Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 20, 2022 MVES offers new Mental Health Outreach Program for Spanishspeaking older residents of Malden, Everett, Chelsea and Revere S ince the start of the pandemic more than two years ago, more and more people are talking about behavioral health issues, including loneliness, social isolation and emotional changes. An increasing number of folks are starting to see mental health for what it is: one important component of your overall health and well-being, just like your physical health. However, having a conversation about mental health conditions, and reaching out for resources and supports can still feel complicated and out of reach. Are there common warning signs for mental health conditions or crises? Are there specific factors that can lead to changes in mood or behaviors that may negatively aff ect someone’s well-being? What resources are out there – and how do I know if they are right for me? The Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) Mental Health Outreach Program is here to help. This new grant-funded initiative is available to Spanish-speaking residents of Malden, Everett, Chelsea and Revere who are 60 years of age or older. Spanish-speaking older adults are often confronted with unique barriers to receiving assistance, but this new program is here to help. The Mental Health Outreach Program offers person-centered, strengthbased mental health assistance from bilingual staff who will help support Spanish-speaking older adults to maintain independence and dignity. MVES bilingual Mental Health Outreach Worker Ignacia Urquijo can assess, refer and provide timely assistance to older adults in need or distress, evaluate Spanish-speaking older adults’ needs for support in the community, help older adults seek and navigate behavioral health care services and treat4th T Ignacia Urquijo Spanish-speaking Mental Health Outreach Worker ment, work with health care partners to identify and refer older adults who might be at risk, and connect older adults to additional programs and services that might benefi t them. If you are concerned about your mental health, or someone you love, there are options available. You are not alone – speaking with someone can make a diff erence. The new program is funded through a grant awarded to the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging by the Massachusetts Executive Offi ce of Elder Aff airs and support from Winchester Hospital – a member of Beth Israel Lahey Health. Here are some questions to consider if you think you, or a friend/loved one, might benefit from speaking with our new Spanish-Speaking Mental Health Outreach Worker: Have things that used to feel easy started feeling diffi cult? Does the idea of doing daily tasks like making your bed now feel really, really hard? Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you used to enjoy? Do you feel irritated – possibly to the point of lashing out at people you care about? Are you feeling increased sadness or worry lately? Have you been nervous or experiencing more stress these days? Do you feel lonelier these days? Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy? To learn more about the bilingual Mental Health Outreach Program or to make a referral, call 781-324-7705 or email info@mves.org. annual American Cancer Society Touch-A-Truck event Sunday Advocate Staff Report his Sunday, May 22, the 4th annual American Cancer Society Touch-A-Truck event returns to Saugus – featuring nearly 30 pieces of equipment, including monster trucks, fi re trucks, police vehicles, construction equipment, military equipment, the NECN Weather Warrior truck with Pete Bouchard and a K9 demonstration. This event is Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 64 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof ng • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! at Fuddruckers on Rte. 1 in Saugus during the event as they will be generously donating 20% of all food sales to the American Cancer Society. There will also be raffl es and a 50/50. The event takes place on something that the community looks forward to every year, and it has grown bigger every year. The event is free to attend May 22 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Fuddruckers (900 Broadway, Rte. 1 north, Saugus). The event is rain or shine. For information contact Guy – we only ask that you dine Moley at (781) 640-1310. Spring is Here!
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