CHNCT News
July 31, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact Information:
Jennifer Manes
203.949.4053
July 31, 2008
FARMINGTON'S GALLERY SALON TO PROVIDE
FREE HAIR CARE TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN
Salon First in Area to Partner with CHNCT’s KHAIR Program
Farmington, Conn. – Gallery Salon, owned by internationally, award-winning hairdresser Gino Moncada and his wife Donna, has entered into a partnership with Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT), to provide free hair care to underprivileged children, who would otherwise go without.
CHNCT’s KHAIR program, unveiled two years ago in the New Haven area, is a program aimed to boost self-esteem levels in at-risk youth by pairing a child with a hairstylist or barber. That hairstylist or barber in turn commits to providing monthly appointments for the child for one year. They are also asked to provide product and direction for routine hair maintenance at no charge to the child.
Gallery Salon is the first salon in the Hartford area that has signed on as a participant. A kickoff celebration is slated for August 13 at 10 a.m. All media is welcome.
“Gallery Salon has always been happy to participate in any opportunity that benefits the lives of children,” said Gino Moncada. “When KHAIR was mentioned to my wife, she recognized the opportunity to help kids in a different way, one at a time, and that by taking part, Gallery Salon could help introduce the program to the Hartford area.”
“The exciting thing about this program,” added Donna Moncada, “is that it costs the salon little, beside the stylist’s time and energy, to connect with a young person, help them gain confidence and feel better about themselves. We are thrilled to help launch KHAIR in Hartford County and hope to assist in its growth and expansion in other areas of the state where children and teens will benefit from the involvement of caring and talented people.”
Since opening in 1995, Gallery Salon has provided trend-setting hair styling, facials, massage, nail and makeup services. Its artists often train with the world’s fashion leaders to bring the newest hair collections and trends to the Farmington area. The Moncadas proudly boast that their clientele includes everyone from children to soccer moms to celebrities and international models.
Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc., The One with the Sun, is a not-for-profit community health plan that provides free or low cost health insurance to children and families in Connecticut who qualify for the HUSKY (Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth in Connecticut) program. CHNCT also administers the state’s SAGA (State-Administered General Assistance) and Charter Oak programs. CHNCT is committed to building healthier communities throughout Connecticut in collaboration with its staff, health care professionals, provider sites and members. For more information on CHNCT, please call 1.888.SUN.2345 or visit CHNCT.org.
June 18, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact Information:
Jennifer Manes
203.949.4053
COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK OF CONNECTICUT, INC
TO PROVIDE FREE CAR SEATS TO EXPECTANT MOTHERS
CHNCT to also offer a free car seat safety clinic and free installation
| WHO: |
Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT) |
| WHAT: |
As part of its four-month safety awareness campaign, CHNCT will hold a free car seat installation workshop and will provide participants with a free car seat and installation. |
| WHEN: |
Sunday, June 22, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| WHERE:: |
Engine Co. 11, 150 Sisson Ave., Hartford |
| WHY: |
Keeping children safe on the road means putting them in the right restraint at the right age, but also making sure to install and use a child safety seat correctly in a vehicle,” said Sylvia B. Kelly, President and CEO of CHNCT. “Recent studies tell us that four out of five child safety seats are installed improperly. These awareness workshops and video presentations will show parents that it takes no less than 30 minutes to check that a safety seat is installed properly in an automobile. |
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jackie Buster
203.949.4006; 203.887.7159
jbuster@chnct.org
CHNCT AND BRIDGEPORT BOARD OF EDUCATION CO-HOST
“HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY BODIES DAY” AT COLUMBUS SCHOOL
Collaboration Celebrates Students’ Reading Achievement, and Promotes Health and Safety
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (May 30, 2008) – Today, Wallingford-based Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT), the only not-for-profit health plan in the state, is collaborating with the Bridgeport Board of Education to present “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Day” at Columbus School. The day-long program celebrates the reading achievements of 750 students through fun-filled educational activities promoting nutrition, health and safety as the basis of educational excellence.
Collaborating with the Bridgeport Police and Fire Departments, Connecticut SAFE KIDS, Yale’s Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut’s Department of Allied Health Sciences, Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Metro Taxi, Fruiticana, Zane’s Cycles, and dozens of other concerned organizations, students ages pre-K through sixth grade will receive free bicycle helmets, safety and nutrition tips. They will also have ample opportunity to participate in dance, yoga, eco-friendly cleaning, fire safety and bicycle helmet usage lessons, along with a parade, games, raffles and a farmer’s market.
