|
|
|
|
| Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services, or they can visit 211ct.org to read a list of available locations. Grace and Mercy Church — 93 Main St. is the designated warming center in Middletown and is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily on a first-come, first-served basis. |
|
|
And Please Be Careful With Portable Heaters
|
|
| The cold snap in Connecticut may lead some to use portable heaters in their homes to help stave off Jack Frost. Using these heaters comes with some risks, however, as they are the leading cause of home fires in January and February. |
|
Here are some precautions you should take, according to FEMA, if you use portable heaters:
- Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
- Keep anything that can burn – i.e. bedding, clothing, mattresses, furniture, paper products -- at least three feet away from portable heaters.
- Plug in portable heaters directly into outlets; do NOT plug them into extension cords or power strips.
- Inspect and replace damaged cords, broken outlets, or loose connections.
- Use portable heaters with automatic shutoffs so, if they tip over, they turn off.
- Only use portable heaters approved by a recognized testing lab.
- It's extremely important to stay warm, but it's also important to stay fire-safe this winter.
|
|
|
Maternal Health Awareness, Introducing The Black Maternal & Infant Health Caucus
|
|
| Thursday was National Maternal Health Awareness Day in Connecticut. The maternal mortality rate in this country is high, especially for women of color, and it must be addressed. This is an issue close to my heart. I hosted a press conference to discuss it, and to introduce the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus, of which I am Chair. |
|
This caucus was formed to elevate the issue of the Black maternal health crisis, as well as advance policy solutions to end disparities in maternal health outcomes was announced along with its priorities, which include:
- Expanding access to quality prenatal, birthing, and postpartum care.
- Promoting culturally competent care and eliminating racial bias in the healthcare system.
- Utilizing data-driven approaches to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates.
- Engaging communities in maternal and infant health education and advocacy.
- Advocating for legislative solutions and funding that support Black mothers and their children.
We also heard from the Hispanic Health Council, which is advocating for a Connecticut Report Card for Birthing Facility Maternity Care, a program that would require all hospitals and birth centers to participate in the prevention of avoidable deaths while holding them accountable for maternal health outcomes.
You can hear my comments from the press conference below. |
|
| You can also see nbcconnecticut's coverage HERE. |
|
|
January is Muslim Heritage Month
|
|
| This event, assembled by State Representative Maryam Khan, Senator Saud Anwar, and Senator MD Rahman, brought together members of Connecticut’s Muslim and legislative communities.
Insightful speeches on Ramadan, fasting, and the role of Muslims in the State were delivered by a range of distinguished speakers, including Senator Anwar, Senator Rahman, Representative Maryam Khan, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Bob Duff, Attorney General William Tong, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson, Senator Martin Looney, Sister Mubarakah Ibrahim, and Imam Zaid Shakir. |
|
|
Holocaust Remembrance Day is on Monday
|
|
| On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, we must become the generations who carry forward the legacy of the witnesses, remember the lives lost, and challenge those who would distort or deny the past.
Sincerely,
Kai Belton
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
