In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Friday, October 23 – the COVID-19 Community Impact Survey closes on October 30, roses at City Hall commemorate Worcester Residents lost to COVID-19, UMass Memorial Health Care is hosting its first-ever Health Equity Open Forum, Health Connector increases assistance to help residents sign up for healthcare, and day one of the “I AM WORCESTER” photoshoot is this weekend.
COVID-19 Community Impact Survey
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Community Impact Survey closes on October 30.
The survey aims for better understanding and identifying the socio-economic needs and inequities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey is available in multiple languages and open to all residents of Massachusetts.
Roses Commemorate Lost Worcester Residents
A display of 296 roses at Worcester City Hall are a tribute in remembrance of each city resident lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
296 single red roses in loving memory of our fallen residents. We mourn their loss, we fight in their honor. We implore you to Wear a mask, Wash your hands and Watch your distance. Thank you to Sparkle on Park for helping create this touching tribute. Photo credit: @JPJacobs22 pic.twitter.com/o7dKwO6E0u
— City of Worcester (@TweetWorcester) October 22, 2020
UMass Memorial Health Care to Hold Health Equity Open Forum
UMass Memorial Health Care is hosting its first-ever Health Equity Open Forum on Thursday, October 29. The Facebook Live event will focus on racial disparities and injustice in health care, in Central Massachusetts and beyond.
The event will be on Facebook Live on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at 11 AM.
The panelists will include:
- Eric Dickson, MD, President and CEO, UMass Memorial Health Care
- Congressman Jim McGovern, who represents our region in the 2nd Congressional District of Massachusetts
- Matilde “Mattie” Castiel, MD, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, City of Worcester
- Dr. Sarai Rivera, Worcester City Councilor and Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Health
- Tayyaba Salman, MD, Hospitalist, HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, member of the Minority Advisory Council
Health Connector Enrollment Assistance Grows
The Massachusetts Health Connector has 18 community-based Navigator organizations ready to provide health insurance enrollment help to residents, including 10 with newly-expanded capacity to provide additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the largest Navigator program in Massachusetts since its inception for 2014 Open Enrollment as part of the Affordable Care Act.
Navigators traditionally provide direct, in-person assistance to residents in their communities who need help accessing Health Connector coverage. As the Health Connector enters Open Enrollment for 2021, many Navigators will be providing virtual assistance to supplement more limited in-person help due to COVID-19.
Massachusetts residents can learn more about the Navigator program and find Navigators and other assisters in their community at the Health Connector website.
“I AM WORCESTER” Photoshoot is this Weekend
To celebrate Worcester’s unique identity and diverse residents, the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Division is hosting a photo shoot session to collect images for the “I Am Worcester” photo project.
The “I Am Worcester” campaign showcases the everyday individuals who make Worcester the distinct, fun and dynamic city that it is. Participants can get their photo taken for free by professional photographer Matt Wright.
Social distancing protocol will be practiced and face coverings are required except when photos are being taken. Portraits will be printed and exhibited publicly at locations across the city in Spring 2021.
The first photoshoot will take place on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Russell St. entrance of Elm Park. A second photoshoot will be held on Wednesday, October 28 from 12 PM to 2 PM at Worcester’s City Hall.
For more information about the “I Am Worcester” project, please visit http://www.WorcesterMA.gov/I-Am-Worcester or email [email protected].
