public health

Fitchburg to host Community Health Resource Fair

October 16, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — The city Health Department will be hosting a Community Health Resource Fair from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Fitchburg Armory, 14 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg.

“We are thrilled to be offering the Community Health Resource Fair after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19,” said Stephen Curry, director of Public Health.

Members of the community are invited to attend this free event and learn about available services, including housing and shelter, elder services, fuel assistance, medical care, mental health resources, cultural offerings, youth services, substance use disorder treatment and more.

Over 70 resource tables will be set up representing state and local agencies and nonprofits.

Several city departments, including fire, police, public schools, health, and veterans will be participating. The offices of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. and Sheriff Lew Evangelidis will also host resource tables.

State agencies taking part in the event include Department of Mental Health, Department of Transitional Assistance and Attorney General.

State Sen. John Cronin and state Rep. Michael Kushmerek will also provide information and resources.

“This event recognizes the social determinants of health — the conditions in which people are born, grow, work and age – and offer a variety of resources to improve the wellbeing of our residents,” said Sue Christensen, outreach and prevention coordinator.

The Fitchburg Health Department, lead community for the Montachusett Public Health Network, will be providing free COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations, blood pressure readings, and Naloxone training.

Throughout the event, free raffles will be drawn for gift baskets donated by participating vendors. Once again, the Fitchburg Holiday Decorating Committee will be selling refreshments to raise funds for the city’s holiday lights.

For more information, you are welcome to call the City of Fitchburg Health Department, at 978-342-9582.

Westminster man doing Jimmy Fund walk for himself, family

September 14, 2022 by pkzadmin

WESTMINSTER — Although Sunday, Oct. 2 may prove to be a challenging day for town resident Jason Payne, it won’t compare to how difficult life has been since being diagnosed with cancer last year.

Payne will be joining thousands of others and walking in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai to benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute the first Sunday of next month. This is his first time participating with team No Payne, No Gain through which he hopes to raise $2,000.

“The Jimmy Fund is already huge here in New England,” Payne said. “It’s important for me to get out there and advocate for people to get screened and not ignore their health, particularly for people who are healthy. I ignored things because I was ‘healthy’ and it’s costing me now.”

Payne recalled that when he was diagnosed with colon cancer last November at first, he was “terrified thinking the end is near, but after some talks with the docs and lots of prayer, I decided it wasn’t going to be the end of me.”

Some of his biggest cheerleaders supporting him throughout the ordeal have been his wife Lyn and their “amazing” seven-year-old daughter, Aayla Rae, who will both be joining him for the walk.

Westminster resident Jason Payne will be joined by his wife Lyn and their “amazing” seven-year-old daughter Aayla Rae for the Oct. 2 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk as part of team No Payne, No Gain to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where Jason is receiving treatment for colon cancer. (COURTESY JASON PAYNE)

“Defy cancer to me means to not let cancer get in the way of living or doing the things you enjoy,” Payne said in a press release. “A diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. Attitude, mindset, and perspective help keep me positive and certain that I am going to kick this thing. And at the forefront of all of that are my family, my friends, and my faith. Because of those three things I have already won.”

As a Dana-Farber patient, Payne is walking for himself and his family.

“I want my daughter to understand the importance of helping others and show her strength by walking.”

The iconic annual walk aims to unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Through its 33 year history, the Jimmy Fund Walk has raised over $155 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“Dana Farber has been great to me and my family, and I wanted a way to give back and help raise money that could cure this disease for others behind me,” Payne said. “For me, I walk to show others that a diagnosis doesn’t have to mean stop living. For my daughter, to show her it’s important to help others if you can and I hope she will be active in charity work when she is an adult.”

This year, participants will return to the Boston Marathon course after two years of walking virtually. There are four different distance options walkers can choose from — a 3.1 mile 5K from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, a 6.2 mile 10K from Newton, a 13.1 Half Marathon Walk from Wellesley, or a 26.2 Marathon Walk from Hopkinton. Participants also have the option to join the event virtually by walking from wherever they are most comfortable, even on a treadmill at home or in a gym.