The initiative is part of a four-month health and safety awareness campaign CHNCT launched this March in collaboration with other statewide, community-focused organizations. Through June, the public awareness initiative, supported by WTNH News Channel 8 and Connecticut Parent Magazine, is providing safety equipment and educational workshops to thousands of Connecticut residents in Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven.
“I applaud Community Health Network of Connecticut and the many collaborating organizations who are truly investing in our students. Columbus School is one example of the excellence in our district and we appreciate CHN for recognizing this and shining a positive light on our students and our community,” said Dr. John J. Ramos, Sr., superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools.
Last month, certified technicians at the Hartford Fire Department’s Fischer Street Training Academy offered two, hour-long demonstrations on child safety seat installation to the area’s expectant mothers. These soon-to-be mothers, identified through CHNCT’s membership and affiliate health agencies, received child safety seats the health plan donated to the fire department’s local car seat fitting station.
Karen Brock, MPH, director of Connecticut SAFE KIDS in West Hartford, assisted with the training seminars and distributed educational materials and tips about selecting, installing and using child safety seats.
“I am delighted to see Community Health Network of Connecticut take a leadership role in raising public awareness about various child safety issues,” said Brock. “Our mission is to reduce preventable injuries to children through grassroots community activities and public awareness campaigns such as CHNCT’s,” she said. www.ctsafekids.org
In March, CHNCT employees, fire fighters and the American Red Cross’ South Central Connecticut Chapter distributed home safety equipment and educational materials to more than 350 Connecticut residents attending free informational workshops at New Haven fire departments. At these sites, Community Health Network of Connecticut donated several hundred fire extinguishers to complement smoke detectors that were contributed by Kidde through the New Haven Lowe’s outlet. CHNCT employees also delivered free smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to Victory Gardens and Wayfarer housing projects, both in New Haven.
More than 130 people work at CHNCT’s Wallingford headquarters. CHNCT is a non-profit organization sponsored by seven Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers. In collaboration with several community-based organizations, health centers and a statewide provider network for primary care, specialty care, inpatient, rehabilitation and outpatient locations, CHNCT’s mission is to improve the health care status and well-being of members through local, statewide service. In 2007, CHNCT received accreditation in Health Utilization Management from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC), a national organization that promotes continuous improvement in quality and health care management efficiency. The Community Health Network of Connecticut Foundation also actively seeks and builds relationships with other institutions, organizations and individuals that share its mission of advancing, supporting and promoting programs and activities that fundamentally improve the health of Connecticut residents. Go to www.chnctfoundation.org for a list of local health care collaborators.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jackie Buster
203.949.4006; 203.887.7159
jbuster@chnct.org
CHNCT COLLABORATES WITH HARTFORD FIRE FIGHTERS
AND CT SAFE KIDS TO PROMOTE CAR SAFETY FOR CHILDREN
Expectant mothers to receive free child safety seats and training
HARTFORD, Conn. (April 21, 2008) – Today, Wallingford-based Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT), the only not-for-profit health plan in the state, is collaborating with the Hartford Fire Department and Connecticut SAFE KIDS’ local chapter to provide approximately 50 expectant mothers with free child safety seats and installation training.
The initiative is part of a four-month safety awareness campaign Community Health Network of Connecticut launched this March in collaboration with other statewide, community-focused organizations. Through June, the public awareness initiative, supported by WTNH News Channel 8 and Connecticut Parent Magazine, is providing safety equipment and educational workshops to Connecticut residents in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
“Keeping children safe on the road means putting them in the right restraint at the right age, but also making sure to install and use a child safety seat correctly in a vehicle,” said Sylvia B. Kelly, president and chief executive office of Community Health Network of Connecticut. “Recent studies tell us that four out of five child safety seats are installed improperly. Today’s public awareness workshop and video presentation will show parents that it takes no less than 30 minutes to check that a safety child seat is installed properly in an automobile.”
Certified technicians at the Hartford Fire Department’s Fischer Street Training Academy will offer two, hour-long demonstrations on child safety seat installation to the area’s expectant mothers. These soon-to-be mothers have been identified through Community Health Network of Connecticut’s membership and affiliate health agencies to receive child safety seats the health plan donated to the fire department’s local car seat fitting station. Connecticut SAFE KIDS will distribute educational materials and tips about selecting, installing and using child safety seats.
