You don’t want to miss this!!  Download this flyer about WCCC’s latest partnership course brought to you by friends at MaineStreet Business Building, Machias Savings Bank, Maine Stream Finance, and WCCC: Financial Empowerment 101: your money, your future.  10 weekly live-streamed classes beginning January 13th.

Washington County Community College reminds you that their Partners in Behavioral Health Pathways has over fifteen different training options in the behavioral health field.  Students may take multiple classes to increase their employability with various available credential options, such as the Mental Health Rehabilitation/Community fast-track program starting this month.  Did you know that WCCC’s MHRT/C track can be competed in only 7 courses covering all eight knowledge domains???  Whether students are looking to enter the field or already work in the field, the MHRT/C certification is a great credential to have, and case managers are in demand all over the state!  Grant and scholarship funding is available.  For more information or to apply now, visit the Partners in Behavioral Health Pathways page and click on MHRT/C to apply or email workforce@wccc.me.edu for more info.

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) is pleased to partner with the New England Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative, in collaboration with the Washington County District and Superior Courts, to offer a pilot program known as Recovery Support Navigation in Washington County. It is a free, confidential, and voluntary service for court-involved individuals impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. Funding for this program comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Services are provided by Maryanne Young, AMHC Recovery Support Navigator, who assists individuals and their loved ones with understanding prevention, treatment and recovery resources available in the community; accessing substance use treatment services including Medication Assisted Treatment for addiction or psychiatric medications; developing personal goals and objectives related to addressing substance use disorder; MaineCare enrollment; and connections to care coordination services including housing, transportation and employment. Navigation services are eligible to court users or family members involved with any court department and do not need to have a current open case or be on probation to receive services. Referrals may come from the defense counsel, district attorney’s office, probation department, healthcare providers, law enforcement and family members. Self-referrals are also welcome. For more information, please reach out to Maryanne Young, Recovery Support Navigator by phone at 207-496-9733 or by email at myoung@amhc.org.

This group will be changing the day & time of our monthly meeting.  In an effort to be available for more folks, we will be meeting on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10 AM.  ZOOM will still be available by request.  We will continue to meet at the Calais Methodist Church, 849 Main St., Calais in the first floor conference room.

 CDC Updates Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Periods

Last week, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance with regard to isolating and quarantine. According to the agency, “The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to the onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.” The update makes several changes. First, it shortens the recommended time for isolation for someone with COVID. That person can now only isolate for 5 days (rather than the prior 10 recommended days). This shortened period only applies if the person remains asymptomatic or their symptoms are “resolving” (without fever for 24 hours). The infected person must then wear a mask when around other people for 5 days following the isolation. Second, it now includes reference to the vaccine booster in relation to people who are in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19. The CDC is not recommending that any person who has received their booster shot quarantine following exposure. However, the agency did say…continue reading Rudman Winchell’s Update.