*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***
For Immediate Release
July 23, 2021
What: Breakfast and speaking program Celebrating National Health Center Week
Where: Lakeside Pavilion, Mohegan Park, 187 Park Center Road, Norwich (Set GPS to Park Center Road)
When: 9 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021
Media Contact: Jennifer Ermler, Marketing Communications Manager | 860-822-4147 | jermler@devucfs.wpengine.com
UCFS Celebrates National Health Center Week
Congressman Courtney will speak at the Aug. 11 event
NORWICH, CT – Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT District 2) will speak at an event honoring local health center workers at Mohegan Park on Aug. 11. UCFS Healthcare is hosting the breakfast, which kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Mohegan Park Lakeside Pavilion.
The event is part of National Health Center Week, an annual celebration that recognizes the contributions of health centers nationwide. Community-based health centers provide essential medical and other services for millions of Americans each year.
Here in Eastern Connecticut, the numbers tell a compelling story.
During the fiscal year 2021, UCFS health centers have served 19,038 clients in every town in Windham and New London Counties; with a coverage area of 900 square miles. UCFS operates eight school-based health centers, which provide acute care, mental health assessments and counseling, sports physicals and annual exams, and care for students living with chronic conditions, like asthma. The centers remove barriers to care, like lack of transportation or insurance.
UCFS Healthcare also operates five community health centers, in Norwich, Griswold, New London, Colchester, and Plainfield.
As part of its pandemic response, UCFS has administered 13,287 Covid-19 tests and 9,141 Covid-19 vaccines. More than 16,313 individuals (114, 511 meals) have received assistance at a UCFS food distribution event.
“People might not know this, but UCFS Healthcare was established in 1877, and was the first health care system for this region. When the pandemic of 1918 struck, UCFS had been caring for the people in eastern Connecticut for four decades,” said Jennifer Granger, UCFS president and chief executive officer. “Now, more than a century later, we are shepherding our community through another pandemic and very challenging times,”
“Our staff are exceptionally dedicated people. The UCFS staff showed incredible resilience and we are proud and grateful to honor the work they do every day.” Granger said.
Please RSVP by Aug. 4 to Jennifer Ermler, 860-822-4147 or jermler@devucfs.wpengine.com.
About UCFS
UCFS Healthcare is a leading provider of and advocate for affordable, comprehensive, high-quality health and human services that strengthen those in need throughout greater southeastern Connecticut.