Governor Appoints Commissions to Address Veterans' Health and Quality of Life

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced the appointment of members to two new commissions established under the HERO Act: the Veterans Alternative Therapy Working Group (VAT) and the Veterans Quality of Life Commission (VQL). These commissions will explore treatments and develop solutions aimed at improving the well-being of veterans in Massachusetts.

The HERO Act, signed into law in August 2024, includes provisions for the creation of these commissions to examine innovative therapies and enhance veterans' quality of life.

The Veterans Alternative Therapy Working Group will evaluate the potential of psychedelic therapies, including psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA, for treating mental health disorders in veterans. The group will analyze research and expert opinions to assess the safety and effectiveness of these treatments under medical supervision.

According to Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, this working group will provide evidence-based guidance on potential treatments for conditions such as PTSD and depression.

The members of the Veterans Alternative Therapy Working Group are Franklin King (Chair), John Bradley, Paul Morrissey, Paul Jones, Rob McLaughlin, Jason Main, Michael Allard, Roxanne Sholevar, Sharmin Ghaznavi, and Colin Beatty.

The Veterans Quality of Life Commission is tasked with studying and developing proposals to improve the overall quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts. The commission will focus on areas such as employment, healthcare access, and housing stability. It will collaborate with veterans’ organizations and policy experts to create actionable recommendations.

Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago stated the commission will identify areas for improvement and develop solutions based on the needs of veterans.

The members of the Veterans Quality of Life Commission are Cory Ahonen, Scott Pita, Leroy Ashwood, Ashley Booker, Al Tenorio, Sarah Bateman, Senator Dylan Fernandes, Sergeant Ryan Puzzo, Bill LeBeau, Robert Breaker, and Melissa Alden.

The establishment of these commissions indicates a focus on evidence-based approaches to veteran care in Massachusetts.

 

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With Tears, Pittsfield Officials Vote to Close Morningside

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee on Wednesday made an emotional vote to close Morningside Community School at the end of the academic year. 

Officials identified the school's lack of classroom walls as the most significant obstacle, creating a difficult, noisy learning environment that is reflected in its accountability score.

Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips said the purpose of considering the closure is centered on the district's obligation to ensure every student has access to a learning environment that best supports academic growth and achievement, school climate, equitable access to resources, and long-term success. 

"While fiscal implications are included, the potential closure of the school is fundamentally driven by the student performance, their learning conditions, the building inadequacy, and equitable student access, rather than the district's budget," she said. 

"… The goal is not to save money. The goal is to reinvest that money to make change, specifically for our Morningside students, and then for the whole school building, as a whole." 

Over the last month or so, the district has considered whether to retire the open concept, community school at the end of the school year. 

Morningside, built in the 1970s, currently serves 374 students in grades prekindergarten through 5, including a student population with 88.2 percent high-needs, 80.5 percent low-income, and 24.3 percent English learners.  Its students will be reassigned to Allendale, Capeless, Egremont, and Williams elementary schools.

School Committee member and former Morningside student Sarah Muil, through tears, made the motion to approve the closure at the end of this school year. The committee took a five-minute recess after the vote. 

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