Health district to bring Teddy Bear Clinic to Derby Neck Library

 

Derby Public Library to host health district meet and greet Tuesday

 

Naugatuck Valley Health District to visit Seymour Public Library Tuesday

 

Naugatuck Valley Health Distrct to present virtual radon awareness program

In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the Naugatuck Valley Health District will host a virtual information session on radon Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas.

Radon enters the home through small cracks and holes in the basement. Prolonged exposure to levels above 4 picocuries per liter can increase one’s risk of getting lung cancer. Public health officials have found that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., behind cigarette smoking and the leading cause among non-smokers.

If you smoke cigarettes and have radon in your home, then your risk of getting lung cancer is even greater.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an estimated 15,000-30,000 U.S. citizens die from radon-induced lung cancer each year.

According to CT DPH, high radon concentrations can occur sporadically in all parts of Connecticut. Two homes right next to each other can have different radon levels. Director Jessica Kristy cautions that “many homeowners or renters don’t think to test their homes annually. The only way to find out if your home has radon is to test for it. With that being said, now is a good time of year to do so!”

The heating season is the best time to test for radon because your home is closed up, and radon levels tend to build up indoors.

Our organization, along with the Department of Public Health, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association of Connecticut are partnering together to promote radon testing and mitigation.

In addition to offering the information session, Naugatuck Valley Health District has 100 FREE test kits available on a first come first serve basis.

To arrange to pick up your kit, contact Health Educator Lisa Trupp at 203-881-3255, ext. 108. If you are a homebound individual or have limited accessibility to transportation, please let us know so we can best accommodate you.

You can also purchase a test kit by calling the American Lung Association of Connecticut directly at 1-800-LUNG USA, visiting Airchek.com, or you can purchase a kit by visiting your local hardware store.

Kits are valued around $15 so don’t wait, call today!

To register for the program, please use:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/68YWFF7

For additional information on radon, contact your local health department at (203) 881-3255 or the Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program at (860) 509-7367 or visit our website at http://www.dph.state.ct.us. 

Wesley Village in Shelton marks year of resilience during COVID-19

From left: Luz DeJesus, housekeeping associate, Pam O'Connor, dining associate, Maryann Porcadilla, CNA./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - On March 11, one year after COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency in Connecticut, Wesley Village senior living campus joined with Leading Age Connecticut in their public effort, #oneyearstronger, to commemorate the past year, one marked by compassion, strength, and resilience. 

'Caring Superhero' and
Joylynn-Jarrett Smith, CNA

Residents and staff came together to celebrate the strength and courage displayed throughout the year and show gratitude for the outpouring of love and support given by family members, volunteers, and the local community during the pandemic. 

Vice President of Assisted Living Services, Lori Pisani, reflected on the challenges of the past year. “A year ago, we never would have imagined the experience we had this past year, but we have stayed the course and are grateful to be stronger and more connected than ever," she said. "With the arrival of the vaccine and strong response we have had in vaccinating our residents and staff, it finally feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We feel very hopeful.”

The campus organized a variety of activities and events to commemorate the day, including a cannoli truck and opportunities for reflection. Stickers with red hearts and the words “Stronger Together” were scattered everywhere and spotted on staff and residents as they walked through the community. 

A “One Year Stronger” sign was posted at each community entrance to greet staff as they arrived for the day, along with a “We Are Stronger Because…” display which featured personal thoughts and messages of gratitude. 

“We have felt the support of those around us - residents, staff, and family members,” one card read. Another card read, “We can count on each other,” and “We appreciate every day and take one day at a time, with more gratitude.”

“We have learned so much this past year," said Debra Samorajczyk, administrator at Bishop Wicke Health Center. “We are so grateful to our fearless caregivers for their strength, resilience, perseverance, love, heroism, and dedication.”

As a humorous surprise, a “Caring Superhero” bear wandered through the campus to inspire smiles and laughter and share love and thanks. The bear paused to take individual photos, much to the delight of residents.

President and CEO of United Methodist Homes David Lawlor thanked the Wesley Village team as part of a special message commemorating this past year. 

“We’ve come to realize how important it is to support one another in good times and in bad, and how much we mean to each other,” he said. “Many thanks to our incredible team, our supportive families, our Board, and the entire UMH family. Our history will note we survived this pandemic, we became stronger as an organization, and we look forward to great days ahead.”

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

The campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Naugatuck Valley Health District urges homeowners to test for radon gas

Shared from the Naugatuck Valley Health District Facebook page:

The month of January has been designated as Radon Action Month in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health, the American Lung Association of Connecticut, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urge you to test your home for radon, and, if necessary, mitigate high levels, when found.

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas.

Radon enters the home through small cracks and holes in the basement. At levels above 4 picocuries per liter it can increase one’s risk of getting lung cancer.

Public health officials have found that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., behind cigarette smoking and the leading cause among non-smokers.

If you smoke cigarettes and have radon in your home, then your risk of getting lung cancer is even greater.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an estimated 15,000-30,000 U.S. citizens die from radon-induced lung cancer each year.

“We live in an area of the country where elevated radon levels in homes are quite common,” says Jessica Kristy, Director of Health. “Most of Connecticut is located in a zone where there is a high to moderate potential for having a radon issue in the air or water in one’s home. Yet, very few people are testing for radon. Now is a good time of year to test.”

