We're up and running for you
On January 4, 2023 I took the oath of office as a member of the 193 Massachusetts General Court to represent the 16th Middlesex District.
I am ready to start working for you.
Please contact me by phone at 978-937-8165 for any constituent service issues or you can email me at the Statehouse: rodney.elliott@mahouse.gov
MORE TO COME!!
WHEN PETS ARE FAMILY
PET CEMETERIES (H 4206)
JANUARY 22, 2024 THESOMERVILLENEWSWEEKLY LEAVE A COMMENT
By Bob Katzen
The Agriculture Committee held a hearing on legislation that would require the owner of any property used or to be used for a pet cemetery to file in the Registry of Deeds a dedication restricting the property to be used only for the operation of a pet cemetery.
Supporters said the bill would preserve existing pet cemeteries by preventing the construction and development on the property that is or holds out to be a pet cemetery.
“Our pets hold a special place in our hearts, and the places where they are laid to rest deserve the same level of reverence and protection as any other memorial site,” said sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “This legislation ensures that pet cemeteries are upheld with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
FEBRUARY OFFICE HOURS
ROAD TRIP! WE ARE COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
WE WANT TO MEET YOU!!
This is the first in a series of office hours for residents of the 16th Middlesex District to meet with Representative Elliott one-on-one in your neighborhood. This is drop-in, first come first served. There is no requirement to make an appointment.
Keep checking this page or our Facebook page for details.
More opportunities coming.....
NEW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BEDS-SOLOMON MENTAL HEALTH
There will be a meeting of the Pawtucketville Citizens Council Monday December 5th at 6:30 at the Wang Middle School 365 West Meadow Road. The topic of new behavioral beds at Solomon Mental Health on Varnum Ave adjacent to Lowell General Hospital will be discussed.
Please scroll this entire page as there is meaningful information throughout.
Vinfen, a community based mental health services company has been awarded the State contract to operate community behavioral health centers (CBHCs) throughout the Commonwealth. New crisis-stabilization capacity, that will include 7 beds for adults and 12 for youth is proposed for the spring of 2023 at the Solomon’s mental health facility on Varnum Avenue in Pawtucketville.
Vinfen will provide much needed crisis stabilization services working hand in hand with community-based Lowell General Hospital. These beds will provide relief to the challenging situation facing the staff working in LGH’s emergency room. It will free up both beds and personnel for patients in our community who are waiting for extended periods of time to be evaluated by a health care professional. Lowell General Hospital will continue to be available for emergency services to our community. The new CBHC’s will provide diversion of patients from hospital emergency rooms where the boarding crisis has become untenable.
Vinfen’s long term goal is to be more effective in connecting people with ongoing support that will lead to a stable recovery. They will have a clinic located at 40 Church Street in Lowell. There will be emergency service teams in the community available to provide emergency evaluation and intervention for adults and youth in crisis.
Vinfen anticipates there will be unanswered questions from the community at large.
Additional Information Vinfen & the State of MA objectives
Learn More About Vinfen
Learn more about the Commonwealth's Plan
Learn more about the Commonwealth's Plan
Learn more about the Commonwealth's Plan
Learn more about the Commonwealth's Plan
Learn more about the Commonwealth's Plan
ADVOCATING FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
For many years I have been advocating for increased mental health resources for the Greater Lowell area including adding beds at the former Soloman Mental Health facility. Always with the caveat that it has to work for our neighborhood. I will remain engaged in the process and make myself available to the various organizations and most importantly the neighbors.
Keep following this page for more information as it becomes available.
