Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546612
HEALTHCARE HEROES | 2026 AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 B13 Winner Category | Innovation Community Health Resources (CHR) Department: DOC Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Programs Team members: Dr. Robin Deutsch, Associate Medical Director; Bisrat Abebe, Associate VP; Aida Diaz-La Cilento, Senior Program Director; Tay Maed, RN Manager; Kelly Rowan, Clinical Program Director; Mahogany Moncrief, RN Coordinator; Ericka Caldwell, Nurse; Gabriel Lebron-Ri- vera, Therapist; Alexa Liucci, Re-entry Coordinator; Carol-Ann Donahue, Thera- pist; Ana Palacios, Medical Assistant Team led by: Bisrat Abebe T he CHR DOC programs provide lifesaving treatment to incar- cerated individuals within the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) who have significant histories of substance use disorders, mainly opioid use disorder. e programs aim to improve indi- viduals' overall quality of life inside and outside the carceral setting, reduce recid- ivism and decrease drug overdose deaths during and following incarceration. What have been the organization's significant contributions in the past year? Over the past year, our team has continued providing high-quality, evidence-based care to nearly 700 individuals across seven Connecticut correctional facilities. We provide compre- hensive medication-assisted treatment, patient-ce ntered counseling and coordi- nated re-entry services 365 days a year. Our re-entry coordination achieves over a 90% success rate in connecting individuals to community treatment following release — one of the high- est-risk periods for overdose. rough dedication, compassion, clinical excel- lence and strong collaboration with the DOC, we have expanded access to lifesaving care, reduced barriers to recovery and helped individuals return to their communities healthier and better prepared to continue treatment. What are some major challenges the organization had to overcome? We continue to overcome limited ther- apeutic space and patient access, safety and security requirements and deeply rooted stigma within the carceral system. We address these multifaceted challenges through collaboration with DOC, ongoing education and training, strong contin- uous quality improvement measures and expectations rooted in self-awareness, self-assessment and self-compassion. Winner Category | Healthcare Staff Saint Mary's Hospital Laboratory Organization: Saint Mary's Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England Team members: More than 100 members Team led by: Dr. Matthew Curran, Medical Director; Margaret Jenkins, Laboratory Manager; Melissa Smith, Laboratory Supervisor S aint Mary's Hospital Laboratory's mission is to deliver accurate, timely results that support excep- tional patient care. rough hands-on education and rotation for medical and surgical residents, the lab fosters understanding of laboratory processes and strengthens collaboration across the organization. ey are committed to stewardship through responsible use of resources, promoting efficiency, cost savings and value for the organization and the patients they serve. What have been the Laboratory's significant contributions in the past year? We have expanded the services we provide and brought more testing in-house so patients can get results faster. We established a Whole Blood program with the Waterbury Regional SWAT Team and local EMS agencies, expanded cytology services, molecular diagnostics and HIV testing and added new microbiology technology that helps identify infections more quickly. We improved turnaround times in hematology and chemistry, worked with students to encourage interest in laboratory careers and helped secure Connecticut proclamations recognizing Histotechnology Professionals Day and Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. We have also focused on finding practical ways to reduce costs and make the most of existing resources. What are some major challenges the Lab had to overcome? We faced the same staffing challenges affecting laboratories nationwide and addressed them by recruiting H-1B visa candidates and promoting colleagues from within. rough strong teamwork across laboratory sections and support from leadership, we improved efficiency and throughput, prepared for future equip- ment needs and expanded cross-training through mentorship. CONGRATULATIONS TO CHR'S DOC MEDICATIONS FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER PROGRAM Every day, Healthcare Heroes from CHR, Connecticut's most comprehensive nonprofit behavioral healthcare agency, provide care for individuals with opioid use disorders in six Department of Correction (DOC) facilities. This innovative collaboration is grounded in compassion, clinical excellence, and a commitment to save lives. Congratulations! LEARN MORE AT: www.chrhealth.org www.chrhealth.org