[TORRINGTON, CT] Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC) announced on Monday April 13, 2026 that Dental Services will be reinstated effective Monday, April 20, 2026 in the Torrington Health Center.

In February 2025, CHWC made the difficult decision to suspend dental services indefinitely due to significant financial shortfalls largely due to underfunding of its high-cost dental services by the state of Connecticut’s Medicaid program.  Other factors such as the inability to compete with increasing market wages, workforce shortages and increasing prices for costly dental procedures contributed to the decision.

During the dental hiatus, Chief Executive Officer Joanne Borduas worked closely with advocacy groups representing Federally Qualified Health Centers to address low reimbursement rates at the state level. After months of negotiations, an agreement was reached in July 2025 to provide Connecticut’s 17 Federally Qualified Health Centers with $80 million in adjustments over the next three years to align to 2023 costs.

Following the state’s decision, CHWC’s leadership team evaluated the existing Dental program to determine how and when to reinstate services.

“The decision to suspend dental services was not an easy one to make, and it left a gap for our patients seeking dental care.” said Borduas, “Luckily, we were able to work with UConn Health Centers’ dental clinic to help fill the very important need for oral care for our patient population. Bringing back this service is an essential goal for us in order to provide fully integrated healthcare for the whole person and not letting our patients fall short of their healthcare goals.”.

Heading the Dental Department at CHWC will be Dr. Ting Luo. Dr. Luo has an extensive career spanning from time served in the US Army as a dental officer, to hospitals and health centers, and most recently as the civilian dentist at the US Coast Guard Base in Boston for ten years.
As the dental department reopens, services will look a little different. CHWC will offer routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, simple extractions, fluoride treatments, scaling and root planning, and sealants. More extensive procedures like bridges, root canals and denture care will be evaluated for referral to community partners.

Dental services will be available at the Torrington Health Center Monday through Thursday from 8:30am until 7pm to start. A date to resume dental services in Winsted is yet to be determined.

CHWC participates with Guardian, Aetna, Delta Dental, and Medicaid and is currently in the process of finalizing contracts with Cigna, Liberty, Anthem, and United Healthcare which are expected to be accepted in the near future. Financial assistance through a sliding fee scale is available for patients who qualify.

“We have already received calls asking for appointments.” said Borduas “As word gets out into the community, many of our former and new patients are calling to inquire about scheduling appointments. We are happy to be able to offer dental services again.”.

CHWC will begin seeing Dental patients on April 20, 2026. 

About Community Health & Wellness Center
Community Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) is an award-winning 501(c )(3) not-for-profit organization and the only Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in the northwest corner of Connecticut providing comprehensive services. CHWC delivers a range of integrated healthcare services including medical, behavioral health, chiropractic, and nutrition, as well as an in-house lab and pharmacy. Serving over 7,000 patients, CHWC operates health centers in Torrington, Winsted, and North Canaan, with School-Based Health Centers in all Torrington schools and three Region One Schools.

[TORRINGTON, CT] On Friday March 13th, Community Health & Wellness Center, in partnership with McCall Behavioral Health Network, Brooker Memorial, and a coalition of regional health and human service partners, hosted a Legislative Roundtable addressing the challenges facing the rural Northwest communities.

The meeting provided a comprehensive view of the barriers to care which affect the lives of people who struggle to stay well. An emphasis was placed on the fact that zip codes should not determine a person’s ability to receive health care.

Leading the conversation was Joanne Borduas, CEO at Community Health & Wellness Center, Maria Coutant-Skinner, President and CEO of McCall Behavioral Health Network, and Christina Emery, Executive Director at Brooker Memorial. Each provided an overview of their organizations, as well as a description of the operational challenges each faces, and their legislative priorities meant to ensure they remain a strong safety network in the communities they serve.

During the session, a range of topics were covered including Integrated Rural Care, Workforce Recruitment and Retention Strategies, Collective Community Impact, and Challenges to sustainability. Shawn Frick, CEO at Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (CHC/ACT) spoke about the 340b Drug pricing program and the impact the absence of this program would have on organizations, and the individuals who benefit from reduced drug prices. Deb Polun, the Chief Strategy Officer at CHC/ACT spoke to the issues on the state level that impact Connecticut including Medicaid reimbursement rates, and changes to federal guidelines and funding.  

“Our missions are founded on ensuring all people are treated regardless of insurance status.” Borduas said. “Healthcare is a right not a privilege and we should be focusing on prevention and access to quality care.”

In attendance were Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, State Senator Paul Honig, State Representative Maria Horn, State Representative Jillian Gilchrest, State Representative Jay Case, Dr. Mehul Dalal of the Department of Social Services, and a representative from Senator Richard Blumenthal’s office.

