Community Partner Newsletter Volume 6 Summer
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter
Volume 11
Welcome to Fall From Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT).
Table of Contents Who We Are and What We Do ...........................................................................2 Partner Spotlight: TVCCA Cares...........................................................................3 Current Events: What H.R.1 Means for DSS Benefits & Why Staying Connected Matters....................................................................................................3 Public Health Corner: Protecting Yourself and Others Against Measles............4 Community Health Worker Highlight: CHW of the Quarter – Luis Monterroso..................................................................4 Nutrition Education ................................................................................................5 Contact Information ...............................................................................................6 HUSKY Health Secure Member Portal ..............................................................6
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 1 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.
Who We Are and What We Do
Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the not-for-profit managed care organization that serves as the medical Administrative Services Organization (ASO) for the HUSKY Health program. In partnership with the State of Connecticut, CHNCT helps nearly one million members access care, understand their benefits, and connect with resources that support their health and quality of life.
CHNCT’s role extends beyond administration. By combining data-driven strategies with community engagement, CHNCT works to address the social determinants of health that shape outcomes for HUSKY Health members. Through initiatives such as Community Engagement HUBs, members can meet with Community Health Workers (CHWs) in trusted neighborhood spaces for help connecting to resources such as food, housing, childcare, employment, and more. Many CHWs live in the same communities as the members they serve, bringing cultural and linguistic understanding to every interaction. They provide one-on-one support to help members find a primary care provider, schedule appointments, learn about their HUSKY Health benefits, and adopt healthier lifestyles. This personal connection ensures members can access services and feel supported while navigating the healthcare system.
CHNCT also collaborates with community partners, such as Connecticut Foodshare and Workforce Alliance, to expand the network of resources available to members. Participation in health fairs, community meetings, and educational workshops helps to strengthen community ties and improve health equity across the state.
To learn more about CHNCT, visit chnct.org. For details about upcoming HUB events and other community health activities to share with your clients, visit the Health Events page on the HUSKY Health member website.
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 2 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.
Partner Spotlight TVCCA Cares
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (TVCCA) , a strong community partner doing incredible work across Southeastern Connecticut. Through our collaboration, CHWs are actively engaged at the TVCCA sites in Norwich and New London, as well as the TVCCA Little Learners program in Taftville. Our involvement supports TVCCA’s efforts and builds meaningful connections with community members. TVCCA has been serving the region for decades. They meet people where they are and help them with everything from energy assistance and housing support to employment services, nutrition programs, and childcare. TVCCA offers a wide range of programs designed to strengthen and uplift the community. Programs like Alliance for Family Support and Family Bridge provide vital in-home support and education for new moms and their families during the early days and weeks after birth. These free, no-eligibility programs offer compassionate care during a time when families need it most, delivering personalized services designed to ease the challenges that often come with welcoming a new child. TVCCA’s Little Learners centers offer high-quality early childhood education in supportive environments where children are encouraged to grow, discover, and thrive. TVCCA’s work is thoughtful, personal, and far-reaching. Whether they’re helping a senior stay in their home with meals delivered to their door, or supporting a parent with budgeting and job readiness, their impact is felt across all ages and stages of life.
We’re grateful to work alongside such a dedicated organization as TVCCA. Learn more about their services and share these helpful resources with clients who could benefit. Visit TVCCA’s website here.
CURRENT EVENTS What H.R.1 Means for DSS Benefits & Why Staying Connected Matters Do you have a client who’s worried about how the federal H.R.1 bill might impact their benefits? While the bill officially passed on July 4th and a few changes have already started rolling out, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is still hard at work reviewing the full scope of its impact. That means updates will continue to come and staying in the know is more important than ever. Please remind your clients that communication is everything . DSS plans to keep members informed every step of the way, but they can’t reach them if they can’t find them. Now is the perfect time to double-check that all their contact information is current and correct. As always, we’re here to help navigate any confusion. The more we know, the more we can share with you and your clients.
To dive deeper into what H.R.1 could mean for DSS benefits, click the link below: https://portal.ct.gov/dss/knowledge-base/articles/general-information/federal-updates-hr1?language=en_US Please don’t forget to pass along any information regarding the bill to HUSKY Health members.
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 3 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.
