Newsletter
January 19, 2022The cold snap continues with more snow on the way tomorrow morning. Information below on the extended cold weather protocol and as always, check with your town to see the warming centers available to you.
The federal government has started an easy distribution of mailing COVID self-tests to anyone who needs them and will soon be distributing N95 masks at local pharmacies (details coming). In addition, more than three million COVID tests have been distributed in CT in the last few weeks.
Mark your calendars for an upcoming event on community gun violence next week on January 26th at 6 p.m. on Facebook live. I'll be joined by representatives from CCAGV, MUAV and Moms Demand Action.
And stay tuned for an event with Operation Fuel and PURA in February (details in this update).
| Giving Blood is Good Giving, Free Smoke Alarms |
As you probably have seen on the national news, the American Red Cross is reporting a nationwide blood shortage. If you are able to donate blood, reach out to the American Red Cross and you can book your appointment online here (www.redcross.org). The American Red Cross is requesting you book an appointment rather than walk in due to high volume. Masks are required at their donation facilities regardless of vaccination status.
| A Reminder: Request a Free COVID-19 Testing Kit |
In case you missed it, the federal government has now launched a website for Americans wanting a free at-home COVID-19 testing kit. You can request a free testing kit at COVIDTests.gov.
Up to four at-home tests per residential address may be requested. Tests are expected to ship within 7- 12 days of ordering via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
| 3.1 Million COVID-19 Self-Test Kits Distributed in Last Two Weeks |
As of Tuesday, the State of Connecticut had distributed a total of 3.1 million COVID-19 self-tests over the previous two weeks. Since December 31, 2021, the state has delivered the following amounts:
For more information on self-tests, please click here.
| Severe Weather Protocol Extended Through February 2nd |
(USDA)
According to a press release from Governor Lamont's office..."Current forecasts are indicating that over the next two weeks, highs in the state are generally expected to be in the 20s, with lows in the single digits or teens. At times, the state may experience a few arctic outbreaks during which highs may only reach about 10 degrees, and lows dipping to between -10 and -20 degrees."
As a result, the governor is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol, initially activated on Friday, January 14, to remain in effect through noon on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.
According to the release, the purpose of the severe cold weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter, including transportation to shelters.
For more details including the actions implemented when the protocol is in effect can be found by clicking on the full press release below.
| Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Benefits Now Available |
Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Benefits Now Available
Benefits for qualifying circumstances became available January 1st. Please click on the image below to learn more.
| Dr. Martin Luther King - A Reflection |
This weekend, as I saw a family photo posted by Bernice King, daughter of Dr. King, I thought, when we idolize someone as a hero, we often forget their humanity and it can be easy to only think of them as a caricature of their most popular idea or quote. His legacy demands more of us.
He was a leader in some of the most difficult and challenging times in our nation’s history. The year before his death, he faced a change in the movement for equality, a frustration for the speed at which the situation was changing from his followers and friends, and he was deeply reflective even as he was doing his generationally transformative work.
His greatest work perhaps, to focus on the eradication of poverty, is one millions of people continue to struggle with today, much of it generational poverty due to lack of access: to healthcare, to education, to living wages. 38 million of them are the working poor, hard working and sometimes, invisible.
I hope we spend time in self-reflection about what we can do, how we can advocate, what we are willing to change in our society and ourselves in order to fulfill the legacy of the hero and the man.
| Facebook Event: Panel Discussion With Operation Fuel Monday February 7, 2022 |
I will be hosting Winter Heating & Fuel Assistance - A Panel Discussion With Operation Fuel and the Public Utilities (PURA), a Facebook Live Event scheduled for Monday February 7, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fellow panelists include Marissa Gillett, Chairman, PURA, Brenda Watson, Executive Director of Operation Fuel and Tonya Anderson, M.ED, Director of Energy Programs at Operation Fuel. They will discuss each organization's programs, educate, and offer information about the resources they provide during the winter months. Panelists will take questions live. I hope you can join us. You can join in by going here: facebook.com/RepKavrosDeGraw or by clicking on the image below.
