Dear friends,
I write to you today with public health and legislative updates.
Table of Contents
Lifeguarding Opportunities This Summer
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Mental Health Services and Resources
Lifeguarding Opportunities This Summer
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) needs certified lifeguards to work at our beautiful state beaches and pools this summer. Qualified applicants who are certified can receive up to $1,000 in bonuses if they commit to staying through September 4. Plus, this year the Healey-Driscoll Administration raised the pay to between $22-$27 per hour, depending on position and related credentials.
To be considered for a DCR lifeguard position, applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the date of hire, must complete lifeguard training, and must be certified in first aid and CPR. For more information or to apply, visit mass.gov/lifeguards.
Public Health Updates
Upcoming Stakeholder Listening Sessions on Problem Gambling
The Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services (OPGS) is holding its 7th annual stakeholder virtual listening sessions to discuss modern day gambling and strategies, policies, and programs to reduce the harms caused by problem gambling. Share your thoughts or recommendations about the programs provided by the OPGS and register for the listening sessions held on June 20 and June 21.
Register for 6/20 at t.co/XR4CGx1Roc
Register for 6/21 at t.co/mo502D7tKJ
End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
As a reminder, the COVID-19 public health emergency ended last week. That means:
Healthcare facilities can set their own mask policies
Private insurers aren’t required to provide free rapid tests
Vaccines & treatments are still covered by insurance in MA
Learn more at mass.gov/COVID
MassHealth Redetermination Underway
The MassHealth eligibility redetermination process began on April 1. Over the upcoming year, MassHealth will renew the membership of all 2.3 million members. Visit mass.gov/masshealthrenew or call (800)-841-2900 to learn more about this process.
Cambridge Updates
One Remaining COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
The Cambridge Public Health Department is hosting one additional Wednesday vaccine clinic this season, on June 7. For more information and to register, visit www.cambridgepublichealth.org/services/get-vaccinated/.
Public Health Helpline Supports Residents with COVID-19
To speak with someone, call the confidential COVID-19 Hotline for the public health departments of Cambridge, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop at 617-933-0797. The hotline is managed by the Cambridge Public Health Department. Learn more at bit.ly/3J7FYAO
City Offering Free At-Home COVID Tests
The Cambridge Public Health Department, in partnership with the Cambridge Health Alliance, is providing free COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits. They can be picked up Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM in the CHA lobby at 119 Windsor Street. Cambridge businesses or organizations that would like free rapid tests to provide to customers can call the COVID-19 hotline at 617-933-0797 to request them.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
I spent Memorial Day with my Gold Star mom visiting my father and then joining her to remember and honor those who lost their lives at sea, as we have done together for over 50 years at the Weeks Memorial Bridge.
I invited MBTA General Manager Eng to join me at Harvard Square station to discuss the T’s progress on implementing safety measures, maintaining and updating stations and subway cars, and recruiting and retaining employees.
I met with members of the Massachusetts Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to discuss legislative and budget priorities as well as the state of maternal healthcare in the Commonwealth.
I joined officials from the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Domestic Policy Council, and the Department of Health and Human Services in a meeting with state legislative leaders from across the country on efforts to address the mental health crisis.
Mental Health Services and Resources
If you or a loved one are struggling, please know that you are not alone. There are some great resources here: decker4rep.com/2021/mental-health-services-and-resources/.
Intimate Partner Abuse Prevention Helpline
This initiative is designed to prevent intimate partner violence by fostering accountability and change in people who harm or may harm their intimate partner. You can find more information at 10to10helpline.org or by calling 877-898-3411.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie