Franklin County commissioners proclaim Correctional Officers Week and Mental Health Month; fundraiser raises $670 for reentry coalition

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring May 3–9, 2026, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week and also proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Month. Commissioners recognized Erin Whitmer of the fiscal office as the county's April employee of the month and heard that an April dress-down sticker fundraiser raised $670 to benefit the Franklin Together Reentry Coalition.

Warden Warren Franzone addressed the commissioners about correctional staff responsibilities beyond security, saying correctional officers often act as "informal counselors, crisis negotiators, de-escalation specialists, mentors, and problem solving" staff who work to connect people leaving the jail with community resources. He described recent incidents in which correctional staff spent hours coordinating safe releases for people with complex medical and mental health needs and credited the county's community connections in resolving those cases.

The chair read a proclamation noting the role of correctional staff in protecting the public and promoting rehabilitation; commissioners approved the proclamation by voice vote. Later in the meeting presenters urged residents and employers to "Move for Your Mental Health," described employer toolkits and promoted a May community "Walk the Walk" event that the Mental Health Association will host at the rec center.

Carrie Kenny reported that the April dress-down fundraiser sold 135 sticker sets across 22 departments and generated $670 for the Franklin Together Reentry Coalition; a coalition coordinator thanked county staff and encouraged participation in reentry work. HR director Tiffany Boyer introduced Erin Whitmer, assistant fiscal director, who accepted the employee recognition and received praise from commissioners for her long service and contributions to fiscal operations.

All proclamations and recognitions at the meeting were approved by voice vote; the board took pictures of honorees and continued with regular business.