BLUMENTHAL & BARRAGÁN INTRODUCE BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE END-OF-LIFE CARE

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) today introduced the Compassionate Care Act,legislation to promote advance care planning and end-of-life care. Many Americans do not have plans in place in the event they experience severe illness. In order to help patients access the care they need and that is right for them, the Compassionate Care Act provides critical resources to educate patients and providers, develop core end-of-life quality measures, and expand access to advance care planning via telehealth. 

“Our measure will empower Americans who are without plans for end-of-life care to be prepared in the event they experience severe illness,” said Blumenthal. “By promoting end-of-life care through public awareness, expanding telehealth services, and working with physicians, we can ensure that patients of all ages are able to access the care that is best for them.”

“We must ensure that every patient’s healthcare rights and wishes are respected by increased access to advance care planning (ACP),” said Barragán. “Few patients discuss ACP with their providers, and marginalized communities, including individuals with low incomes and non-English speakers, are even less likely to have the conversation. I am proud to introduce the Compassionate Care Act with Senator Blumenthal, as it will create clear guidelines, increase physician education and public awareness, and enhance ACP access for all.”

“Passing the Compassionate Care Act of 2024 will be a groundbreaking step towards modernizing end of life care by permanently allowing patients to access hospice care through telehealth, and equipping providers with the necessary tools for comprehensive end-of-life planning,” said Kim Callinan, President/CEO of Compassion & Choices, the nation’s largest and oldest end-of-life care advocacy organization.  “We thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership on this important issue and will work with him to secure congressional support to pass this compassionate and crucial legislation.”

“The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care is extremely grateful to Senator Blumenthal for reintroducing the Compassionate Care Act.  The senator’s leadership directly improves the lives of individuals with serious illness,” said Jon Broyles, CEO of Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC).  “This legislation includes critical improvements in advance care planning (ACP) guidelines, and by making permanent telehealth provisions for hospice recertification and ACP at home and by audio only. This along with the much-needed provider and public education will help ensure that patients’ care preferences are understood, recorded, and followed, the foundation of patient-centered care that C-TAC promotes.”

Among other provisions, the Compassionate Care Act would:

  • Establish guidelines for advance care planning between health providers and patients;
  • Launch a National Public Awareness Campaign that would encourage patients and providers to make end-of-life plans;
  • Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop education resources for providers to engage with patients, work with providers, state boards of medicine, and clinical associations to develop advance care education resources and solicit feedback from providers and develop quality measures;
  • Improve access to advance care planning by expanding telehealth options for providers and patients; and,
  • Facilitate a study on a national advanced care planning registry that would allow patients to transfer their advanced directives from state to state.

This legislation is supported by numerous organizations, including Compassion & Choices, C-TAC, National Partnership for Healthcare & Hospice Innovation (NPHI), National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), American Heart Association, AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, LeadingAge, LeadingAge Connecticut, American Academy of Home Care Medicine (AAHCM), Consumer Coalition for Quality Health Care, Connecticut Center for Patient Safety, Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, and the National Association for Home Care & 

Rapid Gunfire

I received a number of texts/messages for rapid gunfire on Stratford Avenue in the Union/Carroll/Central Avenue area. So far no reports of anyone or anything hit.

There appears to be an increase of “automatic” in town. Two were arrested in a raid at Trumbull Gardens and a handgun that according to the press release said “a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine equipped with a switch that converts the firearm to fully automatic. “

2024-08-01@9:00PMish–Bridgeport CT–

Stratford News: Joint Task Force Arrests Heroin Dealer, Seizes Drugs and Firearms

The Stratford Police Narcotics, Vice, and Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the FBI Safe Street Task Force, conducted an investigation into Angel Nunez, identified as a mid-level narcotics dealer trafficking and selling significant amounts of heroin laced with fentanyl. On July 23, 2024, investigators, with the assistance of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Task Force, executed search warrants at a residence identified as Nunez’s stash apartment. They seized approximately 15.2 grams of raw heroin, packaging material, and items used to process heroin. Additionally, two firearms, an assortment of ammunition, and a tactical vest were found and confiscated.

As a previously convicted felon, Nunez is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was taken into custody at his residence and charged with multiple offenses, including criminal possession of ammunition (2 counts), criminal possession of a pistol/revolver (2 counts), illegal transfer of a pistol/revolver, possession with intent to sell a narcotic substance (subsequent offense), and operating a drug factory.

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Milford News: Man Arrested for Vandalism and Probation Violation at Boscov’s

On July 26, 2024, Milford Police were dispatched to Boscov’s at 1201 Boston Post Road in response to a report of a male breaking items inside the store. The investigation led to the arrest of Jonathan Gripes, who was accused of smashing items in the jewelry section and knocking things off shelves. Additionally, Gripes was found to have an active PRAWN warrant for violating probation. He was charged with criminal mischief, breach of peace, and violation of probation, with a bond set at $75,250.

