Legislative Update - 09/07/2024

September 7, 2024


 
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Greetings Community!

We are still early enough in the school year to provide a few helpful reminders about being especially careful when looking out for the students walking to and from bus stops and school bus safety in CT. Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in West Haven. I have included some precaution and prevention information from the City below, and Suicide Prevention Week begins Sunday. The aim here is to increase education about one of our leading causes of death. I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter.

Have a great weekend,
Treneé
HERE'S TO A GREAT, SAFE SCHOOL YEAR
This new school year comes with an old reminder: look out for students of all ages walking to and from the bus stop. Our little ones may not always look both ways before crossing the street. Please SLOW DOWN and give kids extra room on the roads. Their lives depend on it. We all want our students and schools to have great starts to the school year. It begins with getting to and from school safely.
As students settle into returning to school, let's do our part to keep them safe! SLOW DOWN in school zones, stop for buses, and stay alert. Safe driving in our community ensures our kids arrive at school and home, safely.
 
MOSQUITOES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS  
I'm sure you have heard by now that mosquitoes collected at a trapping site in West Haven tested positive for West Nile Virus. If not, the City put out an advisory on its website last week. You can find it along with The Agricultural Station's recommendations for precautions and prevention by clicking on the image below. 
(photo credit: CDC)
 
SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK BEGINS SUNDAY
Suicide prevention week begins September 8-15. This is an opportune time to make the public aware of one of the leading causes of death.
We can all help reduce the risk of suicide in our communities by knowing the signs and reaching out, beginning with:
  • Talking to a loved one about getting help can be hard, but it can make a big difference.
  • Listen without judgment and speak with kindness.

  • Remember that it takes a lot of strength for someone to open up about the challenges they face. It may take many conversations before they get help.

Ask open-ended questions
Open-ended questions mean that the person has to reply with more than a “yes” or “no.” Usually, open-ended questions start with how, what, or where.
 
Be supportive
During your conversation, comment on their strengths. It can be easy to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong, but it can close them off to asking for help. Thank them for being willing to speak with you.
 
Show you're listening
Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings. You can do this by saying, “I heard you say____.
 
Bring it all together
These conversations can be about many different feelings and plans. At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also, ask if you can follow up with them to check in. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
 
URGENT CRISIS CENTER AVAILABLE
Urgent Crisis Centers are now available to families of children who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis but do not require emergency department level of care. 

Created by 

legislation passed in 2022 and licensed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, the centers function as walk-in clinics, providing youths and their families with immediate access to resources while they are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including thoughts of suicide or self-injury; feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness; out-of-control behaviors; substance misuse; and other mental health concerns.

The centers are aimed at diverting youths and their families from making visits to emergency rooms to address behavioral health crises. Yale New Haven Hospital is the place to go for area residents. Please click on the image below for more details.
 
"WELCOME TO CONNECTICUT' SIGNS ARE UP 
Seven "Welcome to Connecticut" signs were raised at key points along Connecticut borders today with each sign displaying a unique aspect of the state's identity and opportunities available. Click HERE for more details.
 
CT YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
The Connecticut Youth Employment Program is an initiative designed to help young people ages 14 to 24 explore careers by providing opportunities to work alongside professionals who assist them in building career networks and receive on-the-job training while also covering participant salaries and other job-related expenses, such as uniforms and transportation to and from work.

The YWCA Hartford Region is one of the many partners statewide hiring youths under the program, overseen by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and administered by the state’s five Workforce Development Boards.

The Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round. Youths who want to enroll can contact their region's Workforce Development Board by clicking

HERE. More information can be found on the Connecticut Youth Employment Program webpage HERE.

As always, if I can ever be of any help, please feel free to contact my office at 

(860) 240-8585 or by emailing me directly.

Sincerely,

Treneé McGee
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