If you are having trouble viewing this email, click here. |
|
|---|
|
|
 |
Dear Neighbor,
Happy Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating! Though your new year celebrations may look a little different, I hope this occasion will represent a renewal of hope and optimism for the future. Here’s to the Year of the Ox!
Continue reading for the latest vaccine updates, my response to the surge in violence against the Asian community, info about a recent SNAP expansion, and more.
Please note, my offices will be closed on Monday, February 15 for President’s Day.
For more COVID-19 resources, visit senatorcollett.com/coronavirus or check the quick links at the bottom of this email. Need help? Contact my office at senatorcollett@pasenate.com or 215-368-1429. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest.
Wash your hands, wear your mask, and stay well.
Sincerely,
|
Senator Maria Collett
12th Senatorial District
|
|
|
|
|
|
In Memory of Senator Stewart Greenleaf |
I was deeply saddened to hear of Senator Stewart Greenleaf’s passing and I send my sincere condolences to his family, staff and loved ones.
For four decades, Senator Greenleaf represented and served the people of Pennsylvania’s 12th District with honor and selflessness. A man of great faith and integrity, Senator Greenleaf’s character and leadership were admired by colleagues and constituents across the political spectrum. By setting such an example, his legacy and impact on the people of Pennsylvania will live on forever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Addressing Anti-Asian Racism |
This past week, we have seen disturbing national headlines about a surge in violence against the Asian American community and renewed attention to racist harassment many have faced this year during the pandemic. I condemn these attacks and know we have work to do in our own communities to address anti-Asian harassment, like that highlighted by a recent article from Hannah Chinn at WHYY in one of our school districts.
Thank you to the students, residents, and organizations who continue to shine a light on anti-Asian racism and advocate for local change. I stand with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if we can be of service or support: senatorcollett@pasenate.com or 215-368-1429.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I am continuing to speak out and push the administration to make changes to its vaccine registration process. Today, the Acting Secretary of Health implemented a new order that addresses some of the concerns raised by me and my colleagues, specifically increasing accountability and oversight for vaccine providers and improved accessibility for seniors. While this is a good first step, there is still a long way to go. I’ll continue amplifying your experiences and concerns to ensure quicker, more transparent and equitable vaccine distribution.
For now, here are the latest local vaccine updates:
Bucks County
- Bucks County’s Health Department will begin vaccinating 1A individuals who have pre-registered with the county next week at their three community college locations. They will administer 600 doses/day on an appointment-only basis, moving in order through the 100K+ individuals who have pre-registered for 1A.
|
Montgomery County
- Montco continues to work through their 1A pre-registration list, but, like Bucks, they are limited by the number of doses they receive. It may take 6-10 weeks to hear back from the County Health Department for an appointment if you have preregistered on their site.
- The county has launched a COVID-19 hotline for general questions: 833-875-3967. It operates Monday-Saturday, 8am-8pm in 100+ languages. Currently, they cannot assist with vaccine appointments, but this service will be made available in the near future.
|
To find additional potential vaccine providers in your area, visit the PA Provider Map
- For assistance with the PA Dept. Of Health site and other vaccine questions, call their hotline: 1-877-724-3258.
For the latest COVID vaccine info, visit senatorcollett.com/coronavirus or your county website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visiting a Vaccine Clinic |
|
|
|
|
|
Last week, I visited My Dayhouse, an adult day health center in Chalfont during their vaccine clinic for eligible seniors and home health aides affiliated with their center. I appreciated the opportunity to share in this exciting moment and even administer a dose myself.
I know there are many nonpracticing and retired health professionals who are ready and willing to help when the pace picks up, myself included. I will continue to advocate to make sure the Department of Health hears our concerns, addresses its shortcomings and strives to do much, much better as rollout continues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emersyn’s Day & Congenial Heart Defect Awareness Week |
I am honored to again introduce a resolution in the PA Senate designating February 7 through February 14 as “Congenial Heart Defect Awareness Week” and recognizing February 14 as “Emersyn’s Day” in Pennsylvania.
The impact that Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) can have on families and our communities became personal for me after meeting with the Swain and Sheeder families of Montgomery County, whose infant daughter Emersyn, tragically passed due to a CHD. In Emersyn’s memory, her parents Jackie and Chris have sought to raise awareness about CHD, and I am proud to join them in their cause.
CHDs are one of the most common birth defects and are a leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fastnacht Day/Fat Tuesday is right around the corner! Support local bakeries this year, and make sure you can get your hands on these delicious treats by ordering ahead of time if possible:
Fastnachts are diamond shaped, donut-like pastries originally made by the Pennsylvania Dutch to use up all of their sugar and fat before the Lenten season began. Take a look at the Mennonite Heritage Center’s blog to read more about the art of the fastnacht.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Latino Community & COVID-19 Town Hall |
Join the Montco Immunization Coalition, ACLAMO, Telemundo 62, and others for a Latino Community & COVID-19 Town Hall event on Tuesday, February 16 at 7pm to get your questions about vaccines and the latest COVID prevention strategies answered live.
Learn more about the event and register to attend here.
Se proveerá interpretación en español - Spanish interpretation will be provided.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SNAP Eligibility Expands to College Students |
This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced that qualifying college students will now be eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits under a temporary change. Normally, they would not be eligible due to their status as a student, but food insecurity among college students has only worsened during the pandemic. I’m glad to see SNAP benefits will now be available to students who qualify, and I hope this change will be made permanent so students can continue to receive the support they need.
Learn more about SNAP here. Need assistance? Reach out to my office at 215-368-1429 or senatorcollett@pasenate.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offices of State Senator Maria Collett
All offices are temporarily closed to visitors due to COVID-19.
www.senatorcollett.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
North Wales Office
Gwynedd Corporate Center
1180 Welsh Road | Suite 130
North Wales, PA 19454
Phone: 215-368-1429
Fax: 215-368-2374
|
|
|
|
Warminster Office
1410 W. Street Road
Suite A
Warminster, PA 18974
Phone: 215-674-1246
Fax: 215-674-1361
|
|
|
|
Harrisburg Office
543 Capitol Building
Senate Box 203012
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3012
Phone: 717-787-6599
Fax: 717-783-7328
|
|
|
|
|
|