City Council President Nieves Announces Appointment of Director of Legislative Services

Bridgeport, CT – Today, City Council President Aidee Nieves is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Director of Legislative Services, Ashley Aguilera. Aguilera will serve to support the City Council in various capacities. She will coordinate Council communications, including updating the Council website to increase the public’s access to city government. As the Legislative Director, she will serve as the Council’s liaison to the State Legislature and City Departments at the discretion of the City Council. Additionally, Aguilera will help schedule community events and meetings with constituents, assist in policy research, and manage the Department of Legislative Services.

A Bridgeport native and magna cum laude graduate from Southern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Political Science, Aguilera is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from her alma mater. For the last two years, Aguilera worked as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the local nonprofit organization, Bridgeport Generation Now. She was responsible for scheduling community events that focus on civic engagement and educating residents on the role of local government in Bridgeport. In 2022, she interned at the Connecticut General Assembly, where she gained valuable experience while the state legislature was in session.

Mayor Ganim and The City of Bridgeport Emergency Operations Activate Cooling Center Protocol

from 12:00 PM July 31, 2024 Until 12:00 PM August 4, 2024

Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport EOC in conjunction with Mayor Ganim advises all residents to take caution and seek refuge in cooling centers during normal business hours. Residents may utilize any of the locations listed below to seek shelter during periods of heat and increased health risk for those who have asthma. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the heat. Homeless communities may also visit shelters to seek refuge during the air quality advisory by calling 211.

The Director of the Bridgeport Health and Social Services Department, Dr. Elizabeth Rivera-Rodriguez, is providing tips on how to stay safe during the upcoming rise in temperatures. “We are encouraging our seniors and most vulnerable populations to take care of themselves during this period of extreme heat by following these tips:

  1. Try to stay indoors where there are air-conditioners as much as possible.  Keep shades and/or curtains closed.
  2. If your living space is hot, try to spend time in an air-conditioned building such as a cooling center, shopping mall, senior center, library, or friend’s home.
  3. Limit the use of the oven or cooking.
  4. Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
  5. Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  6. Limit your time outdoors especially if you are doing strenuous activities, for example, gardening or cutting the lawn.
  7. Stay well hydrated and limit coffee intake.
  8. Family and friends should frequently check on the elderly and vulnerable during the extreme heat conditions.”

Cooling Centers:

Senior Centers (Open weekdays only)

  • Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (8:00am- 3:00pm)
  • East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street (8:00am- 3:00pm)
  • Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (8:00am-3:00pm)
  • North End Bethany Senior Center – 20 Thorme Street, (8:00am- 3:00pm)

GBT Station

  • 710 Water Street, Mon- Fri (9:00am- 9:00pm)

Bridgeport Public Library Branches

  • Main Branch – 925 Broad Street, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
  • Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
  • Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue, Mon & Tues (10:00am- 6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
  • North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues & Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am- 5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).
  • East Side Branch – 1174 East Main Street, Mon (10:00am- 6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm- 8:00pm) Wed (12:00pm- 8:00pm) Thurs (10:00am- 6:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am -5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

Two Arrested In Raid

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Steel-Grain-4.mp4

Due to a recent spike in criminal activity within the Trumbull Gardens Housing Community, the Bridgeport Police Regional Task Force launched an investigation into recent “Shots Fired” incidents. As a result of the investigation a search warrant was obtained for a residence within the 400 block of Trumbull Ave. 

On July 30, 2024,  members of the Regional Task Force assisted by the Bridgeport Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit and Patrol Division served the warrant. Officers seized a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine equipped with a switch that converts the firearm to fully automatic. Officers also seized an additional extended magazine and several rounds of 9mm ammunition. 

A teenage suspect was arrested on-scene and charged with multiple firearm violations. 

Following the search warrant, Task Force Officers were able to detain another Bridgeport teen related to recent incidents. The investigation led Officers to seize a 9mm “Ghost Gun” with an extended magazine. The teenage suspect was also charged with the firearm violations.

This investigation is ongoing.

Milford News: Police Bust Major Drug Operation After Gulf Street Shooting

On June 13, 2024, Milford Police responded to a Gulf Street address following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located Sean Cleary, 22, of Milford, who had sustained a graze wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A protective sweep of the residence was conducted to ensure there were no additional victims or suspects. During this sweep, officers discovered large quantities of suspected packaged marijuana throughout the home. The detective bureau then assumed the investigation.

The investigation led to the seizure of a significant amount of marijuana, various drug paraphernalia, a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and a high-capacity magazine. As a result, arrest warrants were issued for Cleary and Jacques Schapira, 28, of West Haven, who was also believed to be involved and present during the shooting incident.

On July 25, 2024, Sean Cleary was taken into custody and charged with possession with intent to sell one kilogram or more of a cannabis-type substance, conspiracy to possess with intent to sell one kilogram or more of a cannabis-type substance, operating a drug factory, alteration of a firearm identification mark, and illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine. He was placed under a $150,000 court-set bond and transported to Milford Court.

On July 24, 2024, Jacques Schapira was also taken into custody and charged with possession with intent to sell one kilogram or more of a cannabis-type substance, and conspiracy to possess with intent to sell one kilogram or more of a cannabis-type substance. Schapira was released after posting a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Milford Court on August 21, 2024.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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