The only way to find out if your home has radon is to test for it. The heating season is the best time to test for radon because your home is closed up, and radon levels tend to build up indoors. The Department of Public Health, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the American Lung Association of Connecticut are partnering to promote radon testing and mitigation during Radon Action Month.

Call the Naugatuck Valley Health District to receive a free home test kit at 203-881-3255 ext. 108.

Supplies are limited so call today! You can also purchase a test kit by calling the American Lung Association of Connecticut directly at 1-800-LUNG USA or by going online at www.alact.org.

For additional information on radon, contact your local health department at 203-881-3255 or the Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program at 860-509-7367 or visit the CT DPH website at https://portal.ct.gov/.../Environment.../Radon/Radon-Program.

Ansonia Police share tips on mask wearing, social distancing

Sharing from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page:

"As we make our way through the warm summer months it can be difficult to wear a face mask and follow social distancing protocols. 

"Please remember that there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

"We can only stay safe if everyone does their part. While CT has seen some improvement, it does not mean the virus cannot re-emerge quickly. 

"Please be safe, practice social distancing, and wear a mask when you cannot properly socially distance. 

"Stay Safe Ansonia!"

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 COVID-19 associated death

Sharing today's message from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Health Director.

"Attached please find the latest [Monday] update on behalf of the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

"NVHD has identified duplicate cases/cases with multiple profiles in the CT Electronic Disease Surveillance System as well as a number of individuals who had their addresses updated out of the NVHD jurisdiction. 
"Today’s data report reflects those changes as well as four new reported cases, including one COVID-19 associated death from last week. 
Our sincerest condolences are extended to the family during this time. 

"Additionally, various Sector Rules were updated on 7/23 so please check out the DECD Reopen website for the latest guidance: 
https://portal.ct.gov/…/Sector-Rules-and-Certification-for-reopen "

Valley United Way welcomes part-time development director

Brian Mezzi

After months of strategic planning and working with the community on Coronavirus relief, Valley United Way has announce the hiring of a Brian Mezzi of Clinton as part-time Development Director.

Mezzi currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven as Assistant Development Director.
Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way David Kennedy approached UWGNH to consider a work-share scenario that would enable Mezzi to work for the Valley part time. “The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs.
Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.
He also is no stranger to giving back to the community. An avid fencer, Mezzi is former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.

He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Mezzi said, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley.”

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not a typical orientation for a new employee. Mezzi started at Valley United Way July 13 and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff, until further notice. 

For questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, contact Mezzi at: Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.
___

As a leading philanthropic organization in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration.
For more information visit www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.


This is taken from a press release from Valley United Way.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 new COVID-19 associated death reported

Adam's House in Shelton supports families grieving deaths from COVID-19

Sharing from Adam's House Facebook page:

If you're grieving, we can help. 

Call 203-513-2808 and speak to a Grief Specialist today.
“There are substantial concerns about the health impacts of COVID-19 for individuals, but one area that has received less attention is how the deaths caused by this disease will reverberate through families,” said study author Ashton Verdery, associate professor of sociology, demography, and social data analytics at Penn State University. 

“Our results show that these impacts will be substantial, they’ll affect people at all ages, and they may exacerbate existing inequalities in bereavement and social support.”

Link to study: http://www.oc-breeze.com/2020/07/13/184694_for-every-covid-19-death-nine-close-family-members-are-left-to-grieve-usc-study-finds/

Adam's House grief education center is located at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Director issues update, reports 1 COVID-19 case

Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health, issued an update that includes these highlights:

• There was +1 new case reported in the district today
• CT updated its travel advisory to include 31 states
• Reopen guidance for indoor and outdoor events was updated 7/21 

For more information, visit the health district's Facebook page.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Director offers COVID-19 update

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Update on COVID-19 cases

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Update on COVID-19 cases

A message Tuesday from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health:

Good evening,

NVHD has received reports of 15 new cases and six laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 associated deaths since the last data report on Friday, July 10.

The increase in these local statistics is due to data entry into the State of CT Electronic Disease Surveillance System and does not necessarily mean the individuals tested positive or passed away in the time since Friday.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: No new COVID-19 associated deaths

Sharing message from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH:

Attached please find the latest update on behalf of the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

Highlights:

• 3 new cases reported today [Friday]
• No new deaths reported

Additionally, as Tropical Storm Fay inches closer to CT, please be safe and remember if you approach a flooded road, path, or walkway follow this rule: Turn Around, Don’t Drown®. Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet and as little as 12 inches of moving floodwater can be enough to float and carry away a small vehicle!

Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH

Director of Health

Naugatuck Valley Medical Reserve Corps Director

Region 5 Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator

Region 5 ESF #8 Co-Chair 

Naugatuck Valley Health District: No new COVID-19 associated deaths

Sharing message received Thursday evening from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health:

Please see the attached reports on behalf of the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

Highlights:

• +3 new cases reported today, all from Naugatuck

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Good news

Sharing message received Wednesday evening from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health:

There were no new cases [of COVID-19] reported today for the NVHD jurisdiction. 

Thank you, 
Jess

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 more COVID-19 associated death

Sharing a press release from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health:

"Attached please find the latest update on behalf of NVHD. 
Highlights: 1 new case; 1 reported COVID-19- associated death that occurred 7/3."

Posting Public Service Announcement about poisonous plants