“It was important to hear from stakeholders in the rural health community who provide high-quality, reliable care and understand that the obstacles faced by providers and patients in rural areas are vastly different than those in urban areas,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “Expanding access to mental health resources, supporting robust Medicaid reimbursement, and developing the rural healthcare workforce are all essential for delivering care to these communities, and federal policies can do more to support these outcomes.”

“We are incredibly fortunate to have the leadership in healthcare in the northwest corner that we do.” said State Representative Maria Horn. “These leaders not only dedicated, but profoundly skilled, both at relating to all kinds of people and to delivering the kind of healthcare that the people need, and to articulate in the needs to those of us sitting in the room who have to fight to do that. It’s a tremendous battle to watch the federal government spending billions of dollars a day on bombs, when healthcare programs are getting slashed. And we’re going to try to protect people as much as we can.”
 
About Community Health & Wellness Center
Community Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) is an award-winning 501(c )(3) not-for-profit organization and the only Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in the northwest corner of Connecticut providing comprehensive services. CHWC delivers a range of integrated healthcare services including medical, behavioral health, chiropractic, and nutrition, as well as an in-house lab and pharmacy. Serving over 7,000 patients, CHWC operates health centers in Torrington, Winsted, and North Canaan, with School-Based Health Centers in all Torrington schools and three Region One Schools. Learn more: www.chwctorr.org
​

[TORRINGTON, CT] Community Health & Wellness is thrilled to announce that CEO Joanne Borduas, has been appointed to the New England Rural Health Association (NERHA) Board of Directors.

As the only regional rural health association in the country, NERHA serves the six states that make up New England; Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The organization provides education, training, consulting, and advocacy in support of rural health organizations and individuals in the New England Region.
 
Borduas was selected to fill one of Connecticut’s open seats following a competitive nomination process that drew more than 30 candidates from across New England. After an extensive interview process, the nominating committee voted on the new slate of directors and formally confirmed the nominations on the 25th of February.

“We at the New England Rural Health Association are thrilled to welcome Joanne Borduas to represent Connecticut on the NERHA Board of Directors.” Said Andy Lowe, Executive Director, NERHA. “Joanne has been a strong champion of rural health in Connecticut and beyond for many years. As the CEO at CHWC, Joanne has demonstrated a commitment to and passion for rural health that will make her a wonderful addition to our Board. Joanne’s experience and contributions will help us achieve our mission of improving the health and wellness of New England’s rural communities.” Lowe said.

Borduas has been a strong and committed advocate for rural health throughout her career, serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Community Health Care Association of Connecticut, Chair of the Healthcare Council of the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce, member of the Advisory Board for Primary Care Benchmarking for the Office of Healthcare Strategy and the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, and most recently appointed by Governor Lamont to serve a four year term on the Governor’s Health Care Cabinet, representing Community Health Centers across Connecticut.

“I am honored to have been selected to the New England Rural Health Association Board of Directors as the Connecticut Representative assisting in the important work NERHA does for rural health,” said Joanne Borduas. “Rural health centers play a critical role in delivering comprehensive, community-based care in areas where resources are lacking. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the region to advance policies and partnerships that support rural providers and improve overall health outcomes for the patients, families and the communities we serve.”

Borduas will step into her role on the NEHRA Board of Directors effective immediately, attending monthly meetings to address rural health priorities.

CHWC looks forward to seeing the impact that Borduas will have on rural communities across New England.
 
About Community Health & Wellness Center
Community Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) is an award-winning 501(c )(3) not-for-profit organization and the only Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in the northwest corner of Connecticut providing comprehensive services. CHWC delivers a range of integrated healthcare services including medical, behavioral health, chiropractic, and nutrition, as well as an in-house lab and pharmacy. Serving over 7,000 patients, CHWC operates health centers in Torrington, Winsted, and North Canaan, with School-Based Health Centers in all Torrington schools and three Region One Schools.
www.chwctorr.org
About New England Rural Health Association
The New England Rural Health Association has worked to improve health and wellness in rural New England since 1997. Serving over 600 members and reaching over 6,000 stakeholders across six states, NERHA builds partnerships and programs that expand and strengthen workforce, promote access, and foster sustainability in rural health. 

[NORTH CANAAN/TORRINGTON, CT] This week, Community Health & Wellness Center CEO, Joanne Borduas, and a staff of providers, met with community residents and partners to provide the first update of 2026, marking 20 months since the health center first opened its doors to the Northwest Corner in June 2024.

