February
2020
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Raising Expectations and Opportunities for All Students in Connecticut    
A Message from Richard Porth
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut  

In the coming weeks, the  Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) will be sending letters to students in Grades 10 and 11 who took the PSAT in fall 2019 and who, based on the College Board's AP potential program, are likely to do well in at least one AP exam. The letters will recommend students meet with their high school counselor and discuss the rigorous course opportunities that are right for them. 

CSDE is continuing the practice of using data from the PSAT® to encourage students to participate in rigorous coursework such as Advanced Placement® (AP), dual enrollment, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses while in high school.  In future years, the CSDE expects to broaden the criteria for identifying students to go beyond just a PSAT score.

For more information on the College Board's Advanced Placement Program  download, The AP Program: Resources for Parents and Families.
NORA- Naxolone + Overdoes Response APP

The Connecticut Department of Public Health's NORA - Naloxone  + Overdose Response App is a free app that can help you be ready to help someone in your community in the case of an accidental overdose. Visit NORAsaves.com to access information on the signs and symptoms associated with a suspected opioid overdose and instructions on administering naloxone, when needed. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone restores normal breathing and consciousness within 1 to 5 minutes after inhaling or injecting. Giving naloxone can prevent death or brain damage from lack of oxygen during an opioid overdose.

Through NORAsaves.com, you can also learn about trainings on naloxone use in CT as well as where to obtain naloxone in your community. NORAsaves.com also provides information about how to prevent an overdose, disposal of medications, and links to treatment and recovery resources.

To lean more, visit NORAsaves.com and click HERE for instruction on how to install the app on your smart phone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, dial 2-1-1 or text CTRecovery to 898211 to get connected with information on treatment options. You can also access information by visiting 211ct.org's Substance Use Disorder Page or reading 2-1-1's Opioid Substance Use Treatment Options in Connecticut elibray paper. Start your recovery today!

Download CTPrepares to Stay Informed

The CTPrepares mobile app can help you stay informed b efore, during and after a  disaster. Download the mobile app to start receiving information and alerts on your smartphone. With the CTPrepares  app you will receive  real-time notifications including emergency news, state office closings, and public safety messages.

The CTPrepares mobile app can be downloaded on both Apple and Android smartphones. Click HERE for information on how to download the mobile app and visit  https://portal.ct.gov/CTPrepares/Stay-Informed for a list of other resources that can help you stay safe and informed during any weather emergency or disaster.
 
2-1-1 Can Connect You With Transportation Resources  

2-1-1's database of health and human services includes information on bus, rail and ride opportunities across the state of Connecticut. In 2019, 2-1-1 received more than 3,500 service requests for transportation assistance and the Transportation Page was visited more than 2,700 times. 
 
Visit the Transportation Page on the 211ct.org website to access transportation resources such as:
  • Local Bus and Rail Information
  • Disability Related Transportation
  • Family Prison Visitation Support
  • Medical Appointments Transportation
  • Senior Ride Programs
  • Ride Sharing Programs
United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 is continuously striving to better meet the needs of Connecticut residents. If you are aware of transportation services that are not currently listed in our database please click HERE to let us know! To learn more about the transportation resources that Connecticut residents are seeking, check out  2-1-1's Transportation Barometer.

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The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education and connection to services.