CHNCT’s Community Awareness Campaign, Phase Two
Last month, CHNCT employees, fire fighters and the American Red Cross’ South Central Connecticut Chapter distributed free home safety equipment and educational materials to more than 350 Connecticut residents attending free informational workshops at New Haven fire departments. At these sites, Community Health Network of Connecticut donated several hundred fire extinguishers to complement smoke detectors that were contributed by Kidde through the New Haven Lowe’s outlet. CHNCT employees also delivered free smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to Victory Gardens and Wayfarer housing projects, both in New Haven.
In May, Community Health Network of Connecticut will host “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Day” at Bridgeport’s Columbus School where free bike helmets and safety information will be donated by CHNCT and distributed to 750 children; pre-school through eighth grade. The Yale University School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics, Connecticut Department of Agriculture, University of Connecticut’s Department of Allied Health Sciences, SAFE KIDS’ Connecticut Coalition and Zen Yoga are among the many local organizations with which CHNCT is collaborating to develop this day-long educational program.
More than 130 people work at CHNCT’s Wallingford headquarters. CHNCT is a non-profit organization sponsored by seven Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers. In collaboration with several community-based organizations, health centers and a statewide provider network for primary care, specialty care, inpatient, rehabilitation and outpatient locations, CHNCT’s mission is to improve the health care status and well-being of members through local, statewide service. In 2007, CHNCT received accreditation in Health Utilization Management from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC), a national organization that promotes continuous improvement in quality and health care management efficiency. The Community Health Network of Connecticut Foundation also actively seeks and builds relationships with other institutions, organizations and individuals that share its mission of advancing, supporting and promoting programs and activities that fundamentally improve the health of Connecticut residents. Go to www.chnctfoundation.org for a list of local health care collaborators.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jackie Buster
203.949.4006; 203.887.7159
jbuster@chnct.org
CHNCT COLLABORATES WITH NEW HAVEN FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AMERICAN RED CROSS TO PROMOTE FIRE PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION
March 29 Educational Workshops at Goffe Street Fire House: Free smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and community preparedness literature
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – (March 25, 2008), Wallingford-based Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT), is collaborating with the New Haven Fire Department, the South Central Chapter of the American Red Cross, Lowe’s and Kidde to distribute more than 500 smoke detectors and fire extinguishers this spring.
Beginning Saturday, March 29, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the 125 Goffe Street Fire House in New Haven, CHNCT employees, New Haven fire fighters and local American Red Cross representatives will be giving away free home safety equipment and educational materials. New Haven fire fighters will offer free educational workshops on site to instruct the public how to operate and maintain the safety devices. For more information or to pre-register for a workshop, call weekdays 203.783.8200.
CHNCT has donated several hundred fire extinguishers to complement smoke detectors that were contributed by Kidde through the New Haven Lowe’s outlet. Representatives of the South Central American Red Cross will give away free first-aid kits and community preparedness education literature.
Future educational workshops, public distribution dates and sites include:
- April 14, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Firehouse Engine 5
826 Woodward Ave., New Haven
- April 14, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Firehouse Engine 11,
525 Howard Ave., New Haven
CHNCT’s Community Awareness Campaign
According to its President and CEO Sylvia B. Kelly, next month CHNCT employees will also deliver free smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to Victory Gardens and Wayfarer housing projects, both in New Haven. “Since a home fire is reported to occur every 86 seconds in our country, CHNCT has initiated this community awareness campaign as another way in which we hope to protect the health, safety and peace-of-mind of Connecticut families through community collaboration and coordination,” said Kelly. “Next, we plan on collaborating with fire departments in additional Connecticut towns, as well as other community-minded organizations to promote the proper installation and usage of child safety seats and bicycle helmets.”
