Call 860-934-1010 for Meals on Wheels 

provided by TVCCA Nutrition Services

Tick-borne illness cases in the United States are up 25% since 2011,
according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
including a rare disease now spreading in the U.S. Northeast. The CDC says cases of babesiosis, which can cause illness ranging from asymptomatic to severe, have increased significantly in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The disease is already considered endemic in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

The tick-borne disease, which is growing cases but still rare, is transmitted
from the bites of black-legged ticks.

Babesiosis infections can be asymptomatic or cause mild to severe illnesses
that can be fatal. Symptoms, which can last for several weeks, typically show up
between one and four weeks after a bite. The most common symptoms include
fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, and myalgias. They also include hepatosplenomegaly, or an enlarged liver and hemolytic anemia, a disorder that
causes red blood cells to be destroyed faster than they can be created.

Yale scientists Goudarz Molaei told WTNH one of the factors that could be
causing the increase in tick-borne diseases could be shorter winters.
“Understandably because of climate change and other environmental conditions we are seeing increases in tick abundance and tick activity.” Molaei said.

The CDC states on its website: “Because warmer average temperatures can
mean longer warm seasons, earlier spring seasons, shorter and milder winters, and hotter summers, conditions might become more hospitable for many carriers of vector-borne diseases.”

Molaei said that, in Connecticut, for example, one in two ticks on average is
infected with at least one disease agent. “We have to be aware of the areas that
might be infested with ticks, so wooded areas, tall grass areas, try to avoid those
areas at any cost,” he said. Molaei says if you have no other choice, you’ll have to consistently perform a tick check on yourself and your pets, as they can often
bring home ticks with them.

The CDC is urging anyone spending extended time outdoors to use tick
repellents and wear long sleeve shirts and pants if they can.

If you are bitten by a tick, the CDC recommends the following:
*Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can.
*Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick.
*After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol
or soap and water.
*Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet. If you would like to bring the
tick to your healthcare provider for identification, put it in rubbing alcohol or place
it in a sealed bag/container.

Programs designed to help offset the costs for lower income households. 

Eligibility is based on income, family size, assets, and expenses.

CT Energy Assistance ~ Provides assistance towards a homes primary source of heat.

CT Water Assistance ~ Provides assistance towards disconnection of household water/sewer.

Income Limits:  Household Size/Income  1 person ($39,761) ,  2 people ($51,996),   3 people ($64,230)

► Last Day to Apply: May 31, 2023   ► Payments are made directly to your provider.

For an appointment or for additional information, please call TVCCA (860) 425-6681

A program for low income elderly (65+) or disabled individuals who have rented in CT in 2022 and have not applied for the homeowners Circuit Breaker Program.  Program open through October 1, 2023.

You must have rented in Connecticut in 2022.  Apply in the town you are currently living in.

Income Limits:

Single: $40,300 yearly or less  /  Couple: $49,100 yearly or less

Appointment Needed, Please Call:

Norwich residents, 55 and older call the Rose City Senior Center at (860) 889-5960.

If you are under 55 and a Norwich resident, call Norwich Human Services at (860) 823-3778.

► If you reside in Senior Housing, please call your

 Resident Services Coordinator at your housing complex to apply.