Health









Wheeler honors donors for their philanthropy and leadership at virtual Hands & Hearts Event

Wheeler’s 14th Annual Hands & Hearts event honored four key donors for their contributions to equitable health care access. Recipients included Amy Borg, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Patricia Cruickshanks, and Charles Herbert. Their support helps Wheeler serve nearly 70,000 individuals annually, promoting health, growth, and recovery across Connecticut.


Karin Pryzgocki discusses exercise and mental health at leadership breakfast of Bristol Sports Hall of Fame

The Bristol Sports Hall of Fame held a winter Leadership Breakfast for high school sports team leaders at the Giamatti Center. Karin Pryzgocki emphasized the lifelong benefits of exercise on mental health and brain function, referencing John Ratey’s book, Spark. The Hall hosts three such breakfasts each school year focused on athletes’ development.



Whooping cough detected in Bristol schools, acting superintendent and health officials alert public

Whooping cough has been detected in Bristol schools, as announced by Acting Superintendent Iris White. The Bristol-Burlington Health District highlights that while pertussis is vaccine-preventable, cases are rising statewide, especially among adolescents. Symptoms include mild cough and a runny nose. Immediate medical consultation is advised for symptomatic individuals and high-risk groups.





Comments requesting a public hearing before the state approves expansion of local incinerator to burn medical waste due by Aug. 5

An information session on Reworld Bristol, Inc.’s draft permits drew 45 participants on July 29, urging public comments by August 5 for a potential hearing. Hosted by Bristol Residents for Clean Air, Mike Ewall presented on trash-to-energy plant regulations and the permits’ details, including modifications for biomedical waste treatment and air quality concerns.



Bristol to pilot food scrap program beginning July 1; kitchen compost bins available at Public Works offices

A pilot food scrap recycling program for Bristol residents starts July 1, enabling all food scraps to be processed into compost. Public Works director Raymond Rogozinski highlights its environmental benefits. Kitchen compost bins are available at city hall. The initiative aims to decrease incinerated waste and is a collaboration with Blue Earth Compost.