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20 H A R T F O R D B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L | A M E R I C A A T 2 5 0 A s our nation commemorates 250 years of independence, innovation, and opportunity, we are reminded that America's greatest strength has always been its people — individuals united by shared purpose, resilience, and the belief that together they can build something better. We are grateful to the Hartford Business Journal for recognizing this historic milestone and for bringing together Connecticut's business leaders to reflect on the en- trepreneurial spirit and determination that continue to define our country. At UConn Health Waterbury Hos- pital, this anniversary holds special meaning. Our organization, like many institutions across America, has experienced both challenge and transformation. Joining UConn Health Community Network on March 1, we have entered a new era grounded in stability, collaboration, academic medicine, and long-term investment in the communi- ties we serve. Over the past several years, facing bankruptcy by our then owners, the employees, physicians, nurses, and staff of our hospital endured extraordinary circum- stances while continuing to show up every day for the community that depends on them. eir resilience, grit, and commitment never wavered. ey should take tremendous pride in what they accomplished during one of the most difficult chapters in our organization's history. It takes physicians, nurses, technicians, sup- port staff, and leaders all working together — much as our country itself was built — to create something truly meaningful for the people they serve. As we look toward the future, our team is prepared to embrace tomor- row with renewed optimism. Stability creates opportunity, and opportunity allows us to elevate quality, strength- en culture, invest in technology and people, and deliver the level of care our communities deserve. Hospitals also play a unique role in the strength of local economies. A healthy, vibrant hospital improves far more than healthcare access — it strengthens quality of life, attracts families and businesses, supports property values, and builds confi- dence in a community's future. As economic engines, healthcare orga- nizations create jobs, support local businesses, and generate activity throughout the region. In Connecticut, we now have an extraordinary oppor- tunity to combine the personalized care of community hospitals with the innovation, research, and education- al strength of academic medicine. rough our part- nership with UConn Health, we are working to expand access to high-quality care close to home while creating new opportunities for workforce development, clinical advancement, and regional growth. As we celebrate this historic national milestone, we remain optimistic about what lies ahead — for our hos- pital, for Connecticut, and for our country. e Ameri- can story has always been one of resilience, reinvention, and possibility. We are proud to continue contributing to that story through our commitment to healthcare, community partnership, and the people whose dedica- tion makes progress possible every day. AMERICA AT 250 • LETTERS FROM CONNECTICUT'S BUSINESS LEADERS Deborah K. Weymouth, FACHE, MBA President UConn Health Waterbury Hospital