May
2021
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
May is Mental Health Month
1 in 5 adults across in the United States experience mental illness annually and in Connecticut, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 531,000 adults have a mental health condition. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages.

At 211 Connecticut, we stand ready to offer support, information and connection to mental health resources. 211 Connecticut Contact Specialists are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to answer calls and serve as a point of entry for crisis intervention services.

211 provides the state’s point of entry and triage for Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention Services in partnership with CT Department of Children and Families (DCF). 211 also operates Action Line in partnership with the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Both services provide telephone support, information and referrals to community resources, warm transfer to Mobile Crisis Teams, and when necessary, direct connection to 911 for youth or adults in crisis.

For more information about mental health resources in Connecticut visit the Mental Health Page on the 211 CT website (www.211ct.org). If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 211. 
Don’t Let Transportation Stop You From Getting the Vaccine! 
United Way of Connecticut is committed to ensuring that everyone in our state can access the COVID-19 vaccine. Don’t let transportation stop you from getting the vaccine!

Call the Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line TODAY (877-918-2224 ) to schedule your COVID vaccine appointment AND get connected with a ride to and from your appointment.

The Vaccine Appointment Assist Line is open 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Dial 877-918-2224 to speak with a Vaccine Appointment Specialist who can help you schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment and access transportation assistance.

If you are 12 years of age or older and live, work or go to school in Connecticut, you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Vaccine Appointment Assist Line can also provide assistance to those who face language and technology barriers and those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Recover, Rebuild, Reimagine- A Conversation on Equity and Access in Connecticut’s Workforce Development System
The Campaign for Working Connecticut is thrilled to host Recover, Rebuild, Reimagine- A Conversation on Equity and Access in Connecticut’s Workforce Development System.
            
Join our Facebook live stream on Thursday, June 3rd at 1:00 PM: www.facebook.com/UnitedWayofCT

Now is the time to build an innovative, equitable and resilient workforce system that serves those who have been historically underserved. There are concrete steps that Connecticut can take to advance equity while simultaneously strengthening our economy.

This virtual event will focus on the need for an inclusive economic recovery and feature, Maria Flynn, a nationally recognized expert on workforce development and the President & CEO of Jobs for the Future.
To learn more about the Campaign for Working Connecticut, download our 2021 Policy Agenda HERE.
Lyme Disease Prevention 
As the weather starts to warm, an increased awareness of ticks and the symptoms associated with Lyme Disease is important.

Tips for preventing Lyme Disease:
  • Avoid tall grass and over-grown, bushy areas.
  • Stay in the middle of trails when hiking in the woods.
  • Wear light-colored clothing to allow ticks to be more easily seen.
  • Examine yourself, your children, and pets for ticks when returning indoors.
  • Bathe within two hours of outdoor activity.
  • Treat pets with veterinarian-recommended products
  • Remove found ticks as soon as possible.

It takes approximately 24 hours for a tick to infect a person with Lyme disease. The longer an infected tick stays on your skin the greater the chance it will pass the Lyme bacteria on to you. If you find a tick remove it immediately and be on the lookout for Lyme disease symptoms such as rash (sometimes in the shape of a bulls-eye) fever, muscle aches or fatigue.

Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms occurs and visit the Department of Public Health Lyme Disease Page or download 211's Lyme Disease eLibrary Paper for more information.
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.