Public Health

Massachusetts House Introduces Child Wellness Initiative

(BOSTON) – Last week, Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) and her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass legislation supporting the health and wellness of children across the Commonwealth. This bill is one part of a multi-tiered initiative to address the specific needs of children and adolescents in an integrated fashion.  An Act Relative to Children’s Health and Wellness is part of the comprehensive, session-long House Children’s Wellness Initiative, which aims to break down silos of service to better address the complex health and wellness needs specific to the Commonwealth’s 1.4 million children. The effort seeks to make access to healthcare easier for vulnerable populations, eliminate barriers to care and formulate data-driven recommendations to improve service delivery and system coordination. The initiative supports a holistic approach that provides services early and often – ensuring that children grow up to be healthier, happier and more productive adults.  The . . . Read More

2020-08-29T10:34:49-04:00August 9th, 2019|Public Health|

House Passes Distracted Driving Legislation

BOSTON - May 17, 2019 - State Representative Joan Meschino joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass legislation banning drivers from using hand-held electronic devices in vehicles unless the device is in hands-free mode. “Distracted driving is a factor in too many dangerous and fatal motor vehicle accidents, and the House is proud to take this step to move this policy forward for Massachusetts – making our roads safer and protecting our drivers, passengers and pedestrians,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I want to thank Chair Straus for his diligence and hard work, and Leader Wagner, Chair Michlewitz, members of the Black and Latino Caucus, and my colleagues in the House who were instrumental to this process.” “This measure will increase roadway safety in Massachusetts,” said Representative Meschino. “Distracted driving endangers other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians; I am proud that the House took action on . . . Read More

2020-08-29T10:36:08-04:00May 24th, 2019|Public Health|

Age to Purchase Tobacco to be Increased to 21 Across Massachusetts

(BOSTON) – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in voting to enact An Act protecting youth from the health risks of tobacco and nicotine addiction. The new law raises the legal age to purchase tobacco statewide from 18 to 21 years of age, and further regulates vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. “This legislation has the potential to promote public health across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Meschino. “In our communities as well as statewide, we have seen increased rates of tobacco use among our youth and young adults due to the growing popularity of vaping devices. This new law takes steps necessary to help keep children healthy.” In addition to raising the age to purchase tobacco, the new law updates the Massachusetts’ Smoke-Free Workplace Law to include e-cigarettes and vapes, thereby ensuring that the use of all tobacco and vapor products is prohibited in establishments where the use of traditional . . . Read More

2020-08-29T10:38:29-04:00August 27th, 2018|Public Health|

CARE Act Signed Into Law

(BOSTON)- On August 9, 2018, An Act for prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction, was signed into law. The CARE Act includes initiatives to promote behavioral health and prevent substance use disorders, strengthen the behavioral health system, and enhance options for substance use treatment and recovery across the Commonwealth. The CARE Act promotes substance misuse prevention through the creation of a Community-Based Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Trust Fund to support evidence-based and evidence-informed programs for children and young adults. The CARE Act expands access to non-opioid treatment options for pain management, and looks to strengthen consumer protection laws. The CARE Act will bolster the behavioral health system by expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, and updating licensing authority for substance use treatment facilities, ensuring that patients are getting quality care. The CARE Act establishes a state-wide standing order for Naloxone, also known as Narcan, allowing anyone to . . . Read More

2020-08-29T10:38:53-04:00August 27th, 2018|Public Health|

Legislature Passes Balanced Budget; Targets Local Aid, Education and Opioid Epidemic

(BOSTON) – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the Legislature on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, to enact a $41.88 billion Massachusetts state budget for FY19. The budget features no new taxes or fees and directs a $367 million deposit into the Stabilization Fund to ensure the Commonwealth’s fiscal health and to protect Massachusetts’ future. The budget also prioritizes our cities and towns, education and those most in need of help. In recognition of the state’s strong support for education, the Legislature approved an unprecedented $4.9 billion in Chapter 70 education funding, which represents an increase of 3.4 percent over the previous fiscal year and increases funding for teacher health care costs by $39 million. Education funding also features $319.4 million to fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker, $90 million for Charter School Reimbursement, $68.9 million for Regional School Transportation and $5 million to fund the Preschool Partnership Initiative. The . . . Read More

2020-08-29T10:39:39-04:00July 26th, 2018|Budget and Grants, Other Topics, Public Health|

House Passes Massachusetts Alzheimer’s and Dementia Legislation

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  February 18, 2018  BOSTON – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the House to pass legislation which establishes an Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Council. The bill also requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to conduct an assessment on existing state efforts and implement a state plan to address the disease. There are currently 120,000 individuals in Massachusetts with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, and experts predict the prevalence of Alzheimer’s will increase 25 percent in the next decade. Currently, more than 300,000 people in Massachusetts act as caregivers to one these patients. In 2017, Medicaid costs for caring for people with the disease totaled $1.55 billion. “This legislation ensures the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to public health,” Said Representative Meschino. “I am proud that the House has chosen to address Alzheimer’s and Dementia and to strengthen our capacity to provide care and ongoing support . . . Read More

2020-08-29T10:40:55-04:00February 18th, 2018|Public Health, Seniors + Veterans|
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