Payne said that while he is “looking forward to connecting more with people who are in a similar situation as me,” in all honesty, his goal is to simply finish the walk.

“The treatments make me pretty tired, so hoping I can complete the 10K.”

When asked what he would say to those who have supported his fundraising efforts, which so far has netted $930 as of press time, he was quick to say, “thank you thank you thank you!”

“Keep passing the message, the funds raised during events like the walk go directly to the research and result in life saving treatments,” Payne said. “I wouldn’t be in the good spirits I am if not for the power of positivity.”

For more information and to donate to team No Payne, No Gain visit tinyurl.com/yf9w2a82.

One More Day: Fitchburg to remember those lost to overdose

August 18, 2022 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — The Fitchburg community will wrap its arms around family and friends who have lost a loved one to overdose, and support those who are struggling, at an Overdose Awareness Vigil on Thursday, Aug. 25.

The vigil, led by the Fitchburg Health Department, will be held at the Upper Common, located on Main Street. A variety of resource tables will be available at 6:30 p.m., followed by the vigil, which starts at 7 p.m. Residents from surrounding communities are invited to join.

“This is a time for the community to join together and remember lives lost to overdose while giving hope to those struggling,” said Susan Christensen, outreach and prevention coordinator for the Fitchburg Health Department. “The gazebo will be lit up purple (the color for overdose awareness) in honor of those who have passed.”

Christensen added that speakers will be family members who have lost a loved one to overdose and music will be provided by members from Restoration Recovery Center, and candles will be distributed.

The Rev. Thomas Hughes will lead a moment of reflection.

“The only speakers will be those who have lost a loved one and the theme chosen by the planning committee is ‘One More Day,’” Christensen said. “Remembering those who did not live to see one more day while giving hope to anyone struggling for one more day towards recovery.”

Luminary bags will be available for remembrance and purple ribbons will be distributed for citizens to wear on International Overdose Awareness Day, which is Aug. 31.

The Salvation Army Canteen will be manned by the Fitchburg Rotary Club to provide refreshments.

“The opioid situation in the area is reflective of the situation throughout our county, state and nation,” said Christensen, who also oversees the Homeless Street Outreach and Substance Use Prevention programs.

The state Department of Public Health recently released statistics regarding the number of opioid-related overdose deaths and the city/town of residence for the decedent, among Massachusetts residents, from 2015-2021.

Fitchburg is listed with 17 deaths in 2021, as compared to 19 opioid-related deaths in 2020 and 21 opioid-related deaths in 2019.

Neighboring Leominster had 15 opioid-related deaths in 2019, 13 opioid-related deaths in 2020, and 12 in 2021.

“Our Street Outreach Team of Keith Barnaby and Kim French has been instrumental in distributing Naloxone to friends and family members of those who are at risk of overdose,” Christensen added.

The teaching of harm reduction strategies includes how to prevent and recognize an opioid overdose, the importance of immediately calling 911, how to perform rescue breathing, how to administer naloxone and the importance of staying with an individual until help arrives.

Christensen added that under the harm reduction strategies, twice a year the Health Department, in partnership with the Fitchburg Police Department, participates in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The fall date is Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at Fitchburg City Hall, 718 Main St.

“This initiative helps to get unused prescriptions out of circulation, reducing the opportunity for misuse and abuse,” Christensen said. “The main goal is keep people alive, to give them one more day to choose recovery.”

During the Overdose Awareness Vigil there will be overdose prevention information and Naloxone training available at the Fitchburg Health Department Outreach and Prevention table.

“As a certified recovery coach and recovery coach supervisor, Keith combines a strong treatment advocacy background with compassion,” Christensen said. “Kim has worked locally as a care coordinator and recovery specialist. They work tirelessly to build relationships and offer resources to those struggling.”

Once an individual is ready to make a change, they are assisted in identifying appropriate treatment options and navigating through that process.

