HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is nominating Dr. Manisha Juthani to serve as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Dr. Juthani is an infectious diseases physician at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, where she specializes in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of infections in older adults. Her most recent area of interest is at the interface of infectious diseases and palliative care, including the role of antibiotics at the end of life.
She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Pennsylvania, attended Cornell University Medical College, completed residency training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Campus, and was a chief resident at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She arrived at Yale School of Medicine in 2002 for infectious diseases fellowship training and joined the faculty full-time in 2006. She assumed the role of infectious diseases fellowship program director in 2012.
“Dr. Juthani’s background in infectious diseases will be a tremendous benefit to the people of Connecticut as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen our vaccination efforts,” Governor Lamont said. “When seeking candidates to serve in this role, Dr. Juthani came recommended by many top experts in this field, and I am thrilled to have her join our administration. I’m incredibly proud that Connecticut is among the leading states in vaccinating our residents, but as this pandemic continues, we need to implement sound policies that will keep the rates of transmission as low as possible.”
“I am grateful to the civil servants at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dr. Gifford, and Governor Lamont for leading us through this pandemic to date,” Dr. Juthani said. “Under Dr. Gifford’s leadership, I look forward to continuing their efforts related to COVID-19, mental health, health equity, health disparities, and access to healthcare going forward.”
In accepting the nomination, Dr. Juthani will succeed Dr. Deidre Gifford as head of the state’s public health agency. For the last 14 months, Dr. Gifford has been serving dual roles within the Lamont administration. Although her primary position is as commissioner of the Department of Social Services, in May 2020 she agreed to also serve as commissioner of the Department of Public Health in an acting capacity while a search was underway to permanently fill the position.
Governor Lamont said that Dr. Gifford’s dedication to the residents of Connecticut throughout the pandemic and her leadership skills in managing two state agencies during such a trying time have been extraordinary. That is why he announced today that as she transitions away from the Department of Public Health, he is tasking Dr. Gifford with the additional duty of serving as Senior Advisor to the Governor for Health and Human Services.
In this new role, Dr. Gifford will be tasked with coordinating a multi-agency approach among the state’s nine health and human services agencies to improving health and healthcare in Connecticut. Governor Lamont explained that these nine agencies serve many overlapping populations and provide similar programs and functions, however they often are not optimally coordinated. As Senior Advisor to the Governor for Health and Human Services, Dr. Gifford will convene and lead coordination efforts between these agencies, working closely with the Office of Policy and Management, as well as provide the governor with policy input and recommendations that address issues of health, healthcare costs, quality, and disparities.
Although she is taking on this added responsibility, Dr. Gifford’s primary role in the administration will continue to be as commissioner of the Department of Social Services. The commissioners of the nine health and human service agencies will maintain all statutorily defined responsibilities and authorities.
“I cannot emphasize enough how thankful I am to have Deidre as part of our team,” Governor Lamont said. “She has been a consistent source of reason and guidance as we’ve tried our best to implement decisions that are in the best interests of public health during this global pandemic. Our response also demonstrated the positive impact we can have when our agencies work together closely to tackle difficult challenges, and we now need to expand these partnerships to tackle healthcare affordability, access, and health disparities. Deidre’s expertise and collaborative approach make her the perfect person to coordinate our work in these areas as Senior Advisor to the Governor.”
Dr. Juthani will begin at the Department of Public Health on Monday, September 20, 2021. On this date, Dr. Gifford will transition back to solely leading the Department of Social Services, while maintaining a close connection with Dr. Juthani to provide counsel as the response to the pandemic continues.
“I welcome Dr. Juthani to our team, and I am delighted to pass the reins of the Department of Public Health into her capable hands,” Dr. Gifford said. “She joins a dedicated and skilled group of leaders at the department, whose work and dedication to public health over the last year have been exemplary. Since joining the Lamont administration in May of 2019, it has been my privilege to work with an extraordinarily generous and talented group of human services commissioners. I am honored to take on the role of Senior Advisor to the Governor, and look forward to more work with my colleagues to improve health and healthcare for every Connecticut resident.”
The state’s nine health and human services agencies include:
Department of Aging and Disability Services
Department of Children and Families
Department of Developmental Services
Office of Early Childhood
Office of Health Strategy
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Department of Public Health
Department of Social Services
Department of Veterans Affairs
This press release is made possible by:
Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
#Norwalk CT–On Thursday, 07/15/21, a senior citizen Complainant reported that a unknown male contacted her by phone, identifying himself as a Sergeant of the State Police, and advised her that her grandson had been in a hit & run car accident and was in custody. The male proceeded to use the “Grandparent Scam”, tricking the victim into handing over cash.
The suspect later arrived driving a white, four door sedan, and described as a light skinned, thin black male wearing thin gold rimmed glasses and had a neatly groomed mustache. The victim handed over cash to whom she thought was a police officer, and the suspect left immediately.
This is an open investigation. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact us on our tip line, 203-854-3111.
