FROM THE STATEHOUSE
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE By State Representative Robin Bartleman
Dear Residents, As we head into the Fall, I want to share with you some updates from District 104 and what I am doing for you as we gear up for the 2022 legislative session. Students are back to school and as a former teacher, school board member, and as a parent, it is my favorite time of year! On August 18, I visited 7 schools throughout District 104 to meet with principals and celebrate the first day back. Thank you to Cypress Bay High School, Flanagan High School, Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Pembroke Pines Charter Central Campus K-8, Somerset Academy, Lakeside Elementary, Silver Trail Middle, and Hawks Bluff Elementary for hosting me this year. Before the start of the school year, we hosted a backpack drive for Mujeres Latinas to ensure that the 20 young girls participating in their mentorship program had new backpacks and supplies! Our office also worked with United Way Broward to donate backpacks and supplies to children of our veterans. Thank you to those who donated! This summer was unfortunately met with a spike in COVID-19 rates. I requested that the Florida Department of Health and the Executive Office of the Governor deliver the third dose of the COVID- 19 vaccine to the large senior communities in our district. Broward's only site for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment is here in District 104. The treatment site is open from 9 AM- 5 PM at CB Smith Park, 900 North Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines. Monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent hospitalization or death for patients with COVID-19. Individuals
12 years and older, that have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19, are eligible for this treatment. Treatment is free and vaccination status does not matter. Alzheimer's is one of the leading causes of death and illness among older Americans. This is why I partnered with the Alzheimer's Association to bring the Brain Bus to Century Village and Weston City Hall in August. We provided informational resources for caregivers and residents of all ages. If you missed the bus and you or someone you love needs support now, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272- 3900. I look forward to returning annually with the Brain Bus to meet you all and raise Alzheimer’s awareness. Lastly, I have filed my first bill for the 2022 legislative session to prioritize our first responders. During the Surfside condominium collapse, I watched the mental toll it took on the search and rescue crew. Front line workers put their lives on the line to protect us. It is only right that we are
there for them. I met with UCF RESTORES, the National Center of Excellence for First Responder Behavioral Health, to design a comprehensive PTSD training that includes suicide prevention, coping strategies, and peer support. I filed legislation in August to provide PTSD training for our fire, police, and other first responders. The bill will also extend workers compensation to 911 telecommunications and correctional officers. As always, I am here for you, please reach out if you or your family need assistance – my cell is 954-668-3662.
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