“Fitchburg is fortunate to have many dedicated providers and ongoing collaborative efforts which results in efficient and effective referrals to those in need,” Christensen said.

Residents are asked to bring a photo of a loved one lost to overdose to the vigil or email photos to SChristensen@fitchburgma.gov by Wednesday, Aug. 24. She will print them out to put on display that evening.

“There are many resources available in the area for folks who are struggling and their friends and families,” Christensen said. “Many of our community partners will have tables at the Vigil to highlight the services they offer.”

The list of resources includes ACTION Community Health, Alyssa’s Place Peer Recovery Center, Community Health Connections, Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment, Fitchburg Health Department Outreach & Recovery, Fitchburg Police Department, GAAMHA Inc., Joseph Early District Attorney Office, LUK Inc., Making Opportunity Count, Our Father’s House, Recovery Centers of America Westminster, Restoration Recovery Center, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Fitchburg Support center and SMOC.

“We invite people who are interested in learning more about what is available for help locally to stop by and visit with the various agencies,” she said. “There is help available and these organizations are ready and able to assist. By making resources accessible in a relaxed environment we also strive to eliminate the stigma associated with substance use and abuse – this issue has no boundaries and people from all walks of life are affected.”

Statewide, residents can call 211 or go to mass.211.org for information. Information is also available at the Outreach & Prevention Office at 978-829-1854 or by calling the Street Outreach Team at 978-868- 6482.

“This is truly a community gathering and we welcome residents to join together in remembering those who have passed due to an overdose,” Christensen said. “Addiction does not discriminate, most residents probably have a coworker, family member or friend who has been affected. We want to remember the many lives lost and provide support to their families.”

For more information on the vigil, call the Fitchburg Health Department at 978-829-1870.

Lori Trahan to host virtual event touting Inflation Reduction Act benefits in health care

August 16, 2022 by pkzadmin

Before the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law by President Biden on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan was already touting the bill’s benefits.

Now, she’s hitting the district, virtually, to discuss just what the bill means for local families.

At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Trahan will take to Facebook Live, joined by Mike Festa, AARP Massachusetts state director, to discuss how the bill may help lower prescription drug and health care costs for families across the state.

According to Trahan’s office, the two will discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act enables Medicare to negotiation prescription drug prices, cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors and will set the price of insulin at $35 per month for Medicare recipients.

Additionally, the session will see the pair discuss how the new law will prohibit drug companies from increasing Medicare drug prices higher than the rate of inflation.

Trahan’s office said the virtual event is the first installment in a larger series discussing how the Inflation Reduction Act will benefit families across the 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses Fitchburg and Lowell.

The event is free and open to members of the public. Those planning to attend can visit tinyurl.com/4pah5phh and receive a reminder on Facebook before the event begins.

The event will also be available on YouTube and Twitter.

Leominster resident racing against time, searching for a kidney donation

July 7, 2022 by pkzadmin

Longtime Leominster resident Lainey Barry, who is in need of a kidney donation, with her two youngest sons, David and Mark, circa 1997. (COURTESY LAINEY BARRY)

LEOMINSTER — Longtime city resident Lainey Barry is putting out a plea to the greater community and beyond, desperately searching for a kidney that is a match as she waits on the transplant list.

“I’m hoping going public will not just help me but help my children and grandchildren in the future, and many others who are going through the same struggles,” the 56-year-old mother of five said. “There is such a need for living donors. Donors period, but living donors to avoid the all the medical struggles waiting for deceased donors.”

Barry and an astonishing 13 family members have polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary disorder that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys causing the kidneys to grow and become unable to filter waste out of the blood. This can lead to kidney failure, high blood pressure, and problems with blood vessels in the brain and heart.

“My aunt was transplanted over 20 years ago and just retired at 82,” Barry said. “She is the one constant I have had in my life. She has been there since I was born, I have had her longer than I had my parents. I refer to her as not just who I aspire to be like always, but she is my North Star. In life anytime I have felt alone, scared, questioned God, I go to her. She always gives the best advice. Her love is unconditional. She reminds me to just keep moving forward, a day at a time. She is truly the backbone on my dad’s side, and I’d be lost without her.”

