Community Partner Newsletter Volume 6 Summer
HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter
Volume 10
Welcome
to
Spring
From Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT).
Table of Contents Who We Are and What We Do: Community Engagement HUB Program ������������2 Partner Spotlight: The Village-Burns Family Resource Center���������2 Current Events: Community Partner Survey Results ���������������������3 Public Health Corner: Let’s Work Together to Protect Our Communities from Lead Exposure����������������������������������������������4 Updates: New Protections for Timely CRT and Wheelchair Repair �����������������������������������������������4 Nutrition Education: A Message from Our Nutrition Education Program�������������������������������5 Contact Information ����������������������������������������� 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 Engagement HUB Program
Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT), on behalf of the HUSKY Health program, has established a network of Community Engagement HUBs throughout the state. A HUB is a neighborhood space where members can get H elp U nderstanding their B enefits. Through these HUBs, CHNCT has established a trusted presence in communities with the highest HUSKY Health member populations, making it easier to reach members who may be unaware of all the community services and resources available to them. Members who visit the HUBs are empowered to make better-informed decisions about their health after being introduced to resources to help meet their basic needs. They can also learn how to live a healthier lifestyle.
CHNCT has collaborated with community partners such as Connecticut Foodshare and Workforce Alliance to establish HUB sites where community partners are located. Partners can refer their clients, who are largely comprised of HUSKY Health members, to our information tables at the sites and at community partner events. Examples of events include community meetings, health fairs, parent-teacher nights, and mobile food pantries. HUB events are posted on the HUSKY Health member website and social media pages to let members know when and where they can go to take advantage of these resources. HUBs are generally open for one to two hours at a time and are managed by CHNCT’s Community Health Workers (CHWs). The HUSKY Health program continues to see positive results from establishing HUB sites in community settings that HUSKY Health members frequently visit and trust. Community partners benefit by increasing the number of resources they can offer their clients, which increases community and member engagement. HUSKY Health members benefit by obtaining information that can help them address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including food insecurity, housing, education, and employment. Through resource sharing and working together to impact SDOH, the program improves health equity among HUSKY Health populations throughout Connecticut.
To help your clients locate a HUB near them, please refer them to the Community Engagement calendar on our HUSKY Health website.
Partner Spotlight The Village-Burns Family Resource Center
We’re thrilled to highlight our valued partner, The Village-Burns Family Resource Center, located in Hartford. For over two decades, The Village has been dedicated to empowering families and building stronger communities through its comprehensive support services. Their work focuses on providing resources and assistance to parents and children in the Hartford and Vernon area, fostering resilience, and strengthening family ties.
Through programs like educational workshops, parenting support, mental health resources, and community activities, The Village-Burns Family Resource Center plays a crucial role in helping families thrive. Our partnership with them is enriching, as our CHWs connect with families through school events, ensuring access to essential resources.
We’re honored to partner with The Village and support their mission to build healthier, stronger communities. Learn more about their services and share these helpful resources with clients who could benefit. Visit The Village’s website here.
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.
Current Events Community Partner Survey Results
In April 2024, CHNCT surveyed 160 community partners to gauge how satisfied they were with the organization as the Administrative Services Organization (ASO) for the Department of Social Services’ HUSKY Health program. Below is the breakout of the responses in each of the eight categories.
How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about CHNCT?
Percentage
Cooperates well
93.00%
Communicates well
93.00%
Is accessible
88.00%
Has staff who are knowledgeable
90.24%
Shares appropriate information
90.25%
Is consistent and fair in its dealings with me or with the organization
90.25%
Responds in a manner that is sensitive to the people we serve 88.00%
Overall is an effective partner
88.00%
As we reflect on the outcomes of our recent work with community partners, we’re reminded of the importance of the relationships we’ve built and the trust we’ve earned. The feedback we receive from our stakeholders isn’t just valuable, it’s essential to our ongoing success and improvement.
CHNCT will survey community partners again in 2025. We hope you will respond to the survey and provide us with feedback on how we can better serve you. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we can achieve even greater results in the year ahead!
