Friday, September 11, 2015

Derby hosts 9/11 service Friday on Green

The 9/11 memorial on the Derby Green that features a piece of steel salvaged from one of the World Trade Center towers.

Derby firefighters and residents gathered Friday for a service of remembrance to mark the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

The flag on the Derby Green flies at half-staff Friday in memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

BHcare program trains Branford first responders in mental health first aid

A total of 102 members of Branford’s Police and Fire Departments recently completed Mental Health First Aid Training, provided by BHcare.  

Participants in the course learned tools and tips to help them better understand mental illnesses and addictions, and how to effectively respond to and deescalate incidents without compromising the safety of those involved.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven, and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities. 

The objective of Mental Health First Aid training is to expand people’s knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and help people understand and accept mental illness as a medical condition. 

“We are very proud to partner with BHcare for the training to increase our officers’ knowledge base,” said Capt. Geoff Morgan of the Branford Police Department. “Our agency remains committed to treat everyone in our community with the dignity and respect they deserve.” 

“The Mental Health First Aid Public Safety Program is about giving our first responders the tools they need to improve their response to people experiencing mental health crises,” said Pamela Mautte, Director, BHcare’s Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council.

The officers and firemen had nothing but positive remarks regarding the course. One said, “I would encourage all first responders to take this course.”  
Another commented, “It was very informational, I can apply this information to my work but also to everyday life.” A third officer remarked, “This was the best training I have had as a police officer.”

To learn more about MHFA training and how it can help you and your business or agency, visit www.VSAAC.com.

VSAAC, a program of BHcare, is a public/private partnership comprised of community leaders and citizens who develop and carry out strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and promote good mental health among youth and, over time, among adults through community education, community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. 
For more information, visit www.VSAAC.com

For more information, about BHcare, visit www.bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Get a haircut, support Seymour Pink



Mark your calendars and get a haircut to support a great cause!

Rotary Club to host annual Shelton Day Oct. 4

SHELTON - The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club will sponsor Shelton Day from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4, rain or shine.

The annual street festival is held downtown and features food and craft vendors, live entertainment, and information booths.


Please click here for more info.