COSA meets Tuesday, December 14th 10am-11am. INFO HERE.

The data is in from the MA Department of Public Health COVID Survey. The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts has a great guide to the survey results from over 33,000 residents. Get more details HERE.

Brazelton Touchpoints Center National Substance Use

Disorder Virtual Summit

January 26, 2022

Registration is open for the first BTC National Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Summit, focused on whole families and communities in recovery. DETAILS HERE.

Jim Ayres, New CEO

of Greater Worcester

Community Foundation

All who know Jim from his work at United Way of Hampshire County and the Community Foundation of Western Mass say Congratulations! INFO

Last week's favorite click? Pioneer Valley Habitat's Gingerbread Build!

MA Association for Mental Health:

What is 988 -

and Why Should YOU Care?

Whether or not you, a family member, or a friend have ever needed help for a behavioral health crisis, you are being affected by the current patchwork system. And 988 goes live – ready or not – on July 16, 2022. ARTICLE HERE.

Parents with Young Children Used Child Tax Credit Payments for Child Care

Three in 10 families that received monthly Advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments spent them on kids’ school expenses, and 1 in 4 families with young children used them to cover child care costs. US Census ARTICLE HERE.

Want to join the COSA mailing list? Click here.

Does your staff know where to Look 4 Help? Let Community Action train your staff to use their Look 4 Help database in one easy Zoom training. Connect your clients to the resources they need. Contact Dane Kuttler to set up a training today.

Join COSA in December for our special presentation on Trauma Informed Hampshire County, a network responding to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by building resilience. COSA gathers Tuesday, Dec 14th 10am-11am. DETAILS HERE.

Resources from State Representative Mindy Domb:

COVID-19 SERVICES: TESTING AND VACCINES

Cases are on the increase in New England, which illustrates the importance of prevention and risk reduction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s tips for safer ways to celebrate the holidays is here.

Testing:

The most comprehensive way to find a testing site in Massachusetts is here. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test.
In Amherst we have two options, thanks to the UMass Community Testing program. On campus(closed Nov. 24-26), there is observed testing. Information and schedule here. Off-campus (at the Bangs Community Center and the Jones Library) testing is a self-administered kit that can be dropped off at the Bangs Community Center. Information and location here.

Vaccines:

Statewide: Everyone over the age of 5 can get vaccinated. Locations for a free vaccine in Massachusetts are at vaxfinder.mass.gov. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations offering boosters.

For individuals who are unable to use VaxFinder or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is available by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish. Translators are available in nearly 100 other languages.

In the Amherst area:

UMass/On-Campus Community Vaccine clinic: Information on its schedule, location and making an appointment is here. Scheduled appointments are required. The clinic is closed this week.

In the town of Amherst: A weekly vaccine clinic is by appointment on Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bang Center. No clinic on Nov. 25 and Dec 2. Information is here.

Pediatric Vaccines: Children 5-11 are now able to receive the Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. More information on vaccines for children ages 5-11 here .