Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services

May is Older Americans Month: Unleashing the Power of Age

A message from the Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein

Fifty years ago, the youngest United States president designated May Senior Citizens Month.  At the time President Kennedy issued his proclamation, 17 million Americans had reached their 65^th birthday.  Medicare wouldn’t be enacted until 1965 and there were few federal and state benefits in place. Life expectancy was 66 years.

Today, there are more than 41 million Americans who have celebrated their 65^th birthday and their ranks are increasing at the rate of 10,000 per day.  Life expectancy is 78 years across the nation, and nearly 81 years in Massachusetts.  Seniors currently represent nearly 20 percent of the population, but by 2030, more than 26 percent of the country will be 65 or older.

This year, the theme of Older American’s Month – President Carter changed the name in 1980 – is Unleashing the Power of Age, which seems eminently appropriate given the numbers and longevity of today’s senior population.  More seniors are still working or looking for jobs, engaged in athletic activities, volunteering in their communities, retooling skills, following artistic pursuits, aging in place, and caring for family members.  With the advent of antibiotics, healthy lifestyles, greater access to health care and community supports, seniors remain in their homes, a visible part of the social spectrum.

Yet, one barrier remains inhibiting seniors from fully experiencing their power.  That barrier is ageism – the ingrained belief that seniors are less capable, less “with it,” less resilient than their younger peers.  Regrettably, many seniors believe that about themselves.  Ageism undermines the reality of senior accomplishments and abilities.  We fail to acknowledge that if someone has lived a long productive life, he or she probably has been doing something right and experience worth sharing.

Ageism fails to acknowledge that seniors are quite adaptable, having lived through multiple technological and social changes in their lifetimes. Many feel perfectly at home with computers, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and whatever other new media you can think of.  They were born into a century of unleashed technological power and they adapted to it.  Our misplaced assumptions about older people prevents us and them from realizing their full potential.  

Consider this: aging begins the day we are born. At every age, we unleash the power of age.

PSA From Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray: Marathon Recovery Resources

  

 Learn More: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/feature-story/marathon-recovery-resources.html

May is Mental Health Month: Take the Hero of Hope Pledge!

Since 1949, May has been officially recognized as Mental Health Month.  The first Thursday in May is celebrated as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth.

Over the next week, the Partnership for Early Childhood Mental Health, (which includes the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Health and the Boston Public Health Commission) invites all state employees to take a pledge to nurture a child’s social and emotional development. Enter your pledge and state email address at www.ecmhmatters.org, in the “for families and friends” section, and you will be included in a raffle to win an Early Childhood Mental Health Matters t-shirt. 

 Why take the Hero of Hope Pledge?

 Early childhood mental health means that young children are growing in their ability to understand and share feelings, have close and positive relationships, and explore and learn. Studies show that good social and behavioral skills in young children lead to good academic performance in the 1st grade and beyond.

Like adults, all children experience stressful events which can affect them emotionally and physically. Parents and other caregivers can help children cope with stress in healthy ways. Even the youngest child will benefit from simple, every day activities that will provide her with security, safety, and a loving environment, be this at home, at childcare or at school. 

 

Help the child or children in your life develop their ability to cope with stress. Nurture healthy social and emotional development in babies and young children. Here are some things you can do:

	For Babies and Toddlers Rock, stroke, soothe and cuddle often. Use words of comfort to calm. Allow babies freedom to explore in safety. Encourage toddlers to calm themselves. Help your child to recognize feelings and develop language to express emotions. Help your child stick to a daily routine.		For Preschoolers and Older Children Spend time every day talking, discussing and sharing what's happening in your child's life. Discuss what it means to be a friend and help your child to make friends Practice effective ways to resolve conflict at school or on the playground. Praise completed tasks, perseverance, desired behavior. Build on developing an emotional vocabulary and how to label feelings. Model and teach attitudes of empathy and ways of caring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Moment of Silence - A message from Secretary Polanowicz

 

This past week has been traumatic and emotional for the city of Boston and its residents, but it has also brought out the best in people who have come together with hope and compassion to heal the city.

