Community Health & Wellness Center in Torrington and Winsted held a community celebration Aug. 11, in recognition of National Health Week. An ECAD dog gets a pat from an EMT at the event.
Torrington — During a challenging year, the staff of Community Health & Wellness Center rose to the occasion with “unwavering dedication” to help others, its leader said.
To celebrate this and continue the push to vaccinate area residents, Community Health & Wellness Center in Torrington and Winsted recently celebrated National Health Center Week.
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The centers offered free COVID-19 vaccines, confidential HIV testing and a tour of the center’s new Mobile Medical Unit, named “BETTY,” or Bringing Exceptional Treatment To You.
Center CEO Joanne Borduas said it was exciting to be able to celebrate National Health Center Week with “friends, neighbors, patients, and partners in the Torrington and Winsted communities.”
“It has been a challenging year, and I’m proud of our staff for rising to the occasion and their unwavering dedication to serving those in need. In moments of pain and loss, we’ve been here to offer support and love,” Borduas said in a statement. “And in moments of triumph, we are here to offer hope and a vision for a safe, healthy future. It’s time for us all to celebrate together.”
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According to the state Connecticut Department of Public Health online tracker for cumulative number and percent of people vaccinated, by county of residence, 111,000 people in Litchfield County are full vaccinated. This is 61.5 percent of country residents, the data as of August 12 shows.
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Litchfield County is in the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s category of “substantial” risk of COVID transmission, as of August 13, the agency shows.
Gov. Ned Lamont said the extent to which towns and cities may require renewed social distancing and masking regulations will be up to local leaders and business owners. Winsted officials also announced that because of an increase in cases of COVID-19, masks are again required in public buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
The recent National Health Week events in Winsted and Torrington were held with the theme “The Chemistry for Strong Communities,” showcasing innovative ways health centers provide health care, work to improve health outcomes, and narrow health disparities in local communities, according to the health center.
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Visitors were able to meet the center’s providers and a number of community partners, as well as, state Reps. Maria Horn, D-Salisbury, and Michelle Cook, D-Torrington.
Friendly Hands Food Bank Executive Director Karen Thomas and Community Soup Kitchen director Lisa Hageman distributing food to visitors at the celebration. At the Winsted event, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities Service Dogs and their caregivers had a booth and gave demonstrations. Other partner guests were the Torrington Salvation Army, EdAdvance, Access Health Network, Foothills Adult Education, and representatives from the police and fire departments, according to the statement.
According to CHWC leaders, “over the past five decades, health centers across the country have served more than 29 million people — a number that continues to grow along with the demand for affordable primary care.”
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“In addition to their long history as health care homes to millions, health centers produce innovative solutions to the most pressing health care issues in their communities and reach beyond the walls of conventional medicine to address the social determinants of health affecting special patient populations,” according to center leaders.
For more information, contact CHWC’s event coordinator Gina Burrows, COO, at gburrows@chwctorr.org, or 860-387-0407.