“On behalf of the South Central Chapter of the American Red Cross, I’m delighted to see Community Health Network play such a thorough and collaborative role in raising public awareness about home safety and preparedness,” said Charles Frey, chief executive officer. “We have been called to an increased number of house fires in our region – 24 since the start of 2008 – assisting more than 100 of neighbors with emergency food, clothing, shelter and referral services,” said Frey. www.arcsct.org
More than 130 people work at CHNCT’s Wallingford headquarters. CHNCT is a non-profit organization sponsored by seven Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers. In collaboration with several community-based organizations, health centers and a statewide provider network for primary care, specialty care, inpatient, rehabilitation and outpatient locations, CHNCT’s mission is to improve the health care status and well-being of members through local, statewide service. In 2007, CHNCT received accreditation in Health Utilization Management from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC), a national organization that promotes continuous improvement in quality and health care management efficiency. The Community Health Network of Connecticut Foundation also actively seeks and builds relationships with other institutions, organizations and individuals that share its mission of advancing, supporting and promoting programs and activities that fundamentally improve the health of Connecticut residents. Go to www.chnctfoundation.org for a list of local health care collaborators.
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Cory Ludington, associate vice president, Government Affairs and Compliance
Connecticut Health Network of Connecticut, Inc.
203.949.4124 email: cludington@chnct.org
CHNCT REMAINS COMMITTED
TO HEALTHCARE FOR UNINSURED KIDS AND YOUTH
CHNCT Supports State’s Push for Transparent Health Care Information
WALLINGFORD, Conn., (Nov. 21, 2007)– Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT) in Wallingford, one of two Connecticut health plans administering the Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth (HUSKY) program, confirmed its commitment to the Department of Social Services (DSS), following Tuesday’s announcement by Governor M. Jodi Rell to terminate the HUSKY contract.
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, the contractual responsibilities of health plans for the provision of services under the HUSKY program (A and B) will be limited to administrative services.
“Among the health plans serving the local Medicaid population, we are the only one that is both not-for-profit and exclusively Connecticut-based,” said Sylvia B. Kelly, president and chief executive officer of CHNCT. “We remain committed to our partnership with the state. Our main concern is that our members continue to receive the medical care they need."
CHNCT signed an amendment to its DSS contract, affirming its commitment to fulfill Freedom of Information Act requirements. “We look forward to bidding on the Governor’s new Charter Oak Health Plan, which also requires compliance with FOIA,” Kelly added.
More than 130 people work at CHNCT’s Wallingford headquarters. CHNCT is a non-profit organization sponsored by seven Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers. In collaboration with several community-based organizations, health centers and a statewide provider network for primary care, specialty care, inpatient, rehabilitation and outpatient locations, CHNCT’s mission is to improve the health care status and well-being of members through local, statewide service. In 2007, CHNCT received accreditation in Health Utilization Management from the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC), a national organization that promotes continuous improvement in quality and health care management efficiency. The Community Health Network of Connecticut Foundation also actively seeks and builds relationships with other institutions, organizations and individuals that share its mission of advancing, supporting and promoting programs and activities that fundamentally improve the health of Connecticut residents. Go to www.chnctfoundation.org for a list of local health care collaborators.
Assessment of HUSKY, Connecticut's Medicaid Managed Care Plan
Jan. 22,2007
In January, The Lewin Group assessed the performance of Connecticut's HUSKY Program, a Medicaid initiative operated through contracts with four health plans. The study was coordinated through the Connecticut Association of Health Plans. The study's purpose is to provide objective information about the HUSKY Program and to compare the policy alternatives of retaining HUSKY versus adopting a "managed fee-for-service" model of coverage.
The study finds the HUSKY Program to be successful (above national Medicaid managed care norms) on several key fronts -- delivering large-scale cost savings to taxpayers, fostering access to physician and preventive care services (e.g., EPSDT), and achieving high rates of enrollee satisfaction. The study concludes with a broad set of policy recommendations to strengthen HUSKY going forward, including a sharp increase in underlying Medicaid physician/dentist fee schedules to address the core problem that many "front-line" practitioners are reluctant to serve the State's poverty population.
SAGA Formulary Correction - Español
Important Information for SAGA Medical Program Providers and SAGA Members Regarding Non-Formulary Medications
Previously you received a letter that indicated that effective June 1, 2006, Community Health Network of Connecticut’s (CHNCT) formulary (list of medications) would be applied to SAGA members. This letter indicated that non-formulary medications would not be covered without prior authorization.
CHNCT wants to clarify and correct our previous message. CHCNT will not require authorization for mental health drugs (all drugs listed as “psychiatric” on the CHCNT formulary) or antiretroviral drugs. For SAGA members, those classes of drugs are exempt from the formulary requirements under state law.
