September 27 Newsletter

September 28, 2021
We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.

(Please note that this newsletter, which is typically sent out on Fridays, is being sent out today due to a minor issue at the end of last week.)

 

UniteCT Mobile Registration Bus Coming to West Hartford

The UniteCT Mobile Bus will be returning to the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot on Friday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist residents and landlords with rental and utility payment assistance for qualified Connecticut households financially impacted by COVID-19.
 
The UniteCT Mobile Bus travels across Connecticut to ensure everyone has the ability to submit a UniteCT application. On the bus, you will be able to use a computer to complete your application. UniteCT may provide up to $10,000 in rental payments to landlords and $1,500 in electricity payments to utility companies on behalf of qualified tenants. Landlords or tenants can apply for assistance, and applicants can track the progress online.
 
For more information on UniteCT program and the application process, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/UniteCT.
 

Hope for Hasti

(Photo Credit: Jackson Laboratory)

On Sunday, Jackson Laboratory in Farmington welcomed Chris Brannigan as he works to raise awareness for a very special cause.

Chris (a major in the British Army) is marching barefoot from Maine to Florida to raise awareness and funds for a gene therapy treatment that could help treat Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS ), which is a developmental disorder. His daughter Hasti is currently living with the syndrome. Jackson Laboratory is helping to try to find therapies for the disorder, which is why he stopped by on day 19 of his journey on Sunday. I was honored to meet Chris and bid him safe travel as he continued his walk.

Click HERE to follow Chris's journey on Facebook. 

 

CDC Approves Booster Shots For Pfizer-BioNTech Recipients

Good news! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended booster shots for certain individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which includes:
  • Individuals 65 years of age and older
  • Frontline workers ages 18 to 64 who are at risk of exposure
  • Long-term nursing home residents; and
  • Individuals with certain high-risk, underlying medical conditions.

Booster shots were previously approved for those who are immunocompromised in mid-August.

Although people who have received two vaccine doses still have significant protection against COVID-19, a third dose is a chance for older adults and those most at risk to reinforce their immunity. Those who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not yet eligible for booster shots.

Booster shots may be administered six months after the second vaccine dose. Those who are eligible for a booster shot can sign up at https://portal.ct.gov/Vaccine-Portal. Booster shots will be available at hospital vaccine sites, at urgent care clinics and pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens.
 
It is important to note that high levels of demand may make appointments difficult to come by at first, but those who want booster shots will not have to wait long.
 
The COVID-19 vaccine is our greatest weapon against this deadly virus. As new variants continue to develop and spread, it is critical that everyone get vaccinated. I encourage all those that are eligible to sign up and get a booster shot to improve immunity against COVID-19.
 
If you have not gotten vaccinated, you can find a location near you by visiting https://portal.ct.gov/Vaccine-Portal.

 

World Alzheimer's Day

Earlier this week was World Alzheimer's Day.

Since 1983, the amount of people with Alzheimer's disease has more than doubled. It is often called a family disease because the chronic stress of watching a loved one slowly decline affects everyone.

Gain a better understanding of Alzheimer's, help and support those with the disease, and get involved all right here: alz.org

You can also reach out to the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 hotline at 800-272-3900.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month

We cannot understand our society or our history until we increase the diversity of what we teach. I am proud to be a part of the first state in the nation to require courses on Black and Latino studies.