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Dear Neighbors,
As we Spring into May, I hope you are able to enjoy the blossoming trees and flowers growing and aren’t plagued by allergies as many seem to be this season.
The legislative session is picking up as we move closer to Sine Die, or the June 4th end of session.
This week, I was proud to lead passage of two important public health bills, and support landmark climate legislation led by our Environment Committee.
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Yesterday, in a 117-27 vote, the House approved an amended version of HB 7213, An Act Concerning Access to Reproductive Healthcare.
The bill codifies into law a minor’s ability to access contraceptive counseling and services, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, prenatal care, and care and pain management during labor and delivery. These would join a list of other items that minors may access without parental consent, including STI testing and treatment, mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment, among others. |
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Connecticut's 2023 School Health Survey results show that:
- Close to 30% of high schoolers have ever had sex, with that number rising to over 40% by 12th grade
- 2% of our high schoolers have had sex for the first time before age 13
- By 12th grade, 10% of our high schoolers have had sex with 4 or more people
- While 54% of our high school students used a condom during their last sexual intercourse, only 10% used a condom and birth control pills, an IUD, or a shot, patch, or birth control ring during sex with an opposite sex partner
- 11% of high schoolers used no pregnancy protection
The ability to freely access contraceptive and pregnancy care will help to prevent teen pregnancy and STIs and assure the health and well being of those who give birth as minors.
You can watch the debate and discussion here (starting around the 5hr 45min mark) and read the CT Post’s reporting on the bill here. The bill now advances to the Senate for a vote.
Earlier this week we passed a bill allowing Marriage and Family Therapists licensed in other states to more easily receive a Connecticut license. This will help us to address the shortage of mental healthcare providers we are facing.
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| Capitol and Constituent Activities |
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The past week has been full of events and activities both at the Capitol and at home.
I joined the First Annual Bridgeport Walk to End Alzheimer's, The Sustainable Fairfield Earth Day / YMCA Health Kids Day, The Greater Bridgeport League of Women Voters, Stratfield Road neighbors meeting about proposed roadway improvements, and our LT Governor to tour local schools funded for HVAC improvements.
At the Capitol, we had a visit from the Mystic Aquarium and some very special guests 😉
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Earlier today, the state delegation and First Selectman had the honor of joining Hartford Healthcare and Memorial Sloan Kettering for the grand opening of the first ever partnership between these two organizations.
Hartford Healthcare announced, “the official grand opening of a world-class cancer center – the first-of-its-kind in Fairfield. The transformation of cancer care has entered the next phase with the opening of the Hartford HealthCare Fairfield Cancer Center, a Care Partner of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).”
It was an honor to join community leaders to celebrate this tremendous opportunity for Fairfield and the Greater Bridgeport region, a cancer center that will bring life saving care closer to home.
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| Public Health Issue in Focus - Mental Health and Substance Misuse |
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Yesterday, I joined Comptroller Scanlon, Governor Lamont, fellow legislators, statewide leaders, and those with lived experience in mental health and substance misuse for a press conference to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Month.
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Besides speaking of the structural issues we can face through legislation, including the Mental Health Parity Bill, there are always things we can do as individuals. I shared some of the tips from the flyer below with those gathered.
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Talking about mental health and substance misuse helps to address the stigma and lead people to get the support and resources they need. Here are some ways you can access support:
One in 5 adults experience a mental illness and 17% of 6-17 year olds experience a mental health disorder. Even if you think you are the only one, you are not alone. Reach out for the help that is available to you.
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Wishing you a wonderful weekend. As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.
Take care,
Cristin McCarthy Vahey
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