Community Forum on Internet Safety and Online Child Predators with Attorney General Kane
 On Monday, Sept. 29 Attorney General Kathleen Kane will be joining me for an important discussion with parents and guardians about how to keep kids safe while they are on the internet and how to protect them from online child predators. The attorney general and her staff will also discuss many of the smart phone apps kids are using and how to determine which ones are safe for your children. Staff and agents from the Attorney General’s office will be available to answer your questions.
The discussion will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, 5738 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh.
This will be an informative and important discussion for everyone so I hope you will consider joining us. By working together we can protect our children from online predators. Together, we can keep our kids safe.
 Free Flu Shot Clinic
We’re hosting a FREE flu shot clinic again this year on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Forest Hills Senior Center for adults 18 years of age and older.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one of the easiest ways to help prevent the flu is to receive an annual flu vaccine. The shot is just a pinch but it can help us punch out the flu bug this year. Please join us at the Free Flu Shot Clinic at the Forest Hills Senior Center, 444 Avenue D, Forest Hills, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If you haven’t received your flu shot, please consider joining us next week.
Senate Passes Legislation Legalizing Medical Marijuana
Earlier this week, the Senate made a historic vote to pass legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana for Pennsylvanians with serious and life-threatening illnesses. Many of the individuals most in need are children suffering from seizure disorders and our veterans living with the challenges of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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 For many people living with these types of conditions, their symptoms are not alleviated with traditional therapies and medications. Many have debilitating pain that is difficult to address. Medicinal cannabis would give doctors another tool that they can use to help patients manage their illnesses.
The legislation includes stringent controls in order to prevent abuse. Under the proposal, patients will be required to work with their physician to determine if they qualify for treatment with medical marijuana. Once qualified, the request for the medical marijuana must be approved by an independent board.
I believe this plan presents a balanced and safe approach that will meet the needs of those waiting for assistance. The bill now goes to the state House of Representatives for its consideration.
House Bill 1654 - Expanding Newborn Screening
 Research has shown that through early detection and treatment, many childhood illnesses can be managed and better, healthier outcomes achieved. Currently newborns are screened for a variety of conditions through a single heel prick prior to their discharge from the hospital.
Through House Bill 1654, we have the opportunity to expand the scope of illnesses and conditions that we test for through that single heel prick. Doing so would provide families and their children the chance at gaining information that could change their lives for the better.
House Bill 1654 is currently awaiting action in the Senate. I look forward to working together to ensure this legislation moves quickly through the Senate and General Assembly.
Community Shredding Event
We held another successful FREE community shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 20. The event was held at the Edgewood Towne Centre and hundreds of people participated in shredding personal and confidential  information in an attempt to prevent against identity theft.
As part of this event, we asked participants to consider donating non-perishable food items for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. As a result of your kindness, we donated more than one half ton of food that will be distributed to our friends and neighbors in need.
If you weren’t able to make it to our event last week, we’ll be holding another one soon. Watch my website, Facebook page and Twitter feed for more information.
Stay Connected
If you haven’t visited my Facebook page, join the conversation by ‘liking’ the page and follow me on Twitter. Lots of information is available on both pages about community events and issues affecting our friends and neighbors. If you have questions or concerns, send me a direct message or post you thoughts.
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