Amidst a shifting healthcare landscape, the update highlighted a significant milestone: the center has now served 2,417 unique patients across its eight-town service area, successfully connecting 15% of the local population to a permanent medical home.

“We opened with a promise that a person’s zip code should not determine their health,” said Borduas, CEO. “In a region where medical resources have historically been scarce, we are seeing the ‘Power of Rural’ in action—neighbors looking out for neighbors and local providers filling gaps that have existed for decades.”

Addressing the "Cost of Living" Crisis The update brought to light the stark economic challenges facing Northwest CT. With 36% of local households classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), the health center has moved beyond traditional medicine to address survival needs. Through partnerships with local fuel sources, grants from Beckton Dickinson & Co. and Stop & Shop gift cards provided to patients, the center has facilitated emergency heating assistance and food security programs for families priced out by the region's rising costs.

Innovating for an Aging Population As the region faces a “senior explosion,” with 20% of residents now over the age of 65, the health center announced the expansion of its CASA program for patients that have an inability to travel to one of its health centers, and a specialized Geriatric Consultation Clinic. These initiatives aim to combat the isolation and chronic condition management issues that often plague rural seniors.

The Road Ahead for 2026 While celebrating success, leadership remained transparent about the hurdles ahead, including a projected 18% average increase in health insurance premiums this year and the ongoing struggle to maintain federal grant funding.

“We are an economic and social anchor for these eight towns,” Borduas stated. “Despite workforce shortages and the high cost of operations, we remain committed to our mission. We will not turn anyone away based on their ability to pay.”

Community members are encouraged to support the center’s ongoing fund development efforts to ensure the sustainability of these vital services.

About Community Health & Wellness Center
Community Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) is an award-winning 501(c )(3) not-for-profit organization and the only Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in the northwest corner of Connecticut providing comprehensive services. CHWC delivers a range of integrated healthcare services including medical, behavioral health, chiropractic, and nutrition, as well as an in-house lab and pharmacy. Serving over 7,000 patients, CHWC operates health centers in Torrington, Winsted, and North Canaan, with School-Based Health Centers in all Torrington schools and three Region One Schools. Learn more: www.chwctorr.org

(Torrington, CT) – November 21, 2024 – Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC) is pleased to announce that CEO Joanne Borduas, BSN, MSN, MBA, has been appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to the Health Care Cabinet (HCC) as a representative of Community Health Centers across Connecticut, pursuant to CGS § 19a-725. Joanne will serve a four-year term beginning this month and ending in November of 2028.
 
About the Health Care Cabinet (HCC)
The Health Care Cabinet (HCC) was created to advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor alongside the Office of Health Reform & Innovation on health-related issues such as federal health reform implementation and development of an integrated healthcare system in Connecticut. The cabinet convenes working groups to make recommendations regarding the development and implementation of service delivery and healthcare provider repayment reforms including multi-payer initiatives, medical homes, electronic health records, pharmaceutical pricing and evidence-based healthcare quality improvement.
 
The cabinet consists of 38 members including government officials, leaders in medical practice, insurance, labor representatives, small businesses leaders, mental health & addiction services, and public health. The cabinet meets bi-monthly and abides by a set of six operating principles.
 
Through this cabinet, the committee will put forth recommendations to address key healthcare challenges in Connecticut with details to address them through legislation, funding initiatives or restructuring of current efforts according to the 2024 Health Care Cabinet Report. The report also details various subcommittees devoted to issues like the rural health care crisis, mental health and the affordability and accessibility of urban health care.  
 
“I am honored by the appointment to Governor Lamont’s Health Care Cabinet..” said Borduas. “This appointment ensures that I will be the voice for our patients, staff and Community Health Centers across Connecticut in addressing the challenges faced in the health care industry. I’m looking forward to tackling challenges like the rural health care crisis, pharmaceutical pricing, and Medicaid reimbursements”
 
“Joanne has extensive experience working within the healthcare community in Connecticut and her appointment to this group will provide valuable insight in our efforts to strengthen and improve our state's healthcare system,” Governor Lamont said. “I appreciate her willingness to serve as part of this cabinet.”
About Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC):
Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the only Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in the northwest corner of Connecticut providing comprehensive services. CHWC delivers a range of integrated healthcare services, including medical, dental, chiropractic, nutrition, podiatry, and behavioral health, as well as an in-house lab and pharmacy. CHWC participates with most state and commercial insurance plans, utilizing a sliding fee scale to ensure accessibility for individuals of all financial backgrounds. Serving over 7,000 patients, CHWC operates health centers in Torrington, Winsted, and North Canaan. With school-based health centers in all Torrington schools and three Region One Schools.
 
For more information about CHWC and our services, please visit www.chwchealth.org.
###