CHNCT does require prior authorization for non-formulary brand name drugs (including mental health drugs) when there is a generic equivalent medication available. However, for an atypical antipsychotic drug with a generic equivalent, CHNCT will only require prior authorization for the brand if the member is not already taking that drug.
CHNCT Member Services is available to help you with any questions you may have. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Member Services telephone number is 1.866.361.SAGA (7242).
Thank You.
Correccción del Formulario SAGA - English
Información Importante para los Proveedores de Salud de SAGA
y los Miembros de SAGA
Usted recibió una carta antes que indicaba que empezando en Junio 1 de 2006, Community Health Network of Connecticut (CHNCT) usará la lista de medicamentos (formulario) para los miembros de SAGA. Esta carta indicaba que los medicamentos que no están en el formulario no serían cubiertos a menos de que sea aprovado previamente.
CHNCT clarifica y corrige este mensaje anterior. CHNCT no requerirá autorización previa para medicinas de salud mental (todas las medicinas listadas como psiquiatricas en la lista de drogas de CHNCT) o las drogas anteretrovirales. Para miembros de SAGA, estas clases de drogas son la excepción de los requisitos del formulario bajo la ley del estado.
CHNCT require autorización previa para medicinas de marca que no estan en el formulario (incluyendo drogas para salud mental) cuando hay una droga genérica equivalente disponible. Para drogas anti-psicóticas no típicas con equivalente genérico CHNCT solamente requerirá autorización previa para las drogas de marca si el miembro ya no esta tomando esta droga.
El Departamento de Servicios para Miembros de CHNCT está disponible para ayudarlo con cualquier pregunta que usted pueda tener. La oficina esta abierta de Lunes a Viernes, de 8:00 AM a 6:00 PM. El número de teléfono de Servicio para Miembros de SAGA es 1.866.361.SAGA (7242).
Community
Health Network of Connecticut has selected ValueOptions to manage
their HUSKY A & B Behavioral Health benefits
Effective
Sept. 1, 2005, ValueOptions will begin managing the behavioral
health benefit for CHNCT. CHNCT has provided a comprehensive summary
of frequently asked questions
and answers [PDF] 
(57 KB).
Community Health Network
of Connecticut, Physicians’ Health Alliance Form
Partnership to Benefit HUSKY Members in Central Connecticut
Wallingford, CT, March 30, 2005 -- Community Health Network of
Connecticut, Inc., a not-for-profit managed care organization
covering approximately
57,000 members of the state’s HUSKY Plan, today announced that
it has formed a partnership with the Physicians’ Health Alliance
of Meriden, substantially increasing the number of participating
doctors for beneficiaries in central Connecticut.
Community Health Network’s HUSKY members will now have access
to over 30 additional primary care physicians and 65 specialty
physicians and institutional providers in the Meriden - Wallingford
service area, said Sylvia Kelly, the health plan’s president
and chief executive officer. “The comprehensive provider
network administered by the Physicians’ Health Alliance will
significantly increase access to quality healthcare for our members
in the region by giving them a larger network of doctors from which
to choose,” Kelly said. “In addition, our relationship
with Physicians’ Health Alliance is expected to bring new
HUSKY members to the network, making us the preeminent HUSKY plan
in the Meriden – Wallingford area in terms of membership
and providers.” Besides Meriden and Wallingford, Physicians’ Health
Alliance will serve members from 41 cities and towns across Connecticut,
including Bristol, Cheshire, Hamden, Middletown, New Britain, North
Haven, Southington, and Waterbury.
Along with new doctors, the partnership will also bring a wealth
of medical and disease management expertise to Community Health
Network of Connecticut through the ongoing programs administered
by the Physician’s Health Alliance. “We’re very
pleased to be able to continue the HUSKY program we established
in 1997 with a strong and knowledgeable partner such as Community
Health Network of Connecticut,” said Alexander J. Shak, president
and chief executive officer of Physicians’ Health Alliance. “We
are confident that our new HUSKY partnership with Community Health
Network will help us maintain and enhance our patients’ access
to high-quality and cost-effective health care services.”
Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc., is a not-for-profit
managed care organization that is sponsored by seven Federally
Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s) in Connecticut. It provides
statewide healthcare services to approximately 57,000 members of
the state's HUSKY A and HUSKY B programs, and 32,000 beneficiaries
of State Administered General Assistance (SAGA). The FQHC's offer
a statewide network of primary and specialty healthcare services,
including both inpatient and outpatient services.
The Physicians’ Health Alliance, headquartered in Meriden,
is a joint venture between the physician members of the Meriden – Wallingford
Independent Physicians’ Association and seven community-based
facilities that play a key role in the delivery and management
of a number of healthcare and disease management programs. These
community-based facilities include the Connecticut VNA, the Curtis
Home, Elim Park Baptist Home, Franciscan Homecare & Hospice
Agency, Gaylord Hospital, the Masonic Healthcare Center, and Miller
Memorial Community.
Department of
Public Health (DPH) and Community Health Network join together
to improve health of Connecticut families.
Hartford - February 22, 2005 - For Immediate Release
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)
today announced a partnership with Community Health Network of
Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT) to improve the health of Connecticut
families through improved nutrition and increased physical activity.
The partnership, titled DPH-CHNCT Choices
- A Nutrition Initiative, will create sustainable health
promotion initiatives in underserved communities in Connecticut
by working with school districts and federally qualified health
centers (FQHC's). Additionally, this alliance will help educate
Connecticut families about strategies to maintain good health
and services available to them.
"The DPH-CHNCT Choices initiative combines the
strengths of both organizations to assist a greater number of children
and adults in making lifestyle choices that can improve overall
health and reduce the risks of obesity, diabetes and coronary artery
disease," stated DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H.
Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc.,
is a not-for-profit managed care organization that is sponsored
by seven FQHC's in Connecticut. It provides statewide health care
services to approximately 92,000 members through the State's HUSKY
A, HUSKY B and State Administered General Assistance (SAGA) Programs.
The FQHC's offer a statewide network for primary and specialty
care, including inpatient as well as outpatient locations, to provide
health services.
"This partnership between Community Health Network
of Connecticut and the Department of Public Health will enable
both organizations to jointly focus on the needs of Connecticut's
underserved population. Through our nutrition and health education
efforts, in collaboration with local schools and health centers,
significant numbers of individuals will be able to adopt positive
and sustaining nutrition and health habits," stated Sylvia Kelly,
President & CEO of Community Health Network of CT, Inc.
DPH will provide nutritional education as well
as assistance to FQHC's and schools in developing strategies to
increase physical activity in adults and children through a variety
of programs offered to health center patients and families with
school-age children. Special nutrition workshops will be conducted
for parents that will focus on healthy supermarket shopping on
a limited budget, healthy and safe food preparation and strategies
to help families eat healthier and be more active together. Children
will participate in school-sponsored events that have health active
lifestyle themes.
"Our hope is that through this partnership, we
can help families make relatively small changes in their activity
levels and food choices that will have a significant impact on
their overall health," stated Dr. Galvin.
CHNCT advises its members to
call their Primary Care Physicians with any questions regarding
need for Flu Vaccinations given national
Influenza Vaccination
shortage
As widely reported in the media, there is an anticipated shortage
of influenza vaccine this year. Because of this, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the federal agency that develops
immunization policies through its Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices, recently announced priority groups for vaccination with
inactivated influenza vaccine for the 2004-2005 influenza seasons.
These groups are:
- Children 6 to 23 months old
- Those 65 or older
- Those 2 to 64 years old with underlying chronic medical conditions
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Children 6 months to 18 years old on chronic aspirin therapy
- Health care workers with direct patient care
- Those who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old
As of mid-October approximately 60% of available vaccine in the
United States has already been shipped to health providers. A redistribution
program to alleviate shortages for priority groups has been implemented
by CDC and a major vaccine manufacturer. Under this program, unshipped
vaccine supplies will be reallocated over the next 6-8 weeks and
distributed directly by the manufacturer to high-priority vaccine
providers, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing
homes, and pediatricians. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program
will also be receiving its full contracted allotment of vaccine
doses.
Community Health Network of Connecticut strongly recommends that
its members who belong to a priority group, or are parents of such
individuals, should promptly call the offices of their primary
care providers or their community health centers to determine the
availability of influenza vaccine and whether they should receive
it. Please note that CHNCT does not have direct access to influenza
vaccine.
For more information about the flu and this year’s recommendations,
visit the CDC web site: http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
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