As President Obama said during his visit Thursday, as we begin “this long journey of recovery, your city is with you. Your Commonwealth is with you. Your country is with you.”

I want to thank everyone at HHS for joining together and contributing to these efforts. Several of our agencies assisted with crisis response and contributed to public health needs. Employees have staffed Family Access Centers and assisted hospitals with their efforts to coordinate care for the injured.

I also want to thank our employees from the greater Boston area for staying in their homes on Friday, which helped law enforcement do their jobs and bring resolution to this tragedy.

Today, Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino and One Fund Boston are leading a moment of silence, exactly one week following the Boston Marathon bombings. The minute of silence will take place at 2:50 p.m. to honor the victims of the attacks and their families. It will be followed by the ringing of bells throughout Boston and the Commonwealth. I hope all HHS offices and employees can participate. If you would like to make a donation to help the victims and their families, you can visit onefundboston.org.

Thank you,

John Polanowicz

Secretary

The Transformative Power of Performing Arts: Using Creative Arts to Strengthen DYS Youth Success

By Daisy Gomez-Hugenberger, Communications Coordinator, Department of Youth Services

Studies show that integrating the creative arts into a young person’s life enhances their academic, social, and personal developmental outcomes. The Department of Youth Services (DYS) uses creative arts programming to provide supportive relationships and to build skills that encourages their strengths while fostering their future potential as adults.

Kerrin is living proof that the arts can have a positive impact on a youth’s self-image and self-
esteem. She is doing just that through a collaborative program between the Department of Youth Services and the Actors’ Shakespeare Project, which provides innovative, statewide arts programing supported by DYS and educational partner the Commonwealth Corporation (Comm. Corp.).

As Kerrin was preparing to reenter the community, DYS staff created a plan that kept her connected to resources through Bridging the Opportunity Gap (BOG), an initiative that provides employment-related services for youth returning to their communities following residential treatment. Once home, Kerrin continued learning from the Actors’ Shakespeare Project and began a three month theatre intensive, attending rehearsals at The Charlestown Working Theater two to three times each week and working alongside teens from local high schools and the professional actors.

The moment arrived when her doubts and fears would dissolve on the stage and Kerrin played several characters during the three night production of Shakespeare’s Henry V, keeping her on stage throughout the entire two-hour performance.

Kerrin credits her DYS caseworker, Jayson Griffin and Actors’ Shakespeare Project instructor, Lori Taylor, with supporting her throughout this entire process: “They never lost faith in me and that made me want to work harder to memorize all my lines and have a good performance. There were times when I was nervous but this experience taught me that you have keep going and push through.”

Demonstrating the value of this important creative arts partnership, last month Commissioner Ed Dolan joined Mayor Thomas M. Menino to announce that the City of Boston will support the Actors’ Shakespeare Project by hosting a production of Romeo and Juliet Boston’s Strand Theatre in Dorchester.

With support from DYS staff and education providers, Kerrin currently is working with the Actors’ Shakespeare Project as a theatre intern and is excited to continue her involvement in the performing arts.

SECRETARY POLANOWICZ COMMENDS WORK OF AUTISM COMMISSION

Health and Human Services Secretary John Polanowicz commended the members of the Governor’s Special Commission Relative to Autism for their important work in developing and releasing their report.

Secretary Polanowicz was joined by Representative Danielle Gregoire, Autism Commission Chair and former Representative Barbara L’Italien, Assistant Secretary for The Office of Disability Policy and Programs Rosalie Edes and Department of Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Elin Howe.

“The Patrick-Murray Administration has deep appreciation for the dedicated and comprehensive work that went into the Autism Commission,” said Secretary Polanowicz. “At the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, we share in a commitment to children and families living with autism and we look forward to continuing our work together.”