2021-07-26@12:37pm–#Bridgeport Ct– Firefighters dispatched to the 400 block of of Holland Road for a mulch fire close to a home. The fire was out on the firefighters arrival, but now you know what all the noise was about.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The legislation contains a number of significant provisions Blumenthal fought to include to invest in Connecticut’s defense manufacturing workforce and enhance national security. The bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 23-3 and will now move to the full Senate for consideration.
“This legislation makes smart and strategic investments in submarines, helicopters, and aircraft—all built right here in Connecticut—key tools to defend our nation and keep servicemembers safe. These investments are a vital boon to national security—and a great boost to jobs. They are also a tribute to our state’s defense workforce, unmatched in its skill and dedication. I am proud to fight for this significant federal funding that supports quality jobs and helps families.”
“This bill commendably includes important provisions I advocated for to overhaul the military’s handling of sexual assault. It gives decision-making power concerning major crimes, including sexual assault, to professional military prosecutors.”
“I’m proud of other provisions I helped lead, including ensuring servicemembers and their families can fully use educations benefits and reduce their exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals. It also helps prevent stolen military weapons and ammunition being used in violent crimes. I hope Congress will pass this strong defense bill without delay,” Blumenthal said.
As a member of the Committee tasked with crafting the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, Blumenthal championed the following provisions to boost jobs and support critical industries with defense contracts in Connecticut:
Making Strong Investments in Connecticut’s Submarine Industrial Base: Blumenthal fought for robust submarine funding to fortify our undersea superiority and grow Connecticut jobs. Blumenthal secured:
· $3.003 billion to fully fund another Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine, to include over $346 million in research, development, test & evaluation funding.
· $1.644 billion in advance procurement for the Columbia Class, including an additional $130 million above the President’s budget request to invest in submarine supplier development. This funding will support the health of Connecticut submarine suppliers who provide vital services, material, and expertise to both the Columbia and Virginia Class programs.
· $4.249 billion to fully fund two Virginia Class submarines, and over $2.120 billion in advance procurement that will fund future boats, including long lead material as the Navy has decided to exercise the option for 10 Virginia Class submarines in the Block V contract.
· Robust funding of the future of undersea warfare, including over $503 million to fund New Design SSN research, $12 million in undersea vehicle research, $5 million in deep water active technology, and $55 million in advanced Nuclear Power Systems. These funds will support the ongoing research, development, testing, and evaluation necessary for the Columbia program to remain on schedule for its first deterrent patrol in 2031, and allow Connecticut companies like Electric Boat to continue to produce submarines that maintain the qualitative military edge.
Prioritizing Work Force Development and Stability: Blumenthal secured $10 million to support workforce development and fund investments in the submarine construction workforce training pipeline to support increased hiring needs. It is projected that over the next decade the submarine shipbuilding industry must hire at least 18,000 new skilled workers to support the production of the Columbia and Virginia Class submarines.
Funding the Future of the F-35: Blumenthal fought to fully fund the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program as Connecticut’s Pratt and Whitney is the sole engine-manufacturer for the only fifth generation fighter in production. Blumenthal secured:
· $12.109 billion for 86 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, including an additional aircraft above the President’s budget request (48 F-35A fighters, 17 F-35B fighters, and 20 F-35C fighters).
· $818.5 million in F-35 Advance Procurement funding, $619.5 million in F-35 modernization funding, and $1.983 billion in F-35 Continuous Capability Development and Delivery – including an additional $20 million above the President’s budget.
· $180 million to procure an additional 20 F135 power modules to address engine shortages for the F-35 in the fleet Armed Forces.
Ensuring Robust Production of Helicopters: Blumenthal pushed for strong funding of helicopters, including the CH-53K King Stallion, UH-60M Black Hawk, Combat Rescue Helicopter Program, and Future Vertical Lift Program. Funding of these programs ensures the health of Sikorsky helicopters and countless other Connecticut businesses that support the helicopter industrial base. Blumenthal secured:
· $1.536 billion to fund a total of 11 CH-53K King Stallion Helicopters, which includes $250 million over the President’s Budget for 2 additional CH-53K.
· $630.2 million to fund 9 UH-60M and 15 HH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and $146.1 million in advanced procurement funding.
· $792.2 million in procurement funding for 14 Combat Rescue Helicopters.
· $1.125 billion to fund Future Vertical Lift Research, Development, Test & Evaluation efforts.
· $29.9 million to fund Combat Rescue Helicopter development and demonstration.
Supporting our National Guard: Blumenthal advocated to maintain the current levels of Air Force Total Aircraft Inventory, with this year’s bill directing the Secretary to maintain an inventory of 292 aircraft. Additionally, he secured:
· $17.5 million to fully fund the new Connecticut Army National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam, Connecticut.
· $17 million for the Connecticut Air National Guard’s top MILCON priority, a Construct Composite and Vehicle Maintenance Facility. This project will create a sustainable facility to replace 4 aging and energy inefficient buildings totaling 22,777 SF.
WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The legislation contains a number of significant provisions Blumenthal fought to include to invest in Connecticut’s defense manufacturing workforce and enhance national security. The bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 23-3 and will now move to the full Senate for consideration.
