NewHavenBIZ

7 NEW HAVEN BIZ | NOVEMBER 2022 | BUSINESS PROFILES C ornell Scott-Hill Health Center (CS- HHC) was the first community health care center in Connecticut when it was founded in New Haven in 1968. It has been leading the way among the nation's more than 1400 community health centers ever since, now among the top 3% nationwide. With more than 700 staff serving 55,000 patients annually at 25 care sites in the region, CS-HHC provides comprehensive primary care and a broad array of medical subspecialties including eye care, dermatology, podiatry and pharmacy, as well as behavioral health, dental, pediatric and addiction services. CS-HHC – which accommodated more than 360,000 patient visits during fiscal year 2022 – also provides education and training for medical professionals, sharing expertise in collaboration with nearby health care facilities. Construction is now underway for a Recovery & Wellness Center (RWC) to provide a safe, short-term therapeutic living environment for people being treated for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health illnesses, to support their recovery. The RWC, projected to cost $24.5 million, will be one of the most comprehensive substance use disorder treatment facilities in south central Connecticut. The state of Connecticut is the largest contributor, investing $10 million. Joined by state, local and community officials including Gov. Ned Lamont, CS- HHC leaders put their shovels in the dirt for a groundbreaking on Sept. 22. The three-story, 31,000-square-foot RWC, slated to open late next year, will include individual and group counseling rooms and a medical suite; a 12-bed female dormitory and 40-bed male dormitory with semi-private rooms; and dedicated space for multiple therapies. Alongside CS-HHC's South Central Rehabilitation Center, the RWC will be integrated into a comprehensive continuum of care. A recent Kaiser Foundation study shows that prior to the pandemic, one of every 10 adults in the U.S. reported symptoms of depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. That number has skyrocketed to four of every 10 post-Covid; in underserved communities, it may even be higher. "When we free someone from the grip of addiction, when we effectively treat other behavioral health issues and also address their medical challenges – all in a patient- centered and integrated manner – we not only make individuals healthier, we strengthen our community," says CEO Michael Taylor. "We use every tool at our disposal, every treatment available, to help our patients. Everyone's recovery is different," explains Dr. Ece Tek, Chief Medical Officer, Mental Health and Addiction Services. "Our shared goal is to achieve recovery and true wellness. We are determined to end the stigma that persists about behavioral health, because it prevents the full measure of progress from being achieved." The CS-HHC board of directors recently established a foundation to support the work of the health center, including the RWC, prompted by the increased demand for health care services throughout the region. The Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center Foundation will be led by Board Chair LindyLee Gold, a philanthropist and economic developer, and Taylor, who will serve as foundation president. "I am convinced that this is a model for the nation and the world," Gold says. "The foundation will support efforts to increase public knowledge of the remarkable caliber of care and level of commitment as we help to develop the resources necessary for Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center to reach and respond to more people." Regional Health Center Continues Growth, Expands Impact in Community Address: 400-428 Columbus Ave., New Haven, CT 06519; 25 healthcare locations in Greater New Haven & Lower Naugatuck Valley Phone: (203) 503-3000 Website: www.cornellscott.org Product or Service: Health care services including comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental, addiction services and specialty care No. of Employees: 700+ Top Executive: Michael Taylor, CEO Year Founded: 1968 The Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center is led by Michael Taylor, CEO; Board Chair of the new CS-HHC Foundation is LindyLee Gold. Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center leaders, Gov. Ned Lamont and other state, local and community officials break ground on a $24.5 million Recovery & Wellness Center.

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