HHS has a number of programs that have a proven track record of helping children and adults with autism. In particular, at the Department of Public Health early intervention program has been a national leader in providing specialized services for toddlers with a diagnosis of autism so that they can have the appropriate treatments as early as possible, and at the Department of Developmental Services, the work of the Division of Autism and the Children's Autism Medicaid Waiver Program, has established a foundation upon which we can build additional services for children and adults on the spectrum.

As next steps, Secretary Polanowicz will direct HHS agencies to continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with the members of the Commission so as to develop strategies to meet the goals articulated in the Commission’s Report.  These include:

• Assessing the feasibility of expanding the eligibility criteria for the Department of Developmental Services to ensure that we comprehensively serve all individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with autism
• Examining what information and referral resources are currently available, what data systems are currently in use, and what can be better coordinated in this area
• Developing a task group to facilitate improved coordination of care management within HHS
• Strategizing to develop employment supports that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism
• Determining what supports should be put into place to meet the needs of individuals with autism who need mental health and behavioral health services.

“Autism incidence is growing at an alarming rate, as evidenced by last week's CDC report which concluded  as many as 1 in 50 school-age children are on the Autism Spectrum,” said Commission Chair L’Italien. “As a parent, former State Representative and Chair of the Autism Commission, I have first-hand experience and knowledge of the critical, often  unmet needs of this growing population and its impact on individuals and their families. The Autism Commission report  is a collaborative effort of bipartisan members of the legislature, state agencies, leading medical practitioners, educators, advocates and parents which  details the current state of services and supports and recommends a ten-year blueprint to better manage the many challenges faced by children and adults with Autism. It is critical that Massachusetts take a comprehensive state-wide approach to the needs of this burgeoning population to allow them to live life to their fullest potential.”

The Autism Commission was created by Legislative Resolve in April 2010 and was given the broad charge of investigating individuals with autistic spectrum disorders and the range of services and supports necessary for those individuals to achieve their full potential across their lifespan, ranging from education, employment, housing, and health care.  

 

Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act!

By Ann Hwang, Director of Health Care Policy and Strategy

Happy Third Birthday, ACA!

 

Three years ago, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

In its first three years, the ACA has already improved the lives of many. 

• About 71 million Americans in private insurance plans received expanded coverage of preventive services, such as mammograms and other cancer screenings, flu shots, and cholesterol checks, at no additional charge in 2011 and 2012. 
• Nearly 3.5 million people with Medicare saved an average of more than $706 each on their prescriptions in 2012. 
• There are 3.1 million young adults newly covered under their parents’ health plans. 
• Health Centers in Massachusetts have received $133 million in grants under the Affordable Care Act so that they can better serve their communities.

The most significant changes will come in January of 2014. This is when there will be expanded coverage through subsidies for low and middle income families, as well as even stronger consumer protections in the insurance market.

Here in Massachusetts, we are working hard to implement the law and to ensure that Massachusetts’ residents will have the full benefits of the ACA. These benefits include federal funding that will allow us to streamline and improve coverage for low income populations, even as we save state dollars. Our health insurance exchange, the Health Connector, is also taking on new responsibilities and enhancing its services. There is much to be done to get ready for January 2014.

But today we’ll take a minute to say “Happy Birthday” to a health care law that is already improving the health of Americans and that will bring many more benefits to come.

White Cane Day and Disability Mentoring Day celebrate independence of individuals with disabilities

Help blind pedestrians while you drive

By MCB Commissioner Janet LaBreck

The white cane is a symbol of independence reflecting an individual who is blind’s ability to travel independently. Governor Deval L. Patrick has officially proclaimed October 15^th as White Cane Safety Day in the Commonwealth. In recognition of White Cane Safety Day, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) sponsored an awareness program on Tuesday, October 16^th at the Grand Staircase at the Massachusetts State House. I had the opportunity to attend, offer remarks, and participate in the program. I was joined by people who are blind, agency representatives, and numerous supporters to address the issues of pedestrian safety. One of the highlights of the day for me was hearing two kindergarten students talk about how their white cane allows them to be independent and do “fun” things.

