THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 10, 2021 Page 9 ~ Op-Ed ~ The Importance of Strengthening the Social Safety Net By Ryan O’Malley, Ward 4 Councillor A s we enter the second year of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we face many unknowns around public health and safety. Students have returned to school this fall, just as the Delta variant is picking up steam. The “front lines” of public safety are blurred during a public health crisis. Among all the unknowns, one thing has been consistent – the social safety nets in our communities must be strengthened, not weakened. Especially during times like these. There are many City of Malden departments and community organizations that work tirelessly to keep us all safe and healthy. As the 20th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, approaches, we must recognize the dedication of everyone who has devoted their lives to helping others during times of crisis, as we all owe them a debt of gratitude. The fact of the matter is that every one of us has an important role to play in ensuring the well-being of our neighbors. This could be as simple as helping an older neighbor shovel their sidewalk in the winter, picking up their groceries, or helping them locate a vaccination appointment. Luckily, in Malden, we do not have to tackle this alone. From police officers to EMTs, many of our civilian neighbors have taken an oath to uphold the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and are dedicated to strengthening the social safety net of our community. The daily work of our Malden Police and Fire departments, and other crisis management professionals, provides around-the-clock support for residents facing an emergency. Our public school educators and support staff, nurses, doctors, public health officers, paramedics, public housing personnel, and veterans service officers also play crucial roles in Malden’s social safety net. Oftentimes, these individuals are asked to wear many hats and provide services beyond their core job responsibilities. In public schools, for example, teachers provide a crucial social safety net that goes beyond their role as purely educators. Their duties can range from being caregivers, social workers, therapists, role models, coaches, college advisors, and sometimes, they are the only positive influence in the lives of their students. That is a lot of pressure to have on anyone’s shoulders, especially when not given the resources to live up to these immense responsibilities! Like our public school teachers, our police officers are also asked to wear many hats. We call on these brave individuals to prevent violent crime, stop human trafficking, detect crime syndicates, protect victims of crime, and, most importantly, uphold our civil liberties. When it comes to responding to interpersonal conflicts, mental health crises, substance abuse, and other medical emergencies, our police are often asked to do the work of a social worker or medical professional. With so many essential tasks, it is crucial that law enforcement, and all providers of public health and safety, are given adequate support, so that our public safety officials can focus on safeguarding our community. One example of how we have been able to provide additional support for public health and safety is the Community Clinician Integration Program we initiated in collaboration with Eliot Community Human Services. Ward One Councillor Peg Crowe worked hard to obtain these support services by partnering with Eliot to secure funds from multiple grants sources. This new program, according to the announcement, “provides mental health and crisis intervention training as well as a licensed clinician who is integrated within the Police Department and assisting officers.” This directly supports our Police Department, especially in context of the mental health and substance abuse crisis we are currently facing. Public safety is not the sole responsibility of one person or entity. By working together, our public officials and community organizations provide an essential social safety net in our community. It is truly a partnership of many individuals and groups whose whole is greater than the sum of their parts. If you are interested in getting more involved, there are so many great community organizations that have helped carry Malden through the worst parts of the pandemic. These organizations delivered meals and provided regular safety checks on Malden’s most vulnerable residents. Organizations like... Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors (https://maldenneighbors.org/) ABCD (https://bostonabcd. org) Eliot Community Human Services (https://www.eliotchs. org/) Malden Overcoming Addiction (https://www.maldenovercomingaddiction.com/) Bread of Life (http://www. breadoflifemalden.org/) Housing Families (https:// housingfamilies.org/) Mystic Valley YMCA (http:// mv-ymca.org/) YWCA Malden (http://www. ywcamalden.org/) – and many more. Please consider getting more involved in our beautiful and thriving community! 100 years of cigar experience Our store is still open to serve you! * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Cigar Accessories * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products Buy Cigars by the Box & Save! New, premium cigars arriving weekly! Deep discounts on all major brands. Great selection and reasonable prices. ~ SMOKER’S DELIGHT ~ Cigar Accessories ---------GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE 15 Churchill Size Cigars including a Cohiba, 4 Year Old Tobacco Individually Wrapped ONLY $43.95 A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 GREAT SELECTION! GREAT PRICES! STORE HOURS: Mon. - Wed.: 8 AM - 7 PM / Thurs., Fri. - Sat.: 8 AM - 8 PM Sunday & Holidays: 8 AM-6 PM http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available
10 Publizr Home