The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 28 to February 4, 2021

Gobi Fights for Changes to COVID Vaccination Sign-up System

BOSTON (Jan 28, 2021) - Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) took a pair of actions this week in reaction to the start of phase two in the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan that is set to open up to vaccinate individuals 75+ starting February 1st. With the announcement made on Tuesday that the Commonwealth would be moving into the second phase of the program, many waited eagerly at the online portals set up by the state to take their place in line only to be frustrated by a lack of available appointments and a system that seemed to put the burden on constituents to stay vigilant as they worked to find appointments from multiple sites.

Hearing concerns from her constituents, Gobi immediately set to circulate a letter amongst her legislative colleagues expressing issue with the barriers the online system was creating for the older population and those with limited access to technology, and imploring the Administration to develop a user friendly 1-800 number and a centralized system under the COVID-19 Task Force to allow Massachusetts residents to access the sign up process in an easier fashion. The letter received bipartisan support from 25 state senators and 61 representatives, each of whom had heard the same difficulties in their own districts.

Following the letter, Gobi joined Senator Eric Lesser(D- Longmeadow) and Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) in filing legislation directing the Department of Public Health to immediately establish an accessible, one-stop online sign-up for COVID-19 vaccinations for both desktop computer and mobile registration. The legislation requires a phone hotline immediately be established in multiple languages, to be staffed 24/7, and directs the Department of Public Health to notify residents of these streamlined options for vaccination sign-up using a text-based notification system such as "AlertsMA". While the current appointment system has created mass confusion and anxiety as seniors eligible for Phase 2 vaccinations are asked to navigate a complex web of internet links and appointment slots, this new portal would simplify and standardize the process statewide for booking appointments and allow a phone-based system for seniors who lack access or familiarity with technology. Senator Gobi had this to say on the bill, "Our seniors are waiting and they need the needle stick in their arm, not the short end of the stick. As a national leader in healthcare we need to do better."

Governor Baker spoke Thursday on the issues many faced, pledging to set up a call center for COVID-19 vaccination appointments next week but providing minimal details on the timing or capacity it may have. While Gobi welcomed the implementation of such a system she reiterated that it should have been anticipated and put in place from the start, and that she would continue to work on behalf of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable citizens to ensure they will be able to receive the vaccine in a timely and expedient manner.

For more information on the actions taken this week, please contact Senator Gobi’s office via email at Anne.Gobi@MASenate.gov.

Massachusetts Lions Continue to Change Lives for the Visually Impaired

"I can’t thank them enough, and I want them to know that they have changed my life!" said a 54-year-old Ludlow woman with retinitis pigmentosa, who is legally blind. The recently created Massachusetts Lions Low Vision Network has improved the quality of life for her and for so many already by helping people with irreversible vision loss. By partnering with a substantial network of practitioners throughout Massachusetts, who specialize in low vision assessment and treatment, the Lions are affirming their motto "We Serve." They are providing hope and services to those who may have been told "there is nothing we can do for you."

These specialized low vision practitioners provide tools such as hand magnifiers, computer technology, telescopes, binocular systems, desktop video technology that uses CCTV, an HD camera and full-page text to speech capability. For the 54-year-old, a Lion scheduled her Low Vision Assessment. The low vision specialist recommended that she secure a portable CCTV, solar shield filters for her glasses and high tech, Jordy Brand, wearable low vision glasses to improve her vision acuity, mobility, and in-home independence. She was unable to pay for these services, so the Lions provided financial support. In expressing her gratitude, she wrote "The Lions were so passionate and engaged in working as my advocate throughout this process. They listened to me and took care of everything I needed...Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

An 83-year-old Monson woman who suffers from Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma contacted the Lions to schedule her Low Vision Assessment. Again, the Lions scheduled the appointment, which determined that her peripheral and distance vision could be significantly improved with a special site scope with a flip-up telescope that attaches to her regular glasses. Because the cost of the equipment was prohibitive, the Lions paid for the device. In expressing her gratitude, her daughter wrote "My mother's expression when she finally could see her granddaughter's face brought us all to tears. You have given her the best Christmas present possible. Thank you!"

The Low Vision exam is unique. It not only leads to recommendations for low vision tools, but also, in-home rehabilitation therapists who come to the person's home and help the patient operate more efficiently, thereby improving their mobility and confidence.

Local Lion volunteers are playing a major role in this program by helping to make patient low vision appointments, by providing rides to and from the appointment if necessary, and by answering questions that come up. If the patient has no insurance or their insurance won't cover the cost, Lions may provide financial assistance as well.

If you would like to take the first step in exploring the low vision support that is available through his program, please either email the Lions at info@lowvisionnetwork.com or fill out the Contact Form on their website: www.lowvisionnetwork.com. A Lion will respond within one business day to your request.

Local Legislators Announce Grant Award for Polus Center

BOSTON (Jan 23 2021) - Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) joined Representative Susannah Whipps (I-Athol) and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development today in announcing that the Polus Center for Social & Economic Development has been awarded a grant through the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund in the amount of $199,998. Located in Petersham, Massachusetts, the Polus Center has more than 35 years of experience designing human service programs and promoting new opportunities for persons with disabilities and victims of conflict in the United States and throughout the world. Today, their primary work in Massachusetts is to help people with disabilities gain the skills, credentials, career-support and work opportunities to help them find competitive employment.

Gobi had this to say on the grant announcement, "Senator Ken Donnelly was a colleague of mine before losing his life to cancer. He would be thrilled to know that the Polus Center was receiving this award named in his memory. The Polus Center makes a difference in the lives of those injured and touched by violence as well as supporting people with special challenges. These grants will help with individual success and strengthen our communities. I congratulate the Center and thank them for all they do."

Representative Whipps offered this statement on the award, "I’m very happy to work with Senator Gobi to advocate for organizations, like Polus Center, which do so much to promote productivity through inclusion and understanding."

The center is a recipient of the Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant for Expanded Capacity & Employment Program Performance. This funding opportunity seeks to support additional seat capacity in ongoing sector-based employment programs that provide training and job placement/retention services to Massachusetts residents who are unemployed. They will be using these grant funds to provide training and placement services to prepare unemployed participants for Pharmacy Technician positions. Their grant partners include: CVS Health, Walgreens, Thryv Consulting, MassHire North Central Workforce Board, MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, MassHire North Central Career Center and MassHire Worcester Career Center, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).

To learn more about the grant announcement, please email Anne.Gobi@MASenate.gov