Northwest Connecticut Health Center Marks 20 Months of Impact: A Story of Rural Resilience

[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