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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 21, 2022 Page 5 Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission secures $5M in funding T he Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission has been awarded $5 million in funding from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. In 2018 the Commission was established under An Act relative to criminal justice reform with the charge from the Massachusetts Legislature to study and make recommendations for the creation of a crisis diversion facility in Middlesex County. The new center would provide an alternative to arrest and unnecessary transport to emergency departments for individuals in need of behavioral health services. Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and President and CEO of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health Dr. Danna Mauch – who serve as STRATEGY | FROM PAGE 1 Noriega-Murphy stated in an email message distributed to the parents and caregivers of the more than 6,300 students in the Malden Public Schools. The Superintendent stated that the decision to shift focus in the mission of combating the spread and transmission of the Coronavirus came after consultation with the Malden Board of Health, and in conjunction with the latest COVID-19 recommendation from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). (See separate story.) Supt. Noriega-Murphy said she has been in frequent and consistent contact with the Malden Board of Health and other city offi cials and through these discussions the Malden Public Schools is “constantly re-evaluating the need for contact tracing.” “Malden Public Schools is to limit contact tracing for inschool contact in the coming weeks,” Dr. Noriega-Murphy stated in her email message. “This shift will allow our nurses to focus their eff orts identifying positives in school, guiding and supporting families and staff that have positive cases.” The reconfiguring of the COVID-19 response strategy toward limiting contact tracing is in line with requests from the Malden Public Schools nurses for help from administration in addressing what they say is a massive increase in their overall workload since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. A spike in positive COVID-19 co-chairs of the Commission – thanked State Senator Cindy Friedman and State Representative Ken Gordon for their eff orts in securing the funding in a package approved by the Legislature in December. “Over the last four years, the Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission has worked tirelessly to engage stakeholders; study available resources and gaps in services; and understand how we can most effectively support local law enforcement diversion programs,” said Koutoujian and Mauch. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issues the commission is charged with tackling. This ARPA funding moves us a major step closer to being able to deliver the critical services that will benefi t those cases throughout the world has increased cases both statewide and locally (See separate story) – with Malden Public School nurses the fi rst line of response for sick and/or symptomatic students and staff , as well as follow-up duties. A spokesperson for the school nurses specifi cally cited the time-consuming practice of contact tracing for positive cases among students and staff that is being undertaken and monitored across the district, when speaking during the public comment segment of the last Malden School Committee meeting on January 10. At that meeting, Supt. Noriega-Murphy said she and her central staff would be addressing the nurses’ situation and requests as they pertained to COVID-19 response districtwide. Wednesday’s announcement is likely a part of the district’s response to the nursing staff ’s request. In addition to the change in priority of contact tracing policy for the Malden Public Schools, Supt. Noriega-Murphy also reiterated the continuance of standing protocols to help ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff : • We urge everyone to continue to monitor for any COVID 19 symptoms each day before coming to school. • If your student is experiencing any symptoms – they should remain at home and not attend school. • If a staff member is experiencing any symptoms – they should remain at home and not report to school. • We will be sending more most in need in communities across Middlesex County.” “A Middlesex County Restoration Center will provide much-needed clinical support for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Senator Friedman. “This signifi - cant investment will help make the center a reality, and it will ensure that this evidence-based model of care is eff ectively used to divert residents in crisis from overburdened jails and emergency departments.” “This investment in a Middlesex County Restoration Center represents a crucial step forward in the Commonwealth’s effort to improve access to much-needed services in our communities,” said Representative Gordon. “It will benefi t individuals in need of behavioral information as soon as DESE shares detailed guidance with us. • If you have any questions, please contact your school nurses. health services, our law enforcement agencies, and our entire community. I am grateful for the eff orts of Senator Friedman, Sheriff Koutoujian, Dr. Mauch and the entire commission for their unwavering support of this important initiative.” In addition to the $5 million from ARPA, the Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission previously secured $1 million in the state’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget signed by Governor Charlie Baker last summer. “We want to thank Senator Friedman, Representative Gordon and the Baker Administration for their continued support of the commission,” said Koutoujian and Mauch. “At each step of this process, they have been deeply involved in all we are seeking to accomplish with this crucial initiative.” Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Paul at (617) 387-5457 for details. WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $1,650 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $1,650 Household of 1 = $40,951 Household of 2 = $53,551 Household of 3 = $66,151 Household of 4 = $78,751 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2022 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284

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