Supporting Local Veterans & Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

September 17, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Supporting Our Veterans
  • Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Protecting Covid-19 Vaccine Access
  • New Statewide Initiative To Prevent Fires
 

Supporting Our Veterans

Our state is doing its very best to support our veterans and service members by hosting the annual Connecticut Veterans Stand Down event on Friday, September 19 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. This event serves as one-stop access to a variety of federal, state, local, and community resources for veterans, their immediate family members, active military, national guard, and reservists. 

I encourage them to attend the Stand Down event taking place on the University of Bridgeport campus at Wheeler Recreational Center (400 University Avenue). It's such a meaningful event — connecting veterans and their families with the resources, care, and community they deserve. 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation and local transit companies will provide free bus service to the University of Bridgeport starting at 8:30 a.m. from the Health Department at 752 East Main Street. 
Click here for the entire bus schedule

Thank you to all our veterans and service members for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. Your service makes our community and country stronger.
 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15! Let’s honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions that continue to inspire generations as our Hispanic and Latino American populations continue to grow in Bridgeport and the rest of the state. 

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinos continue to have in Connecticut and across the world. Our friends help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

Bridgeport has long been a vibrant home to a flourishing Hispanic and Puerto Rican population that brings life and culture to every corner of our city. The influence of Latino heritage is woven deeply into the fabric of our community.

As we celebrate today, we need to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to ensure equality, opportunity, and justice for all. Let’s continue to support and uplift our Hispanic neighbors this month and throughout the year.
 

Protecting Covid-19 Vaccine Access

Governor Ned Lamont issued executive orders to ensure that Connecticut residents have access to COVID-19 vaccines during the upcoming respiratory virus season. 

These actions ensure that residents who wish to be vaccinated continue to have access to vaccines and that coverage remains uninterrupted under state-regulated health insurance policies.

The executive orders will:

  • Permit pharmacists to order, prescribe, and administer the vaccine.
  • Establish statewide guidelines for who is eligible to receive the vaccine. Adults of all ages can receive COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies and medical practices, while children between six months and 18 years of age can receive vaccinations through pediatric providers participating in the Connecticut Vaccine Program.

These steps make sure Connecticut residents can stay protected.
 

New Statewide Initiative To Prevent Fires

The governor also launched Fire Safe CT, a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing fire-related tragedies through public education and community support.

This coordinated effort brings state and local agencies, fire service professionals, and health care experts together to protect Connecticut from the dangers of fire. 

Core objectives include:
  • Public Education: delivering clear, actionable fire prevention tips through multimedia campaigns—highlighting home safety, outdoor fire management, and burn injury prevention.
  • Community Empowerment: providing local fire departments and municipal fire marshals with enhanced tools, educational materials, and support to boost community-level fire risk reduction efforts.

To learn more and get involved go to ct.gov/firesafe and for advice on outdoor fire safety, visit DEEP's Forest Fire Prevention Tips to learn how to protect your home, property, and the first responders who serve us.