Tuesday, October 04, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
You may know that I serve as Chair of the permanent, funded Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. The Commission is hiring our first employee – a Program Director! The Program Director will be the primary program support for the Commission as we continue this important work. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, goal-driven, fast learner with exceptional communication and organization skills, a high level of professionalism, and a desire to work in a collaborative and performance-driven environment. You can click here to view the job description and to apply. Please share with your networks!
The Commission has also formed subcommittees to dive deeper into 3 topics: Legislation and Budget, Disability Employment Workforce, and Workforce Supports for Persons with Disabilities. We anticipate opportunities for members of the public to engage with these subcommittees in the coming months.
Yours in Service,
Denise
District Updates
The walls in my office are looking a bit bare, so let’s get creative! We’re looking for you to submit a drawing of what you love most about your town. Submissions are open to all residents in the district and will be displayed in my office. To submit your drawing, click here.
The temperatures are dropping and many of us are thinking about turning on the furnace. I share your concern about high heating costs this winter and would like to share with you information that may help ease the financial burden of paying heating costs this winter. For more information and resources, click here.
- In Needham, the Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham will be holding its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, October 12. The presentation will include a review of Needham youth substance use and mental health data fro 2021, a discussion with Needham Schools Superintendent Dan Gutekanst, and opportunities for participants to voice their input to community stakeholders and decision-makers. To find more information or to RSVP, click here.
- In Dover, the Dover Council on Aging is giving a presentation on Understanding Medicare Plans. The presentation will be held on Tuesday, October 4 from 10-11 am at the Dover Legion. The presentation will provide information on what Medicare coverage plan is best for you. To sign up for the event, click here.
- In Medfield, the School Building Committee is seeking residents to serve on the committee. Applications will be accepted until October 18 by noon. To apply or find more information, click here.
Statewide Updates
- Prior to, but exacerbated by, the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of individuals in crisis needing inpatient psychiatric care increased. To meet the needs of individuals across the Commonwealth, I served on the conference committee for An Act addressing barriers to care for mental health known as the Mental Health ABC Act. In accordance with the new law, the Division of Insurance has instructed insurance carriers to waive prior authorization for all ongoing monitoring and stabilization services for patients. Removing the need for prior authorization will be a valuable tool to promote equitable access to mental health care for all residents of the Commonwealth.
- Fall People’s Law Firm Outreach Day, hosted by Attorney General Maura Healey will be held on Wednesday, October 12. Fall People’s Law Firm Outreach Day will be held virtually from 10:30 am to 12 pm. The virtual summit will discuss housing assistance, landlord responsibilities, tenant rights, rental assistance, and energy delivery and assistance. To register for the event, click here.
- The State General Election will be held on November 8, the following are important dates for the upcoming election:
- Voter Registration Deadline: October 29
- Vote by Mail Application Deadline: November 1
- Early Voting: October 22 – November 4
- Election Day Polling Hours: 7 am – 8 pm
For more information and registration, click here.
- The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has a dedicated phone number to serve anyone 65 years of age or older. The phone number is (857)368-8005. Massachusetts law requires drivers who are 75 years of age or older to renew in person. The RMV has dedicated hours on Wednesdays at certain RMV service centers, for assistance, call the number provided. For more information for older drivers, click here.
- The Veterans of Foreign Wars is hosting a student essay contest for middle and high schoolers. This is a local, statewide, and national competition with awards ranging from $200 to $35,000. The deadline for the essay competition is October 31, 2022. For more information and to access the application form, click here.
- The Food and Drug Administration has approved updated COVID-19 boosters. The updated COVID-19 boosters add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components which restore protections from previous vaccinations by targeting more transmissible variants. To find locations offering the vaccine, click here.
- Children under five years old are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and now everyone six months and older can receive the vaccine. To find locations offering the vaccine, 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.
