Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 20, 2022 MVES offers new Mental Health Outreach Program for Spanish-speaking 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 affect someone’s well-being? What resources are out there – and We Sell Cigars & Accessories R.Y.O. TOBACCO ---------TUBES CIGAR SMOKERS DELIGHT! 15 Handmade Churchill Size Cigars including a Cohiba - Long Leaf filler - wrapped $43.95 Celebrating our 50th Year! HUMIDOR SPECIAL! $99.95 Complete! Reg. Priced $149.95 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 STORE HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday & Holidays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 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, strength-based 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 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 benefit 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 difference. The new program is funded Ignacia Urquijo Spanish-speaking Mental Health Outreach Worker 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 treatment, work with through a grant awarded to the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs 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 BUDGET | FROM PAGE 1 • The American Recovery Plan FATHER’S DAY IS COMING! Check our in-house SPECIALS! Buy Cigars by the Box & SAVE! Competitive prices on all Brands, Great Selection Act will present funding sorely needed to address the needs of our residents. • Myriad of state and federal programs will highlight the need for education and coordination. • Human Services Coordinator position funded to educate residents and connect resources with needs. Continued focus on lead line replacements • Maximize the potential of ARPA in advancing the lead line replacement initiative • Expansion of lead line replacement to the private side • Prudent utilization of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority programs with forgiveness provisions for the same Continuing commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) • The budget fully funds the previously added position of a DEI Coordinator and the continuation of funding added last year for associated support. • $350,000 committed by the Mayor to improve language access is not reflected in the budget as that is funded by the ARPA funds. “As we look to the year ahead, we do so with cautious optimism. We know that the action taken by our federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has provided us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to deliver for our community,” the Mayor said in new Spanish-Speaking Mental Health Outreach Worker: Have things that used to feel easy started feeling difficult? 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. a statement to the Council. “This budget reflects some of that effort, as we capitalize on ARPA funds to keep moving forward on important deliverables like lead lines and stormwater upgrades to minimize the impact of the same on water rates and general fund budgets.” He also addressed the education of Malden’s students. “Our expected contribution as a city has gone up almost $11 million in two years, far beyond the reality of what our budget can afford. While there are some safeguards built in, we continue to advocate for a true solution to this inequity,” the Mayor stated. “While we saw some of the positive impact of the student opportunity act in the FY23 Chapter 70 aid, it won’t help us deal with the issue of the expected local contribution increase. We also must plan for the approximately $1.3 million expense that will hit our assessment for the North East Voke building project, while at the same time dealing with pension costs escalating at an unsustainable rate, and inflation that will put further pressure on expectations at the bargaining table for our employees.” “The most positive development this year which enabled us to present a balanced budget with minimal reliance on free cash was the continued recovery of local receipts. This category, more than any other, reflects the true health of the local economy, and on that front, Malden is alive and well,” Mayor Christenson stated.
11 Publizr Home