Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The month of May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month. As many of us know, over the last three years there has been a striking increase in the rates of mental health symptoms experienced by both young people and adults. Despite these known increases, we continue to see individuals and families struggling to receive or access the treatment they need. Mental health is an important part of a person’s overall health, and there are steps in our communities we can take to promote access. In Needham, Dover, and Medfield there are resources available for those seeking care and support:
- In Needham, along with many other services, Needham’s Youth and Family Services offers individual, group, and family counseling and runs the Substance Abuse Awareness Program and the Bullying Intervention Program.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention is promoting several initiatives during Mental health Awareness Month. During the month, the coalition is promoting mental health through their Medfield Moves for Mental Health campaign.
- In Dover, Riverside Community Care serves as the Emergency Service Program, which provides 24/7 information, support, and services to help individuals who are in need of mental health or substance abuse care.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, I joined the Becca Schmill Foundation on May 1 for their virtual Mental Health Forum on the impact social media is having on your youth. To watch this forum, click here.
Yours in Service,
Denise
District Updates
- The Mass Cultural Council has announced the recipients of the FY22 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Arts and Culture COVID-19 Recovery Program, including the Indiana Community of Needham (ICON) and the Artisan Dance Academy. This program is providing $975,000 in pandemic assistance to AAPI organizations that were impacted by the pandemic across the Commonwealth. To learn more about this program, click here.
- In Needham, the Charles River Chambers is hosting the inaugural Needham Sidewalk Stroll for Saturday, May 14. This event will showcase the brick and mortar businesses in Needham and will include special promotions, live music, and activities for the whole family throughout the day. To find a list of businesses participating, click here.
- In Dover, the 2022 Dover Town Election will be held on Monday, May 16 from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM at the Dover Town House. Information about this election and the specimen ballot may be found on the Town of Dover Website. To view this information, click here.
- In Medfield, the Town of Medfield and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council will be hosting an interactive workshop on the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan on Thursday, May 19 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at the Dale Street School. To learn more and to register, click here.
Statewide Updates
- The Human Service Transportation Task Force will be holding virtual public listening sessions for individuals that have used Human Service Transportation services since July 1, 2021. These sessions will be regarding the new technologies that have been implemented to improve customer service, including smart phone apps and self-service web portals. Listening sessions will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, May 16 from 2:00 – 3:30 PM and Wednesday, May 18 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. For more information, click here.
- The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has announced they will extend the option for remote instruction until September 6, 2022. Additionally, road test applicants must start using their own vehicles beginning May 2, 2022. For more information on RMV COVID-19 policies, click here.
- Massachusetts launched a new free telehealth program, in collaboration with Color Health, to help residents more easily access COVID-19 treatment. Residents 18 years and older who have tested positive for COVID-19 and who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms are able to undergo a video consultation with a health care clinician to determine eligibility for Paxlovid. To access this program, click here.
- The Department of Public Health (DPH) has shared resources for protecting yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19. The best protection against COVID-19 and getting vaccinated and staying up to date on your vaccine, DPH also recommends six other tools you can use for protection. To view this resource, click here.
Resources
If you are in need of information, resources, or support please visit my website for a list of resources regarding unemployment assistance, food assistance, housing, and mental health. Additionally, for town specific information visit the Towns of Needham, Dover, and Medfield’s websites.
If you are in need of assistance, my office is still accessible by phone and email so please contact my office and we will get back to you.
Email: Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2582