Public Health Corner Protecting Yourself and Others Against Measles Measles is back on the radar according to the CDC! Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can linger on surfaces for hours. While it often starts with a telltale rash, it can lead to serious health complications and even death, especially when left untreated or misdiagnosed. Common symptoms of measles include high fever (104°F or higher); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and rash (typically starts at the hairline and spreads downward). Sound familiar? That’s because these symptoms can mimic the common cold or flu. In some cases, measles can also cause complications like ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and even encephalitis (a serious brain infection). The risks are real, which makes prevention key.
The good news is that measles is preventable. The best way to protect ourselves is with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is safe and effective. To learn more about the vaccine, visit the CDC’s website here. As a valued community partner, you play a significant role in helping your clients stay informed about measles and how to protect themselves and their families. Working together, we can help keep our communities healthy and safe. As a valued community partner, you play a significant role in helping your clients stay informed about measles and how to protect themselves and their families. Working together, we can help keep our communities healthy and safe. The good news is that measles is preventable. The best way to protect ourselves is with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is safe and effective. To learn more about the vaccine, visit the CDC’s website here.
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER HIGHLIGHT CHW of the Quarter – Luis Monterroso
Luis joined CHNCT in April 2024 as a certified CHW. With prior experience serving the Stamford community, he quickly transitioned into his role, bringing with him a strong commitment to supporting members and addressing their needs. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Luis serves as a valuable bridge between CHNCT and the diverse populations we serve. His extensive knowledge of resources and community agencies throughout lower Fairfield County has allowed him to connect members with vital programs and services, ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive. Recognized for his dedication and impact, Luis was promoted to CHW II this past June. His passion for helping others, combined with his expertise and community connections, continues to make him an integral part of our team.
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 4 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.
Nutrition Education
HUSKY Health’s Nutrition Education Program is designed to help families make healthier food choices. Through hands-on, interactive sessions, we provide parents and children with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their eating habits. Our goal is to inspire lasting changes that promote health and well-being for years to come. We provide two essential programs to support families in their pursuit of better nutrition:
Sugar Rush: This program focuses on educating families about the effects of sugar on health. Participants learn how to identify hidden sugars in everyday foods and how sugar impacts energy and overall
Fat Attack™: This program guides families through understanding the role of fats in a balanced diet. We help them differentiate between healthy fats (like those found in avocados and nuts) and unhealthy fats (common in processed
wellness. They also discover healthier alternatives to incorporate into their diets.
foods), and teach them how to make smarter choices for better health.
Both Sugar Rush and Fat Attack™ are designed to give families the tools they need to make informed, healthier choices in their daily meals. Through these programs, parents and children learn to read food labels, create balanced meals, and adopt habits that promote overall health, increasing nutrition awareness throughout the community. We encourage families to take part in these programs, which are a fun and informative way to improve eating habits and support better health. Together, we can build a healthier, more informed community – one meal at a time!
To learn more about Fat Attack™, visit the program information on the HUSKY Health website. Please note, the website link for Sugar Rush will be available in upcoming publications. For additional information on healthy eating, please refer your clients to the wide variety of publications that are available by typing “healthy eating” in the search box at the top of the MedlinePlus website. The MedlinePlus library is also available through the HUSKY Health website.
For more information regarding our Nutrition Education Program, or to inquire about hosting a workshop or exhibiting opportunities, please contact Nargis Karampurwala at Nkarampurwala@CHNCT.org.
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 5 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.
@ Contact Information To learn how your organization can become a HUB partner and be featured in our partner newsletter, please contact: Jacquiline Darkwa Community Engagement Coordinator – Northern Connecticut 203.626.7227 jdarkwa@chnct.org Elvin Melendez Director, Community Affairs & Engagement 203.949.4080 emelendez@chnct.org Amber Taylor Community Engagement Coordinator – Southern Connecticut 203.949.9143 ataylor@chnct.org For information on our nutrition education programs or to request a workshop, contact: Kellie Gilbert Community Health Educator II 203.303.3932 kgilbert@chnct.org Nargis Karampurwala Manager, Nutrition Education 203.303.3908 nkarampurwala@chnct.org
HUSKY Health Secure Member Portal The HUSKY Health Secure Member Portal gives members secure access to their eligibility information, primary care provider, their printable HUSKY Health Member ID card, and more! Members can create an account or log in to their existing account by clicking here. https://www.facebook.com/HUSKYHealthCT .. .
https://www.instagram.com/huskyhealthct
https://twitter.com/HUSKYHealthCT
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 6 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.
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