THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Page 7 Revere Human Rights Commission Launches HRC Listening Series Residents are invited to share their stories and foster respectful discussion with commissioners and community members REVERE – The City of Revere's Human Rights Commission announced its HRC Listening Series this week, a forum where community members are invited to share their stories regarding human rights in the City of Revere. The three-part virtual listening series will take place on Tuesday, March 2 at 6:00 PM, Saturday, March 13 at 10:00 AM, and Wednesday, March 24 at 6:00 PM. To participate in the discussion, residents are urged to register at http://www.revere. org/engageHRC. You can also watch on Revere TV, Facebook, or Youtube. “The Human Rights Commission was reinstated because there was a need for a dedicated body to help inform city policy that ensures the protection of civil and human rights for all residents,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo. “This new listening series will serve as an important tool for residents, city employees, local leaders, and the commission members to learn more about where we need to focus our resources and time.” To encourage further discussion, commission members have created an online engagement page where residents who prefer to provide their stories and ideas in writing can share their stories online. Community members are encouraged to participate in the survey at www.revere.org/engageHRC. The three listening sessions are the fi rst in the series, and more dates will be announced in future months. "The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is excited to work with our diverse community,” said Janine Grillo Marra, Chair. “We do not want to assume and impose an agenda. We want to hear from all voices, particularly those who feel marginalized and oppressed, to help support and ensure that Revere is welcoming, fair and respectful to all COVID-19 Contributes to Uptick in Opioid-Related Deaths Baltimore, MD, February 24, 2021— Telemedicine and telemental health services have emerged as valuable resources for those battling addictions during our country’s expanding opioid crisis. The availability of remote healthcare services gives hope for those struggling with their addictions against a backdrop of social isolation, explains Dr. Paul Christo, an Associate Professor in the Division of Pain Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and he adds, clinicians need to advocate to their patients that online treatment options are available. Dr. Christo, who is on the frontlines working to curb the impact of the opioid crisis, also wants patients to know that critical medications for maintaining sobriety can now be prescribed by telehealth or telephone. "The number of fatalities from opioid-related overdoses could be nearly 30 percent higher than reported due to missing information or incomplete death records,” he says. “The worst fear is that because of social isolation, people are not being found or treated immediately." The opioid epidemic today progressed in three phases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The fi rst involves deaths caused COVID-19 | SEE Page 13 Local doctors attempt to quell fears about COVID-19 vaccines By Christopher Roberson F or more than an hour, a panel of infectious disease specialists fi elded a fl urry of calls from residents with concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccines during a virtual Town Hall discussion on February 24. Dr. Ilona Goldfarb of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) spoke about concerns that the vaccines could negatively affect women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although no major studies were conducted to test the vaccines in those patients, she said, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease specialist, reported that the vaccines have been given to 10,000 women nationwide who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Thus far, there have been no documented complications noted by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Goldfarb also said there is no evidence that the vaccines cause miscarriages or decrease fertility. “The COVID vaccine seems like a very safe choice,” she said. In addition, Goldfarb said no part of the virus is put into the vaccines. “The COVID vaccine is not a live vaccine; no one is going to get COVID by getting the vaccine.” Dr. Sandra Nelson of MGH encouraged residents to get vaccinated even if they already had the virus, adding that after symptoms subside patients can wait 90 days to get the shots. Yet, she acknowledged the possibility of side eff ects, particularly after the second inoculation. “The rate of side eff ects are a little bit higher after the second dose,” said Nelson. She also said the most common side eff ect has been soreness in the arm where the vaccine was administered. She also said residents should continue to wear masks after they receive the vaccines. “We know that some people who acquire this virus never get sick,” said Nelson. Dr. Paige Wickner of Brigham and Women’s Hospital said there is nothing in the vaccines that would trigger a reaction from someone with a food allergy. “These vaccines are safe, even for people with food allergies,” she said. who live, work and visit." "As the Human Rights Commission, we have created an outlet for Revere residents and members of the community to share their experiences and stories via the Human Rights Commission Listening Series,” said Chaimaa Mansour Hossaini, Vice Chair. “This is an opportunity to be in the same headspace as our residents and understand issues that are going on in our community and to become more of a family who helps each other out."
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