After months of advocacy to be included in Phase 1A, Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) has been identified and accepted as an essential worker organization within the state of Connecticut.
As such, we are eligible to receive the COVID19 vaccination in the first wave of distribution. All of MHC’s direct care staff have been registered with the CDC’s vaccination website. Eligible staff can schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine if they choose (receiving the vaccine is voluntary).
“Our workforce has been ready, willing, and able to meet the needs of our program participants while putting themselves and their loved ones in possible harms way. I am thrilled that through our advocacy, and the advocacy of many others, we have been determined as an essential worker organization. This allows us to provide our staff with another level of protection. I applaud the Lamont administration for understanding and acknowledging the essential role behavioral health workers play in Connecticut’s communities,” Luis Perez, President and CEO, Mental Health Connecticut.
Like all health workers, the staff at MHC are dedicated and passionate partners to those we serve. They also continue to face personal challenges, fatigue, and balancing many unknowns as the effects of the pandemic continue into the new year.
In a time of a pandemic and social unrest, MHC’s team doubled down on our commitment to putting people first. Transitioning from mostly in-person care to 75% virtual overnight was no easy feat, but our collective strengths across all of our departments made it possible so that we could support our staff and program participants, launch new programs, expand services, and provide free resources to the public.
“Our unity in this is so important, for our families, friends, neighbors, and communities. Together we are stronger. We are living history and must all do our part to care for each other and keep one another safe,” said Amy Smith, MHC’s Mending Art Coordinator.
To learn more about what 2020 looked liked at MHC, go to: www.mhconn.org/yearinreview
About MHC
Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) envisions a future where wellbeing is rooted in respect for the condition of being human. We get closer to realizing this future vision each day through our mission of partnering with individuals, families, and communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness.