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 Let’s Work Together to Protect Our Communities from Lead
Lead is a hidden danger that could be lurking in homes without anyone realizing it. This toxic metal is present in many everyday environments and its risks should not be underestimated. It’s important to understand that lead exposure affects everyone, regardless of age or background. However young, children are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. This is because children’s developing bodies absorb lead more easily, making them even more susceptible to its dangers. Lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. Pregnant individuals are also at higher risk, as lead can harm both the mother and the developing baby. To prevent lead exposure, it’s critical to test homes built before 1978 for lead-based paint and dust. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping surfaces clean, particularly in areas where children play, and washing hands and toys regularly.
For those planning renovations, hiring certified professionals who are trained in lead-safe work practices is essential. Additionally, older homes with lead pipes can be a source of lead in drinking water, so it’s important to have water tested to ensure its safety. The good news is that lead exposure is preventable. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) provides information and guidelines for parents, medical professionals, and community partners on how to manage and reduce risks. Testing and proactive steps can help protect families from the harmful effects of lead exposure. To learn more about these guidelines and local resources, visit CT DPH’s website here. As a community partner, you play a huge role in helping clients access these resources and keep their families healthy. Please share this information with the families you serve. Working together, we can help reduce lead exposure and create safer, healthier homes for everyone.
Updates New Protections for Timely CRT and Wheelchair Repair
Public Act 24-58 provides that users of wheelchairs and other Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) are entitled to a timely repair of their wheelchairs when needed. The law defines a timely wheelchair repair as being completed within ten days from the date the repair request was made, although time waiting for prior authorizations and parts to be delivered does not count against the ten days. Affected consumers can file a complaint with the Office of the Healthcare Advocate if their repairs exceed the ten-day period. For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Office of the Healthcare Advocate by phone at 866.466.4446 or by email to Healthcare.Advocate@ct.gov.
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
Through our nutrition education programs, HUSKY Health works to spread awareness and teach families how to make healthier food choices. By offering engaging, interactive programs, we aim to empower parents and children to take control of their nutrition and build habits that support a healthy lifestyle. We offer two key programs to help families with their nutrition journey: • Sugar Rush : This program focuses on educating families about the effects of sugar on health. Participants learn to identify hidden sugars in everyday foods; understand how sugar impacts energy and overall wellness; and discover healthier alternatives to incorporate into their diets. • Fat Attack™ : In this program, we guide 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 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 lives. Through these programs, parents and children learn to read food labels, create balanced meals, and adopt habits that promote overall health. Our goal is to increase nutrition awareness throughout the community, helping families make lasting changes for their well-being. 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 our Fat Attack™ program, visit the Fat Attack™ page 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 MedlinePlus website, where they can search for “healthy eating” at the top of the page and then select from a wide variety of publications.
For more information regarding our nutrition education programs, or to sign up to host an upcoming session, 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 203.626.7227 jdarkwa@chnct.org Elvin Melendez Director, Community Affairs & Engagement 203.949.4080 emelendez@chnct.org Amber Taylor Administrative Coordinator 203.949.9143 ataylor@chnct.org For information on our nutrition education programs or to request a workshop, please 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, printable HUSKY Health Member ID card, and more! Members can create an account or log in to their existing account by clicking here. For more information related to programs and services, please refer your clients to the HUSKY Health website.
https://www.facebook.com/HUSKYHealthCT
https://www.instagram.com/huskyhealthct
https://x.com/HUSKYHealthCT
Links: 1. Community Engagement Calendar: https://www.huskyhealthct.org/members/health-events.html 2. The Village: https://thevillage.org 3. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead#found 4. Connecticut Department of Public Health: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/lead-poisoning- prevention-and-control/lead-poisoning-prevention-and-control-program 5. Fat Attack™: https://www.huskyhealthct.org/members/Fat_Attack/indexHome.html 6. HUSKY Health Website: https://www.huskyhealthct.org/members.html 7. MedlinePlus Website: https://medlineplus.gov 8. HUSKY Health Secure Member Portal: https://secure.healthx.com/v3app/publicservice/loginv1/login. aspx?bc=ecede7b0-ae79-4597-8272-0b5f1290b795&serviceid=5561614e-ff44-4550-8a3f-8af8b581f2f2
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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