Henry Genga

I was truly humbled and honored to be presented with the TPIU Advocacy Champion Award for my work on HB 5745: An Act Concerning Continuing Education for Physicians in Treating Patients with Empathy, which I proudly sponsored last session.

The Patient Is U recognized this proposed legislation and my ongoing commitment to advancing a more compassionate, human-centered health care system, one where every individual is treated as if The Patient Is You.

Empathy is not a soft skill, it’s a critical component of healing, trust, and better outcomes. I am deeply grateful to partner with advocates and organizations working to ensure empathy remains at the heart of care, policy, and practice.

This week, the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force convened to strengthen our mission to prevent veteran suicide and ensure no veteran is left behind. With the support of state leadership, we are focused on advancing coordinated, compassionate, and comprehensive approaches to provide hope, healing, and long-term support to those who have served.

We recognize that suicide prevention must be addressed on multiple fronts, including mental health services, housing stability, employment opportunities, peer support, access to care, and community connection. That’s why we are exploring innovative strategies and expanding access to critical programs that meet veterans where they are.

Our commitment is to strengthen existing resources and develop inclusive policies so that every veteran, regardless of location or circumstance, has the tools and support they need to thrive.

Together, we are working toward a future where all veterans feel valued, supported, and never alone.

Earlier this week, the Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs announced the addition of new temporary supportive housing for veterans and their families at the main campus in Rocky Hill. This expansion marks the first phase of a multi-phase enhancement of the state’s Patriot's Landing program.

The Patriots Landing program provides temporary housing for veterans and their families in need, while also connecting them with essential services to help them successfully transition to community living.

Phase 2 of the project, scheduled for completion in spring 2026, will focus on renovating townhouses located at the back of the campus. This phase aims to expand the number of temporary housing units available for eligible individual veterans.

Time is running out to register to vote in the upcoming November 4th municipal election. Click here to check if you are eligible to vote.

Then, click here to access the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS) to register online.

Same Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period (Monday, October 20, through Sunday, November 2) 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., there are extended hours on October 28 & 30 from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

The designated Early Voting location in East Hartford is:

• Town Hall, Council Chamber, Second Floor (740 Main Street)

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Connecticut residents are facing uncertainty. United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help. Click here to take a look at the resource that outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365. It’s never been more important to connect residents with their trained contact specialists, who provide personalized, confidential assistance for basic needs. In many cases, a single call results in multiple new referrals and supports, drawn from their up-to-date database of more than 40,000 community resources.

The Town of East Hartford and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) are bringing together local manufacturers, educators, and business partners on Thursday, October 23 from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at the Wickham Memorial Library (656 Burnside Avenue). This is a free informational and networking event created for the East Hartford manufacturing community.

Click here for more information and to register to attend.

Saturday, October 25th is National DEA Drug Take-Back Day. This is an opportunity to drop off expired, unwanted or unused controlled substances that you may have in your home at the East Hartford Public Safety Complex (31 School Street) from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Officials will collect pills, tablets, capsules, and other solid forms of prescription drug. Police will not accept liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, and illegal drugs.

Staff from East Hartford Health & Human Services will be present to share medication safety information and distribute Naloxone (Narcan) and Deterra Deactivation Kits while supplies last.