Urgent Crisis Centers, Welcome Signs, and more

September 6, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!

The following is a message from the Department of Children and Families:
 

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, such as thoughts of suicide or self-injury; feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness; out-of-control behaviors; substance misuse; and other mental health concerns. They are aimed at diverting youths and their families from making visits to emergency rooms to address behavioral health crises.

Current capacity for the four centers is 72 daily slots. They are strategically located across Connecticut and are operated by:
 
Next week is National Suicide Prevention Week.

We can all help reduce the risk for suicide in our community by knowing the signs and reaching out. 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.

Below are some helpful starting points for these difficult conversations:

  • 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 988lifeline.org
 
I was delighted to see Connecticut unveil some fun "Welcome to Connecticut" signs on our interstate highway, touting our state as "Pizza Capital of the United States," "Home of the Basketball Capital of the World," "Home of the Submarine Capital of the World," and encouraging residents to "Stop for a bite in the Foodie Capital of New England."
🏀 Basketball signs on I-91, I-84, and I-395 from Massachusetts
Following back-to-back national titles won by the UConn men’s basketball team in 2023 and 2024, the total of combined national championships won by the men’s and women’s basketball programs grew to 17, six more than any other university in the nation.

🍕 Pizza signs on I-95 and I-84 from New York
Governor Lamont declared Connecticut the Pizza Capital of the U.S. in February with a gubernatorial proclamation and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro read it into the Congressional Record in May.

👩‍🍳 Foodie sign on U.S. Route 6 from Rhode Island
Connecticut chef’s and restaurants have gained increased national recognition, capped by Chef David Standridge capturing the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast in 2024. Governor Lamont proclaimed Connecticut the “Foodie Capital of New England” in February.

🌊 Submarine sign on I-95 from Rhode Island
The submarine was invented in Connecticut by David Bushnell in 1775, laying the groundwork for modern day submarines. General Dynamics Electric Boat of Groton has been the primary submarine maker for the U.S. Navy since the early 20th Century. The U.S. Navy’s primary submarine base is in New London.

Our state is small, but there is so much to be proud of, and I'm glad every resident entering our state can learn a bit more about what makes Connecticut so great!
 
A reminder that the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) and its Artist Fellowship program is now accepting applications. The Artist Fellowship program provides recognition and funding support for Connecticut artists to pursue new work and advance their artistic careers. All artistic disciplines are eligible!

Connecticut artists must be the primary creators of original works of art.

Grants are awarded in three designations and grant amounts:

  • Artistic Excellence grants: $5,000
  • Artist Fellowship grants: $3,000
  • Emerging Recognition grants: $1,000
The deadline to apply is is on or before September 20.
Some eligibility restrictions apply, so please review the program webpage before applying at bit.ly/466gXzs or contact the COA program manager by email at tamara.dimitri@ct.gov with any questions.
 
As always, please feel free to contact me to share your ideas and concerns.
Sincerely,

Roland Lemar
State Representative
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