Klarides-Ditria: 988 new suicide prevention lifeline starts July 16

An important priority for the legislature this past session was to address the mental and behavioral needs of our students and children.  One important measure the legislature passed included funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. More information about the line is provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, below. Beginning July 16, 988 will become the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline will provide compassionate, accessible care and support via phone, text, or online chat to anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.  You can use 988 if you have thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress.  You can also dial 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Additionally, many women feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious during their pregnancy and even after the baby is born.  For some women, these emotions may stay for months.  The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)’s new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides real-time emotional support, encouragement, information, and referrals. Pregnant and postpartum women can call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to get the help and resources they need when they need it.

Sincerely,

St. Mary-St.Michael School in Derby to hold bottle & can drive

DERBY - A bottle and can drive will be held July 16 from 9 a.m.-noon in front of St. Mary-St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave.

Plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans will be collected..

All of the proceeds go to support student programs!

USED SNEAKERS are also accepted and COKE REWARDS will be collected.

This is shared from the school's Facebook page.

Wesley Village in Shelton recognizes compassion of CNAs

Pictured from left: Danita Alberti, Crosby Commons Director of Nursing, Karen Hughes, CNA, Lori Pisani, VP of Assisted Living at Wesley Village.

SHELTON - Team members and residents from Wesley Village Senior Living Campus recently celebrated Certified Nursing Assistant Karen Hughes on receiving the 2022 Caring Hands Award from Leading Age Connecticut. 

The award was presented at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville by Mag Morelli, President of Leading Age Connecticut, and is a recognition of the contribution that nursing aides provide in enhancing the quality of life for older adults. 

The focus of the award is honoring those who exemplify the highest standards of compassion, commitment, and excellence. 

“When we thought about who to nominate for this award, we immediately thought of Karen,” said Danita Alberti, Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing Services at Crosby Commons Independent & Assisted Living Community at the campus. 

“Aside from providing exceptional care, there is rarely a time when Karen cannot be found actively engaged with our residents. Every day she models the importance of relationships in her approach to caring, which makes her so deserving of this award.”

Alberti noted that Hughes has been a member of the Wesley Village team for over two decades and started her career working at Bishop Wicke Health Center when she first became a CNA. She is well known by residents and team members alike and her leadership as a CNA extends beyond simply providing care to the residents; her best practices are used as a benchmark in recruiting, training, and onboarding new staff, and in shaping the culture of the community. 

Wesley Village Vice President of Assisted Living, Lori Pisani shared how Hughes is committed to the success of the residents and team and works tirelessly to ensure each resident has a positive transition when moving into the community. 

“She makes time each day for personal connections and resident engagement – which we know are two of the most critical and influential factors in determining positive health outcomes for older adults,” Pisani said. “Residents thrive because of her involvement in their lives.”

Nicole Brickett

Nicole Brickett was also honored at Bishop Wicke Health Center, the campus’s award-winning skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation community. 

Brickett, who has been part of the Bishop Wicke team since 2019, was recently recognized with an Honorable Mention Certificate for Leading Age Connecticut’s prestigious Aging Services Award of Excellence.  

She was celebrated for her outstanding service and dedication, her strong commitment to personal growth, and loyalty to her team, residents, and their families.

 “We have worked hard over the years to build a strong reputation on providing exceptional care for our patients and residents,” said Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator at Bishop Wicke Health Center. “Our residents and their families trust our CNAs and appreciate their care and that makes all the difference. We’re so proud of our team.”

Wesley Village has received multiple awards for excellence in caregiving and has enjoyed many years of staff longevity, with some team members celebrating over 10, 15, and 20 years at the campus. 

Hughes, Brickett, and the entire Wesley Village team of certified nursing assistants were celebrated during National C.N.A. Week, June 16-22.

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit the website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024.

Leading Age Connecticut is a membership association representing over 130 not-for-profit and mission-driven provider organizations serving older adults and disabled individuals across the continuum of services, supports and housing, including nursing homes, residential care homes, housing for older adults, life plan communities, adult day services,  home health care agencies and assisted living communities. 

For more information, visit https://www.leadingagect.org/

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.