interest Section from June 2026 through May 2027, along with lodging and registration for the annual meeting.

Permission to hunt on the county’s County Home Road, Lisbon property was granted to David Duvall.

The next meeting of county commissioners will be 9 a.m. April 29 at the downtown courthouse.