Connecticut
Lead poisoning in Connecticut on the decline, but it disproportionately affects vulnerable communities
Youngsters in New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Hartford, and Meriden made up 49 p.c of circumstances between 2012 and 2020. And, though the numbers are typically bettering, lead poisoning disproportionately hits youngsters of colour — affecting psychological, behavioral, and academic well being.
“If you consider a preventable trigger for these kinds of delays and issues, lead is such an vital contributor,” mentioned Manisha Juthani, the commissioner of the Connecticut Division of Public Well being. “And, as we see, it impacts these most weak, our Black and brown communities and older housing inventory in our interior cities. And so that is actually additionally a problem of fairness.”
Lawmakers handed and Gov. Ned Lamont signed into regulation new measures that take impact in 2023. These embody growing testing necessities for main care suppliers so as to add annual lead testing for sure youngsters. It additionally lowers the brink for blood lead ranges that require state and native well being officers to take rapid motion.
These adjustments mandate reporting to the Division of Public Well being inside 24 hours.
“The set off for it to be inside a day needing to be reported is vital, as a result of in the event you then offers the potential to the state to work and inform native well being departments, who, then, would get these stories and be capable to begin the entire technique of abatement that may finally have to happen in a house,” Juthani mentioned. She famous that there’s $30 million in federal funding slated to additional assist with native abatement efforts.
Lastly, the regulation arrange a working group, which is able to report again to lawmakers by 12 months’s finish.
In a press launch when the invoice was signed into regulation, Lamont mentioned the strikes had been overdue.
“Childhood lead poisoning has catastrophic impacts on well being and growth, together with irreversible studying and developmental disabilities,” Lamont mentioned. “Particularly, this drawback has most deeply impacted minority households and people who stay in deprived communities. For too lengthy, the requirements for lead testing and remedy in Connecticut have fallen effectively behind one of the best practices, and I’m glad we’re making these long-overdue updates.”
Connecticut
14 adorable puppies rescued from rollover crash in Connecticut
Fourteen adorable puppies were rescued from a rollover crash in Connecticut on Thursday morning, according to officials.
A vehicle carrying the pups smashed into a utility pole on Senexet Road in Woodstock around 6 a.m., according to Connecticut State Police.
No people were hurt in the crash but first responders provided care for the 14 puppies.
They were able to retrieve them once power was cut to some downed power lines, the Muddy Brook Fire Department said.
The Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments’ Animal Services and Dr. Gwenn Gaumond from Peake Brook Veterinary Center responded to the scene to provide veterinary care and shelter to the animals.
Photos from the scene posted by the fire department show several puppies of all different breeds at the scene. Some were still in their cages while others were being comforted in the arms of the responders.
Peake Brook Veterinary Center told The Post all puppies are accounted for, “with most receiving a happy ending” — but provided no additional information on their conditions.
“You hate to see things like this happen, but I am glad that the community could count on Peake Brook Veterinary Center and our mobile unit to respond,” Dr. Gaumond said.
Connecticut
Amtrak service between Philadelphia and Connecticut resumes after earlier suspension
Amtrak service between Philadelphia and New Haven, Connecticut, resumed on Thursday evening after train service was suspended for over two hours as crews worked to restore power in the New York area, Amtrak said.
“Significant delays are anticipated due to rail congestion and single-tracking,” Amtrak said in a statement to passengers after service was restored.
The outage included trains in and out of New York Penn Station, Amtrak said.
Service Update: As of 5:30 PM ET, power has been restored, and all rail service has resumed between New Haven (NHV) and Philadelphia (PHL). Significant delays are anticipated due to rail congestion and single-tracking.
– Amtrak Alerts (@AmtrakAlerts) June 20, 2024New Jersey Transit said its trains are suspended in and out of New York Penn Station. NJ Transit hasn’t posted an update as of 5:53 p.m. ET.
An unrelated brush fire is also impacting wire repairs, according to Amtrak and NJ Transit.
The outage was reported shortly after Amtrak warned that the extreme heat in the Northeast might force trains to slow down, causing up to one-hour delays. It was not immediately clear if the service suspension was caused by the heat.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Copyright © 2024 ABC News Internet Ventures.
Connecticut
CT’s oldest queer prom returns for its 30th year. How juniors and seniors can celebrate
Connecticut’s oldest Queer Prom is returning for its 30th year for high school juniors and seniors in Connecticut, according to a release.
The Health Collective’s 30th annual Queer Prom returns Friday, June 28, at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford, giving LGBTQIA+ students the chance to celebrate in a safe and fun way, per a release.
Its “Starry Night” theme will have students dancing beneath the stars in the Grand Ballroom overlooking the cityscape and Bushnell Memorial Park, according to a release.
Angel Reef, one of Hartford’s favorite drag queens, will be joining DJ Reefa, another Hartford native and queer community staple.
Students will have plenty more available to celebrate: hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, space to mix, mingle and take photos, and have tarot card readings, per a release. There will also be a safe and supportive space for students to decompress courtesy of Q-Plus in the form of a Sensory Room.
“The Health Collective is proud to offer our Queer Prom as a means to affirm, empower, and heal queer youth within Connecticut,” said David Grant, executive director of the Health Collective. “This experience provides a safe space free of the cisgender and heteronormative barriers which often deter LGBTQIA+ students from attending those within their own schools.”
Pride Month is right around the corner. Check out these CT events and join the celebration
“As a city, Hartford is committed to continuing the work necessary to ensure we are an inclusive City,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “It’s crucial that all of our residents feel safe, feel like they belong, and grow up feeling embraced by our community and those around them.”
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