Major Funding Boost Propels Community Health & Wellness Center's Vision for a Healthier Northwest Corner

​Northwest Litchfield County, CT, February 23, 2024 — Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC), the sole Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) providing comprehensive services in the northwest corner of Connecticut, announces significant financial support for its transformative initiative – the launch of a new regional health care center in North Canaan offering integrated medical and behavioral health services, set to open in Spring 2024. This initiative aims to address the pressing crisis in rural healthcare, including the lack of providers, limited access to care, and transportation challenges, impacting both financially stable families and those less fortunate.
 
Foundation for Community Health (FCH): The Foundation for Community Health (FCH) has generously contributed $1.3 million for the purchase of the property and project needs; and an additional $650,000 toward startup costs – adding to a $3M bond secured with the help of Representative Maria Horn from the state of CT toward construction. This marks nearly 20 years of FCH's continued commitment to making this initiative a reality. Nancy Heaton, FCH President and CEO, emphasized, "CHWC's impact aligns seamlessly with FCH's mission to improve health, well-being, and equity in our communities. Our longstanding partnership with CHWC reflects our dedication to supporting vital initiatives that address the root causes of health disparities."
 
Nancy Heaton, the primary architect behind this effort, expressed her endorsement of CHWC and its CEO Joanne Borduas. "As we mark FCH's 20th anniversary, there's no better way to celebrate than by fulfilling our vision of supporting CHWC's new regional healthcare center to address our rural healthcare crisis."
 
Sharon Hospital/Nuvance Health: Nuvance Health/Sharon Hospital has joined with FCH in contributing to this initiative. Nuvance has pledged a multi-year $650,000 total gift to include $300,000 in funding and an additional $350,000 of in-kind services. This strategic partnership emphasizes collaborative strategies for mutual and community benefit. The alliance aims to enhance value, availability, and appropriateness of care for the entire community, especially those at higher risk for avoidable care.
 
Sharon Hospital President Christina McCulloch stated, “This partnership represents Sharon Hospital and Nuvance Health’s commitment to increasing access to primary care services and improving the coordination of care in our region. We are thrilled to support Community Health & Wellness as an important community asset.”
 
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF)/Fund for the Northwest Corner: Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has contributed $155,000, including $40,000 from its Fund for the Northwest Corner, to bolster this vital initiative by providing funds to support physician recruitment and strategic planning to launch a development program that will be critical to expanding and sustaining the health center.
 
CHWC's CEO Joanne Borduas expressed gratitude, saying, "The support from the Foundation for Community Health, Sharon Hospital/Nuvance Health, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and The Fund for the Northwest Corner is a testament to our shared commitment to community health. This major funding will significantly impact the well-being of our residents and support our mission to provide comprehensive, accessible healthcare services."
 
As CHWC moves forward with this groundbreaking project, the organization is eager to engage with the community, honor its dedicated supporters, and motivate additional partners to join this transformative endeavor.
 
For media inquiries or more information about this announcement, please contact:
Kimberly Rock
Communications Consultant/Strategic Advisor
Community Health & Wellness Center
[email protected]
 
About Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC): Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and the sole 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 6,000 patients, CHWC operates health centers in Torrington, Winsted, and a newly built center in North Canaan. The organization extends its impact by offering physical and mental health services through school-based health centers in all Torrington schools, with plans to expand to three schools in the Region One school district.
 
About Foundation for Community Health (FCH): Foundation for Community Health works to improve the health, well-being, and equity in our communities. As a funder, community leader, and partner, FCH collaborates with people and organizations to meet its mission through program development, grantmaking, community partnership, and advocacy. FCH serves a rural 17-town region where northwest Connecticut and the Greater Harlem Valley meet.
 
About Sharon Hospital and Nuvance Health: Nuvance Health is a regional health system with seven hospitals including Sharon Hospital, medical practices, care centers, and telehealth care located throughout Western Connecticut and New York’s Hudson Valley. Sharon Hospital, is a CMS Five-Star 78-bed general hospital located in northwestern Connecticut, is committed to providing compassionate healthcare.
 
About Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) and The Fund for the Northwest Corner: Since 1987, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has strengthened communities through philanthropy and leadership in northwest Litchfield County, CT; Berkshire County, MA; and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY. The Fund for the Northwest Corner is an endowed area fund of BTCF and supports strategic initiatives that can have a lasting impact on the quality of life for residents of northwest Litchfield County, CT.