© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Blumenthal announces money for rural pandemic recovery in Connecticut

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, left, meets staff at the Southeastern Regional Action Council (SERAC).
Brian Scott-Smith
/
WSHU Public Radio
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, left, meets staff at the Southeastern Regional Action Council (SERAC).

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal announced $200,000 in funding for mental health services in 13 rural towns across eastern Connecticut as part of the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

Blumenthal said these rural communities have the same problems as any other town or city.

“A lot of folks imagine small towns as being idyllic oasis of no problems, no challenges, kind of small towns in the way that Norman Rockwell would depict them. But in fact just like every other part of our state, small towns have endured hardship and heartbreak of this pandemic time,” Blumenthal said.

The funding will help the Southeastern Regional Action Council (SERAC) add three new staff member positions to provide mental health and substance use services.

“With this funding SERAC will establish wellbeing teams that will be made up of community volunteers,” said Michele Devine, the director of the council. “Their purpose will be to inspire new collaboratives, increase social involvement in our various town initiatives. It is an important priority that we engage and hear the voices of residents.”

The council said these rural communities have seen high levels of substance use, suicide and death due to isolation, social degradation and low community connectedness during the pandemic.

Copyright 2022 WSHU. To see more, visit WSHU.

Brian Scott-Smith

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content