HARTFORD, CT -- The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic disruption have created tremendous new challenges for our state, the nation, and the world. The Connecticut Health Foundation is focused on how to be most helpful and responsive to immediate needs and those that emerge as time goes on. As a first step, the foundation has awarded $585,000 to help address basic needs for Connecticut residents facing hardships and to bolster access to health care. This includes the following grant initiatives:
A $150,000 grant to the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to individuals who are struggling because of the pandemic. The funds are being distributed through partner agencies and are targeted to low-income households.
$270,000 in solicited grants to grassroots and faith-based organizations that will distribute money to those in need. These grants of $15,000 were awarded to:
- Access Community Action Agency, Willimantic
- Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Bridgeport
- African Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities, Hartford
- Christian Community Action, New Haven
- Community Action Agency of New Haven, New Haven
- Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut, Danbury
- Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program, Bridgeport
- Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut, New London
- Hispanic Health Council, Hartford
- Human Resources Agency of New Britain, New Britain
- IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, New Haven
- Khmer Health Advocates, West Hartford
- Ministerial Health Fellowship, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain
- New London Homeless Hospitality Center, New London
- Partnership for Strong Communities, Hartford
- Person-to-Person, Darien
- Phillips Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Hartford
- Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, Willimantic
A $165,000 grant to the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut, which is based in Cheshire and represents 16 community health centers throughout the state. This funding will support health centers in expanding their capacity to deliver telehealth services and to meet immediate needs of patients. Because of the pandemic, community health centers have transitioned many services from in-person visits to telehealth using video or telephone. However, some patients face barriers to participating in telehealth, including a lack of internet access or phone minutes. This grant will support health centers in developing and maintaining the infrastructure to provide telehealth services, as well as to support patients in participating in telehealth and meeting basic needs.
We plan to make additional dollars available for response and rebuilding efforts as they arise. As always, we will continue to report all grants awarded on our website.
The current situation threatens to make worse the many inequities that exist in health, economic stability, and other factors that are central to well-being. It is critical that we work together to ensure that the response aims to reduce these disparities, rather than widen them.
We recognize that the challenges and needs will likely evolve. The foundation is committed to providing support until our state recovers.
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