Although we promote White Cane Safety year round, October 15^th allows us to raise everyone’s awareness about the critical issues that impact thousands of individuals who are blind when traveling to work, going to medical appointments, going shopping, and participating in various community activities across Massachusetts. We commend the Patrick-Murray Administration for proclaiming White Cane Safety Day as it also demonstrates the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that motorist and pedestrians are aware of and complying with the motor vehicle safety laws.

With the assistance of the MCB, people of all ages, receive free comprehensive individualized Orientation and Mobility instruction. MCB delivers services that enable a person to obtain or maintain independence in their home, place of employment and in the community. To further help people who are blind live active and productive lives, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 14A indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop when a blind pedestrian with a cane or guide dog is crossing or attempting to cross the street.

At the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, we also promote the following ‘Top 10’ list of things motorists should not do when seeing a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog at street crossings.

10. Don’t stop your car more than five feet from the crosswalk line. A visually-impaired person might think that there’s something between the crosswalk and your car if you stop so far back. The expectation for all pedestrians is that a car stops directly behind, or fairly close, to the crosswalk.

 9. Don’t yell out, “It’s ok to cross!” This may cause confusion to a pedestrian, particularly if another driver pulls out in front of your vehicle.

 8. Don’t get impatient when waiting for a visually-impaired pedestrian to cross.  If a pedestrian places a long cane into the street, it usually indicates he or she will begin a crossing.  If the cane traveler takes a step back & pulls back the cane from the curb, it usually indicates the person will not be crossing at that time. 

7. Don’t consider a ‘rolling’ stop as a complete stop.  A stop sign means STOP! 

6. Don’t turn right on red without coming to a full stop and looking for pedestrians.  The Right on Red Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn.

 5. Don’t fail to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks whether or not there is a traffic signal or stop sign.  Come to a full and complete stop.

4. Don’t stop your car in the middle of the crosswalk.

3. Don’t pass another car that has stopped and waiting for pedestrians to cross the street.

2. Don’t wave to pedestrians who are using a white cane or guide dog to indicate that you are waiting for them to cross. They CAN NOT see you.

1. Don’t honk!

As we acknowledge White Cane Safety and promote awareness among motorists about driving when in the proximity of the visually-impaired, I invite you to visit the MCB website to find out more, or contact the Orientation & Mobility Department at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: 1-800-392-6450.

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Don’t Give Up, Be Persistent: Lessons from Disability Mentoring Day at City Hall

By Daniela Trammell, director of marketing at MRC

Last week the  Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), the City of Boston, and a number of local businesses assembled in Boston's City Hall to celebrate “Disability Mentoring Day.” This event affirmed the joint partnership between MRC and the City, both of which are deeply committed to providing mentoring  and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The event at City Hall honored the many accomplishments of 20 Boston area MRC consumers who completed summer-long internships and mentoring roles at City Hall.

The summer internships were made possible by the pledge of the Kristen McCosh, commissioner of the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities for the City of Boston.

Commissioner McCosh emphasized to the group, “I was a former Mass Rehab client and they helped me with my van, schooling, and internships. MRC gave me the confidence to get back to work and they really changed my life. When I became Commissioner I really wanted to focus on employment for people with disabilities.” Commissioner McCosh has shown that abiding commitment throughout her tenure at City Hall and MRC’s Roxbury and Boston Vocational Rehabilitation offices were quick to seize upon the opportunity to both work with the City of Boston, and more importantly, provide quality work exposure and training opportunities for people with disabilities. 

Last week’s celebration was emceed by George Mitchell, a job placement specialist at MRC’s Roxbury office, and was an opportunity for  MRC  to recognize participants in the summer program as well match MRC consumers with the agency’s ’s employer partners regarding work opportunities within their companies.

Mr. Wilfredo Montes, a former MRC consumer, delivered a keynote address, stressing that MRC was a key resource when he was looking for work. “I have a disability and I have dealt with many challenges in my life,” Mr. Montes said. “ I continue to work on my challenges - but there is hope and help. One of my resources was MRC. I went on many job interviews. But I didn’t give up and you should not give up. Be persistent.”  After a year of working with MRC, and remaining proactive in his job search, Mr. Montes secured a full-time position as case manager at a local homeless shelter.