“This legislation makes smart and strategic investments in submarines, helicopters, and aircraft—all built right here in Connecticut—key tools to defend our nation and keep servicemembers safe. These investments are a vital boon to national security—and a great boost to jobs. They are also a tribute to our state’s defense workforce, unmatched in its skill and dedication. I am proud to fight for this significant federal funding that supports quality jobs and helps families.”
“This bill commendably includes important provisions I advocated for to overhaul the military’s handling of sexual assault. It gives decision-making power concerning major crimes, including sexual assault, to professional military prosecutors.”
“I’m proud of other provisions I helped lead, including ensuring servicemembers and their families can fully use educations benefits and reduce their exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals. It also helps prevent stolen military weapons and ammunition being used in violent crimes. I hope Congress will pass this strong defense bill without delay,” Blumenthal said.
As a member of the Committee tasked with crafting the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, Blumenthal championed the following provisions to boost jobs and support critical industries with defense contracts in Connecticut:
Making Strong Investments in Connecticut’s Submarine Industrial Base: Blumenthal fought for robust submarine funding to fortify our undersea superiority and grow Connecticut jobs. Blumenthal secured:
· $3.003 billion to fully fund another Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine, to include over $346 million in research, development, test & evaluation funding.
· $1.644 billion in advance procurement for the Columbia Class, including an additional $130 million above the President’s budget request to invest in submarine supplier development. This funding will support the health of Connecticut submarine suppliers who provide vital services, material, and expertise to both the Columbia and Virginia Class programs.
· $4.249 billion to fully fund two Virginia Class submarines, and over $2.120 billion in advance procurement that will fund future boats, including long lead material as the Navy has decided to exercise the option for 10 Virginia Class submarines in the Block V contract.
· Robust funding of the future of undersea warfare, including over $503 million to fund New Design SSN research, $12 million in undersea vehicle research, $5 million in deep water active technology, and $55 million in advanced Nuclear Power Systems. These funds will support the ongoing research, development, testing, and evaluation necessary for the Columbia program to remain on schedule for its first deterrent patrol in 2031, and allow Connecticut companies like Electric Boat to continue to produce submarines that maintain the qualitative military edge.
Prioritizing Work Force Development and Stability: Blumenthal secured $10 million to support workforce development and fund investments in the submarine construction workforce training pipeline to support increased hiring needs. It is projected that over the next decade the submarine shipbuilding industry must hire at least 18,000 new skilled workers to support the production of the Columbia and Virginia Class submarines.
Funding the Future of the F-35: Blumenthal fought to fully fund the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program as Connecticut’s Pratt and Whitney is the sole engine-manufacturer for the only fifth generation fighter in production. Blumenthal secured:
· $12.109 billion for 86 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, including an additional aircraft above the President’s budget request (48 F-35A fighters, 17 F-35B fighters, and 20 F-35C fighters).
· $818.5 million in F-35 Advance Procurement funding, $619.5 million in F-35 modernization funding, and $1.983 billion in F-35 Continuous Capability Development and Delivery – including an additional $20 million above the President’s budget.
· $180 million to procure an additional 20 F135 power modules to address engine shortages for the F-35 in the fleet Armed Forces.
Ensuring Robust Production of Helicopters: Blumenthal pushed for strong funding of helicopters, including the CH-53K King Stallion, UH-60M Black Hawk, Combat Rescue Helicopter Program, and Future Vertical Lift Program. Funding of these programs ensures the health of Sikorsky helicopters and countless other Connecticut businesses that support the helicopter industrial base. Blumenthal secured:
· $1.536 billion to fund a total of 11 CH-53K King Stallion Helicopters, which includes $250 million over the President’s Budget for 2 additional CH-53K.
· $630.2 million to fund 9 UH-60M and 15 HH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and $146.1 million in advanced procurement funding.
· $792.2 million in procurement funding for 14 Combat Rescue Helicopters.
· $1.125 billion to fund Future Vertical Lift Research, Development, Test & Evaluation efforts.
· $29.9 million to fund Combat Rescue Helicopter development and demonstration.
Supporting our National Guard: Blumenthal advocated to maintain the current levels of Air Force Total Aircraft Inventory, with this year’s bill directing the Secretary to maintain an inventory of 292 aircraft. Additionally, he secured:
· $17.5 million to fully fund the new Connecticut Army National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam, Connecticut.
· $17 million for the Connecticut Air National Guard’s top MILCON priority, a Construct Composite and Vehicle Maintenance Facility. This project will create a sustainable facility to replace 4 aging and energy inefficient buildings totaling 22,777 SF.
2021-07-26@12:00am–#Stratford CT– #cttraffic– A one car crash on I-95 near exit 32 what appears to be the northbound lane. Either way, it’s slowing traffic in both directions.
2021-07-25@6:41pm–#Fairfield CT– A Hyundai and yellow dirt bike collide at Wilson Street and Park Avenue. The person on the dirt bike went over the handlebars. The driver of the car asks if he’s okay and he said he was and the biker then fled the scene. The driver of the car was not injured.
