Legislators in Town to Talk Mental Health, Lyme Disease, Vaccines Bills Proposed

The topics of mental health, Lyme disease and vaccines and immunizations are on tap Friday when State Sen. Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain) and State Rep. Susan Johnson (D-Willimantic), co-chairs of the Public Health Committee, take part in a public hearing Friday in Middletown on proposed legislation.

“It's always instructive to receive opinions, ideas, and suggestions about proposed legislation at public hearings; this one in particular because we'll hold it in Middletown for those who might not otherwise have a chance to participate,” Gerratana said.

“In addition, some of the bills we'll consider address behavioral health and mental health services for children and adolescents, which have become priority issues this session.”

“The hearing is being held locally as part of an effort to involve communities more directly in the legislative process,” said Rep. Johnson. “Middletown is among the first communities to host such a hearing.”

The March 8 hearing at Wesleyan University’s Beckham Hall at 11 a.m. will focus on nine bills the Public Health Committee is considering, including bills proposed on mental health, Lyme disease and vaccines and immunizations. Beckham Hall is located in Wesleyan’s Fayerwether Building at 45 Wyllys Ave. in Middletown.

Mental Health:

Proposed S.B. No. 115 An Act Concerning The Approval Process For Residential Nursing Facilities Serving Inmates And Mental Health Patients.

Proposed S.B. No. 262 An Act Requiring Notice By Psychiatrists Concerning Patients That May Pose A Threat To Themselves Or Others.

Proposed S.B. No. 374 An Act Requiring Behavioral Health Assessments For Children.

Proposed H.B. No. 5740 An Act Concerning Uniform Standards And The Provision Of Mental Health Services At School-Based Health Centers.

Proposed H.B. No. 5992 An Act Concerning The Treatment Of Persons With Psychiatric Disabilities.

Lyme Disease:

Proposed S.B. No. 368 An Act Requiring The Department Of Public Health To Report On Lyme Disease And Other Tick-Borne Illnesses.

H.B. No. 5104 (COMM) An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study Lyme Disease Testing.

Immunizations:

Proposed H.B. No. 5744 An Act Concerning Childhood Immunization.

Proposed H.B. No. 6158 An Act Concerning Vaccine Distribution.