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Dear Neighbor,
We are having some great weather this week, and the weekend is supposed to be just as good. I hope you get out and enjoy it.
I touch on a few topics in this week's newsletter, including National Suicide Prevention Week. We can help reduce the risk of suicide in our communities. I have included warning signs for youth and adults and when it may be time to take action.
I've also included a video from Gizmo the Therapy Dog, who advises us to monitor our mental health. There is more news and notes of interest as you scroll down. I hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Have a great weekend,
Travis |
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| September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Sunday kicked off National Suicide Prevention Week.
We can all help reduce the risk of 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 some to open up about the challenges they are faced with, and it may take many conversations before they get help. |
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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 on them.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. |
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| You can take care of your mental health. Hear what Gizmo, CT's therapy dog has to say about it by clicking on the video below. |
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| A micro-grant program has been launched to help small businesses in Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield recover and rebuild as a result of the record rainfall that hit the state in late August. Please click on the flier below for more details. |
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| The annual, free, family-friendly Touch-a-Truck and Open House Event is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th at the Norwalk Public Works Operation Center, 15 South Main Street, from 9 a.m. to noon. |
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This event provides the community an opportunity to participate in a fun-filled day that includes exploring the city's vehicles and learning about the services Norwalk provides. Community services, Police, Fire, Health and Traffic, Mobility and Parking, are among the departments that will be represented at the event.
*Please consider bringing non-perishable items and kid-friendly snacks for the Open Door Shelter, an organization I am fond of and fully support. |
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In 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 23-41, which requires the development and implementation of a plan for residential campuses to provide access for students who live on said residential campuses to reproductive health services from a healthcare provider licensed to provide such services.
As the plan becomes finalized for implementation, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO) is hosting a day-long event on Wednesday, October 2nd from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capital Ave., in Hartford, convening of collaboration and learning around reproductive health care on our college campuses with students around the state, medical personnel, staff, administrators, elected officials, policy experts, and campus and community advocates.
For more information and to register for this free event, please see the flyer below. |
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| As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.
Sincerely,
Travis Simms
State Representative |
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