Page 24 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 19, 2023 Veterans are struggling with addiction and mental health T his Memorial Day, millions of Americans will honor the memory of the men and women who died in U.S. military service. It commemorates all those individuals who sacrificed their lives. Outside of this day, we must never lose sight of the City of Everett Conservation Commission Everett City Hall, Room 25 484 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Carlo DeMaria Mayor LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131 Section 40) The Everett Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on May 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Speaker George Keverian Room, Third Floor in Everett City Hall to consider a Notice of Intent filed by the City of Everett, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149. Contact person Erik Swanson, Everett City Hall at 617-394-2251. The City of Everett (the “Applicant”) proposes to drill three soil borings within areas jurisdictional to 310 CMR 10.00 - the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (“WPA”) regulations - and to conduct a geotechnical analysis and preliminary evaluation of subsurface materials (the “Project”) at the properties located at 95 Behan Street, and the 40-60 Commercial Street in the City of Everett, Massachusetts (the ”Project Site”). The Applicant is submitting a Notice of Intent (“NOI”) to the City of Everett Conservation Commission for work within the following coastal wetlands and other resource areas protected under the WPA: Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage, 200-Foot Buffer to Coastal Bank, and 100-Foot Buffer to Coastal Beach/Tidal Flat. The proposed work in the buffer zones alone would not require an NOI pursuant to 310 CMR 10.02(2)(b)(1) but is included here due to proposed work within other resource areas. The Project Site is adjacent to, but outside of, the 25-foot Riverfront Area resource area, and is within the Mystic River Designated Port Area (“DPA”) but does not include any work within the Land Under the Ocean resource area. Property Abutters have been notified per the WPA Regulations (see Attachment B: Abutter Notifications). Additional geotechnical exploration work is proposed within the Everett Industrial District in areas outside of WPA jurisdiction. This work will be completed wit the same best management practices utilized for soil borings within jurisdiction. The Project Site is entirely within the Mystic River DPA and is located adjacent to tidal portions of the Island End River (“IER”), which connects to the Mystic River approximately 0.3 miles downstream. It is bound by the IER to the east; the IER, an industrial cement facility at 100 Commercial Street, and Rover Street to the south; and several public and private rights of way (“ROWs”) and parcels under the industrial use to the west and north. The Project Site totals approximately 2,250 square feet (“sf”) and is compromised of portions of two parcels under the industrial and waterfront industrial use with warehouse buildings, parking, and roadway access. The majority of the Project Site is impervious surfaces, with some vegetation present along the nearby IER shoreline and public and private ROWs. The IER shoreline proximate to the Project Site is composed of two distinct areas; an approximately 620-linear-foot (“lf”) section of sloped riprap, and an approximately 1,350-If section of docks and wharfs supporting working vessel operations. The copy of the Notice of Intent is available in the Office of Planning and Development at Room 25, Second Floor, Everett City Hall. Please contact Mr. Philbin, the Agent for the Conservation Commission at 617-394-5004 for assistance. Everett City Hall is open Monday and Thursday 8:00 AM–7:30 PM and Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. City Hall is closed on Friday. All persons interested may attend the Public Hearing. Jon E. Norton Chairman Everett Conservation Commission May 19, 2023 Veronica Raussin Community Outreach Coordinato and Health estimates that over 3.9 million veterans have a substance use disorder or mental illness. Moreover, substance use disorders significantly increase suicidality among veterans ages 18 and older. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors occur frequently among veterans ages 19 to 49. In Massachusetts, there are over 300,000 veterans, over half of them aged 65 and over. There are many reasons why veterans struggle with addiction and mental health issues. “There is a correlation between veterans and substance use disorders, homelessness, and suicide. Yet, this is preventable with early intervention and treatment,” said Michael Leach of Addicted.org. Many veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life, face financial hardships, and have difficulty finding employment or accessing benefits. Mental and emotional health concerns can lead to significant problems, such as unwanted thoughts or feelings. Untreated trauma is common among veterans, which can lead to substance use as a means of coping. Veterans also face barriers when accessing help, such as cost and insurance gaps. Communities experience inadequate funding and limited access in rural locations. Stigma regarding addiction and mental illness is also problematic. Fortunately, there are options to consider. Outside of the VA-Facility locator through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, other resources include: · Military and veterans services are offered through city websites and the state website Mass.gov; · SAMHSA provides a treatment facility locator where veterans can find services specific to their needs; · Helpful hotlines include the Veteran Crisis Line, 1-800273-8255, and the Lifeline for Vets, 1-888-777-4443. When covering costs, families may consider combining VA benefits with other forms of insurance, such as private health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, to reduce costs. Families play a significant role in supporting veterans. Speak to them often, openly and honestly about their substance use. Express concern, but do not pass judgment. Help them find treatment. Be patient and show compassion for what they are going through. Remember, addiction and mental health issues are treatable. Drug and alcohol treatment centers often offer specialized treatment programs for veterans and treat co-occurring disorders. Treatment centers have become increasingly better equipped to help veterans. It takes families and communities coming together to help our veteran population. Too many men and women who served this country are struggling in silence. While on this Memorial Day, we honor those who lost their lives, we must continue to fight for those who are alive with us today. Veronica Raussin is a Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted.org, passionate about spreading awareness of the risks and dangers of alcohol & drug use. Jon E. Norton Chairman Phone: 617-394-5004 FAX: 617-394-5002 millions of servicemen and servicewomen who made it home to their families but are fighting a new battle. The National Survey on Drug Use
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