Lainey Barry (r.) with her husband of 26 years, Rich. (COURTESY LAINEY BARRY) — Lainey Barry, right, with her husband of 26 years, Rich. (COURTESY LAINEY BARRY)

One of her cousins received a kidney transplant a few years ago and another cousin and an uncle more recently.

Some relatives are on dialysis, something that could soon be Barry’s reality as her kidneys are now functioning at 11%.

In an effort to get the word out about her time sensitive situation Barry recently launched a movement, “Lainey Needs a Kidney,” complete with a website and Facebook page.

She hopes that people far and wide will hear her story and consider getting tested to see if they are a match. Barry is blood type A+ and as such can accept an organ from A or O blood types. Insurance will cover all costs associated with donation and surgery.

“I am also considering paired donation,” she said. “Paired donation is done when I have a donor who does not match me and therefore cannot donate to me but will donate on my behalf. We will then be matched with a pair who are in the same situation and my donor will match the other person and their donor will match me.”

While transplants can come from someone who is alive or recently deceased, the wait for a kidney from someone who died can be many years — time that Barry simply doesn’t have.

“My husband is an eternal optimist and never looks at the bad side of any situation,” she said. “He is the most positive person I know. I think he has lived in denial for some time that we would get to this point. He has always viewed me as so strong, and I do not look sick. I think he has finally realized that just thinking positively isn’t gonna fix this. We are finally here, and we must find a donor. He is going to get tested to see if he is a match. We have heard many stories of spouses ending up being able to be the donor.”

Lainey Barry's five children are hoping their mother is able to get a kidney donation soon. (L. to r.) John, Mark, Matt, Briahnna and David two years ago at Matt's wedding in Cancun. (COURTESY LAINEY BARRY) — Lainey Barry’s five children are hoping their mother is able to get a kidney donation soon. (L. to r.) John, Mark, Matt, Briahnna and David two years ago at Matt’s wedding in Cancun. (COURTESY LAINEY BARRY)

The couple moved into their north Leominster home after getting married 26 years ago.

Barry was born in Worcester and has lived in Leominster since she was nine, and her husband Rich was born in Leominster and has lived there and in Lunenburg all his life.

“He has worked in his family’s business since he was 15,” Barry said of her spouse. “He is truly my best friend and always my greatest cheerleader along with especially my two youngest boys. Somehow, they always remind me how strong I have always been and to just keep going.”

The family is busy organizing a Raffle for a Cure to benefit the PKD Foundation that will be drawn on July 16 at Conrad’s Drive-In Seafood in Lunenburg, which Barry hopes will also bring awareness to her and other peoples’ plight.

Tickets cost $5 for one or three for $10 and first place is a 65-inch Samsung Smart TV, second place is two $100 gift certificates to Conrad’s, and third place is two tickets to the Worcester Red Sox. You do not need to be present to win.

Longtime Leominster resident Lainey Barry, who is in need of a kidney donor, with her youngest son David. (COURTESY LAINEY BARRY)

Raffle tickets are available at Conrad’s and there is also a chicken barbecue benefit slated at the eatery on Sept. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. that will feature live music by local musicians Ron and Hannah Robuccio, food, raffles and information on PKD and becoming a donor.

“Dave from Conrad’s is like family, and he was the first to jump on board and offer to help any way he can,” Barry said. “We so appreciate all he is doing.”

She said it’s been “hectic” pulling everything together and that they are looking for corporate sponsors and a T-shirt vendor for the September fundraiser. But in the end, it’s all worth it if they are able to bring more awareness to PKD and the need for donors.

“I was against going public but after seeing the awful struggles my family members have endured while waiting for a deceased donor, I decided I did not want to live that way,” Barry said. “My family has really suffered. I lost my younger brother in 2020. He truly fought this disease his entire life, and I had a brother who died as an infant after birth complications and he also had PKD.”

