Cancer Screening for Firefighters, Upcoming Library Events, and More!

April 18, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you are doing well. Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Please read below for information on cancer screenings for firefighters, a Climate Action Plan Survey, and more! 

Cancer Screening For Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe - the last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.

I am happy to announce that, effective May 1, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means more than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years. 

Early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep them healthy and keep their minds at ease.

Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.

NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair

The Norwalk Partnership will hold their 4th annual NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair on May 3 from 9 AM - 12 PM on the Norwalk Town Green. This event will feature fun activities for all ages, as well as resources for those who may be struggling with their mental health or substance abuse. Click here to learn more. 

 

Climate Action Plan Survey

Southwest Connecticut is developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and enhance climate resilience. They are looking for input from people in the community. The survey, which will take no longer than 10 minutes, will have a direct impact on how Southwest Connecticut towns and cities invest in transportation, energy, buildings, waste management, and climate resilience. Click here to access the survey. 

Governor Lamont Launches Reporting Tool for Entities in Connecticut Impacted by Recent Federal Actions

Any Connecticut based businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities that has been impacted by recent actions from the federal government are encouraged to report that information through a newly established online reporting tool. The information will be compiled into a central database and provide state policymakers with a better understanding of how these directives are affecting various groups, geographical regions, and sectors of the economy.

Some examples of reportable items include:

  • Pauses, cancelations, and reductions in federal funding
  • Reductions in employment
  • Impact from tariffs 

Click here to file a report.

April is Community College Month 

April is Community College Month, a time to raise awareness of the role higher education plays on economic mobility and personal development. Earning a post-secondary degree can set an individual up on a path towards career success and financial stability. However, tuition costs at four-year institutions have spiked significantly. In comparison, community colleges are incredibly affordable – CT State, Connecticut’s community college system, has an annual tuition of $5,218. That’s nearly half the price of public colleges and universities and 87% less than private ones. Some prospective students may qualify for free tuition. Click here to learn more.
 
Community colleges provide high-quality education at a cost-effective and accessible price. For information about CT State, please visit their website.

Upcoming Library Events 

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust line up of programing. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Norwalk Resident Beach Parking Pass

Attention Norwalk residents -  beach season is right around the corner. You can now confirm that your license plate is on the Grand List for your 2025 Norwalk Resident parking pass. This pass provides parking access to:

  • Calf Pasture & Shady Beach
  • Veterans Park
  • Cranbury Park
  • Taylor Farm Dog Park

Your car registration must list Norwalk as your tax town to qualify for a resident pass.

Click here to verify your plate. If you are not on the list, send a photo of your car registration to the following email address -  residentpass@norwalkct.gov.

Poster Competition for CT Schools

The CT Coalition for Climate Action is pleased to announce the second annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage creatively with important environmental issues and raise awareness about the impact of climate change on our planet.

Students and finalists are invited to the judging at the Capitol on May 28th between 12–2:30pm. Semi-Finalists will be displayed at the state Capitol and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place posters will receive a scholarship this year.

The deadline for submissions is May 1 and submissions can be emailed to CTClimateActionCoalition@gmail.com.

Please contact Lisa Winkler at 860-614-6102, lisa@grassrootsct.com or Tricia Dinneen Priebe at 203-464-3793, tricia@grassrootsct.com if you have any questions or need any additional information. You may also visit the Coalition website at www.climateactionct.org.
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Have a very happy final weekend of Passover! 

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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