As part of the City Hall celebration, the MRC summer interns were paired with MRC business partners. A representative from each of the following companies met with the interns: Ace Employment Services, Bay Cove Human Services, City of Boston Credit Union, CVS Caremark, LaundroMax, Manpower Inc, Price Rite Supermarket and the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Following the breakout sessions, nine MRC interns were hired that afternoon by employers, delivering a total of seven MRC summer interns that have been hired into permanent positions.

Joan Phillips, assistant commissioner of MRC Vocational Rehabilitation division remarked, “MRC wants to educate employers that persons with disabilities represent an untapped and valuable employment resource. Today is a testament of the commitment of our employer partners and their willingness to not turn this into a PR event but to make real efforts to hire our consumers. This means a lot to me and to MRC.”

The celebration at City Hall concluded with Commissioner McCosh and the MRC Employment Specialist team handing out certificates of completion to MRC consumers that participated in the internship program this summer, with the collective pledge to continue the joint partnership and expand it to other city departments. MRC consumers, staff and City of Boston colleagues came away feeling both gratified and grateful for their experiences.

The following summer mentees and interns were honored at City Hall on October 11:

City of Boston - Summer Mentees

Carmelo Aguilar

Peter Anderson

Jacqueline Bagley

Ninetta Cottrell

Jonathan Bullock

Jordan Gilliard

Stephen Greig 

Don Klabin

Emmanuela Louis

Ami Okiwe

Stephen Spencer

 

City of Boston - Summer Interns

Hannah Brooks

Ralph Clarke

Richardo Haynes

Mahmud Jalloh

Christian Lizarbe

Angel Maldonado

Zachary Poldoian

Eric Robinson

Jim White

 

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September is Healthy Aging Month: Time to Stretch and Smile

By Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Ann L. Hartstein

Two years ago, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs developed an “Aging Agenda,” underscoring the fact that aging begins at birth and is a lifelong process. Based on nine principles for improving the quality of life, the Aging Agenda recommends adopting healthy habits early in one’s life to guarantee a happier healthier later life. Lifelong healthy diets and exercise are obvious choices for promoting healthy aging.  As an agency, we practice what we preach.

Several staffers who incorporate exercise into their daily routines, and inspired by  Mass in Motion, developed a series of exercises, largely based on yoga, and invited their colleagues to join them every afternoon at 3:00 p.m., for fifteen minutes of stretching and balance-building, that they called “Stretch and Smile.”  The group is multi-generational, ranging in age from people in their twenties to their eighties, and led by a staff member in his early sixties and the agency Mass Wellness Champion who is in her early seventies. Some afternoons, only a handful of people find their way to EOEA’s back hallway to claim a spot. On other days, the stretchers and smilers fill the space.

Every session includes the same ten exercises, and participants report real gains in strength, suppleness and balance.  Repetition is the key to success in regular exercise.  Pain is not.  The Stretch and Smile leaders are scrupulous in promoting a routine that expands capacity without damaging muscles and cartilage.

In addition to their 3:00 p.m. exercise routine (3:00 p.m. was deemed to be the time at which most employees need a boost and exercise has far more lasting benefits than caffeine), the Stretch and Smile team share health and diet tips and occasionally add something new to their routine.  They invite passersby to join them, some of whom have become group members.

There are lots of ways to stay active and a number of community-based group exercise programs.  Check out your local Council on Aging – the list is available on the mass.gov/elders home page under Related Links.  Call your local Parks and Recreation Department to join or form a neighborhood walking club, including people of all ages who take regular walks in community parks or in and neighborhoods,  or, if you want to exercise at work, you’ll find more tips at your fingertips at:

The Administration on Aging website at: http://www.aoa.gov/AoAroot/Press_Room/News/2011/Healthy_Tip/36.aspx

Or the mass.gov website: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/wellness/healthy-living/move-more/move-more-overview.html

 

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