Hartford HealthCare’s Neighborhood Health celebrated its one-year anniversary with a cookout at Open Hearth in Hartford, and recognition from Jeff Flaks, Hartford HealthCare president and CEO.
“This is just a small token of our appreciation,” Flaks said. “When you see the impact they have on people, it’s incredible.”
> Learn more about Hartford HealthCare’s Neighborhood Health
Neighborhood Health services was created to meet the needs of community members, to work with other community services and provide preventative health care, screenings, vaccinations and more. In the first year they served more than 2,146 people with the mobile CareVans.
Dawn Filippa, operations manager, HHC Neighborhood Health services, said the original goal was to provide mobile health screenings. Now, they also work to connect clients with information about other services and referrals, if they have housing needs, need energy assistance or have food insecurity.
“We listened to our community members about the importance of treating the whole person,” Filippa said. “They feel listened to and they feel heard, people are so appreciative. It is such a rewarding feeling, touching one person at a time.”
>Want more health news? Text StartHere to 85209 to sign up for text alerts
Plans for expansion
Going into its second year, plans are to expand the program in central Connecticut and Fairfield County. Currently, the program is available in eastern Connecticut, the Northwest corner and Hartford.
They also plan to expand services and continue to broaden relationships with community partners.
Kelly Toth, APRN, system director, HHC Neighborhood Health services, said the team listened to the community to determine the best way to help them, to treat the whole person and meet basic human needs, so they can focus on their medical needs as well.
“When we look back at how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve had, it’s incredible,” Toth said.
She said they are training a second team and she is excited to see the program expand into other areas of the state.
“The more we connect with neighborhoods, the more we continue to adapt to the needs of the people,” Toth said. She said they bring care directly to the people – members of the team set up in certain areas, but also walk the streets and connect with people. “It is all about building trust.”
