Collaborating for a healthier Connecticut.

In early 2018, Connecticut hospitals, under the leadership of the Connecticut Hospital Association – the founding sponsor of Unite Connecticut – made a groundbreaking commitment to a statewide approach to identifying and addressing social needs that influence the health status of patients. We know that 60% of individual health status is driven by non-medical conditions—social, environmental, and behavioral factors that can be influenced with appropriate intervention. Through leadership of hospitals and health systems in Connecticut, we are integrating social determinants of health into healthcare practice, and with the help of community partners, effectively addressing needs on both an individual and statewide level.

Since 1995, Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc.® (CHNCT) has worked with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) to bring quality healthcare to HUSKY Health program members. Since that time we have seen just how impactful social determinants of health can be to the members we serve, which is why a partnership with Unite Connecticut is so important. We have a team of state-certified Community Health Workers who act as HUSKY Health ambassadors, helping members navigate through the healthcare system, and who provide referrals to address social determinants of health. Our partnership with Unite Connecticut strengthens our efforts and person-centered approach, effectively streamlining our ability to connect HUSKY Health members with services to support their basic needs while helping to improve health outcomes for HUSKY Health members.

Had it not been for the Unite Us Platform, COVID-19 would have had a more noticeable negative impact on the housing outcomes that we receive. Resources used to be difficult to track due to the paper applications we completed and mailed for our patients. Now, our linkage to those resources through the platform provides them a greater chance for a positive outcome and is an integral part in restructuring the ECCs’ approach to coordinating care remotely.

At Bridgeport Rescue Mission, we have had only great experiences using the Unite Us Platform. Whenever we put in a referral it is picked up right away. Knowing that particular need is being met brings great relief to our residents. Unite Us is a huge time saver, as well – having these resources in one place relieves us from calling separate places for initial contact.

Unite Us was a lifeline throughout TEAM’s communities, as it significantly reduced the wait times in linking households in crisis to critical social and economic supports. TEAM’s ability to respond in real time (immediately, versus 48–96 hours…) was only made possible by the Unite Us system. Above all, this was life changing for individuals and families from all walks of life experiencing difficult circumstances.