“We are trying to reach as many people as possible,” she continued. “There are so many in need. I am amazed at the true kindness from total strangers.”

She said she’s thankful for the support from the community and her family and friends, including her son Mark’s fiancee who is a nurse.

“If I get a test result I don’t understand and I’m panicked and can’t get answers from my doctor right away, Isabella explains what she knows and puts my mind at ease ‘til I can reach my doctor,” Barry said. “That MyChart is not a good thing sometimes, especially when your results come just as the weekend starts.”

Longtime Leominster resident Lainey Barry is in a race against time to find a kidney donor as a result of PKU, a hereditary disorder that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys causing the kidneys to grow and become unable to filter waste out of the blood. (COURTESY LAINEY BARRY)

She said Mark, whom she lovingly calls Marky, has especially been a rock for her.

He “is always there for everyone but especially me. Since he was a little boy, he was my biggest help.”

He and his fiancee will be getting married in September of next year in Provincetown, a celebration Barry said she wouldn’t miss for the world.

“I have a lot to look forward to.”

To sign up to become a prospective donor, purchase raffle tickets, or for more information call or text 978-514-2538, email LaineyNeedsAKidney@gmail.com, visit www.laineyneedsakidney.com, and follow Lainey Needs a Kidney on Facebook.

Littleton Public Schools granted mask variance

February 11, 2022 by pkzadmin

LITTLETON — The Board of Health voted 4-1 Wednesday to grant a mask variance to the Littleton Public School system.

Board member Matt Wayson was the lone vote in opposition.

With the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s statewide mask mandate set to end on Feb. 28, the Board of Health chose to vote on a variance to the town’s mandate as opposed to the original waiver the School Committee applied for.

The variance would mirror the waiver given to Littleton High School, in that it would require at least 80% of the respective school’s population to be vaccinated, while there must be a reported COVID-19 prevalence rate of 4% or less for the previous two weeks. Mandatory participation in pool testing and parental consent would also be required.

The Board of Health had voted to grant the mask flexibility waiver to the high school at its previous meeting on Jan. 31.

Gov. Charlie Baker “has relinquished responsibilities to local districts,” said Superintendent of Schools Kelly Clenchy. “I’m hopeful. But, at the same time, we want to make sure we’re on top of what we’re doing.”

Clenchy said schools would maintain their testing protocols beyond Feb. 28 in accordance with updated DESE guidance.

“We don’t want to be blindsided by anything as we move forward,” he said. “We’re so fortunate to have this opportunity, to have pool testing and provide take-home rapid tests, and we’re still excited about that.”

Lyn Snow, director of student services for Littleton Public Schools, said the at-home test program would at least run through April vacation and noted “there has been no communication” in regard to discontinuing the pool testing program.

Clenchy also said the district would continue to monitor prevalence rates and, while it would require a “larger conversation,” they wouldn’t be opposed to implementing their own potential and conditional restrictions or mitigation strategies.

“I’m not here tonight saying, ‘We’re out of the woods.’ I don’t know that,” he said.

School Committee Chairman Matthew Hunt, who also attended the Board of Health meeting, said the school district would monitor prevalence rates “for the foreseeable future.”

“I can’t speak specifically, because it would be a board decision, but that’s something I believe would be in our best interest to continue doing,” he said.

On Thursday, the School Committee discussed and came to a consensus on a plan to “phase-in” mask flexibility in accordance with the Board of Health’s variance.

Littleton Middle School and the Russell Street School would be granted flexibility on March 7, while flexibility would tentatively be extended to the Shaker Lane School on March 14. The committee said they would discuss both dates further at their meeting on March 3.

“We want to build confidence in people, we want everyone to feel comfortable to, eventually, take that mask off at their own speed,” said Hunt.

“We’re excited, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” Clenchy said. “We need to move forward in a thoughtful, strategic way to set ourselves up for success.”

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