WEEKLY UPDATE: 09/10/26
The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) is proud to launch its new Hospital Spotlight Series*, highlighting innovative programs and services that Connecticut hospitals and health systems are developing to meet the evolving needs of their patients and communities. This first spotlight features Trinity Health Of New England’s Together for Wellness: Food as Medicine & Targeted Hypertension Care Outpatient Clinic.
Together for Wellness is Trinity Health Of New England’s integrated initiative addressing unmanaged chronic conditions such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and congestive heart failure among vulnerable populations. Co-designed with clinical and community stakeholders, the program responds to priorities identified in Saint Francis Hospital’s 2019 and 2022 Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs): access to healthy foods and obesity prevention in North Hartford. Stakeholders include primary care, University of Saint Joseph (health coaching), and Hartford Health Initiative (community care coordination).
Community Need: 80% of patients in Trinity’s three safety-net clinics live with unmanaged chronic conditions, contributing to preventable hospitalizations and poor quality of life. In Hartford, hypertension rates exceed 40%, and food insecurity impacts 1 in 3 households.
Program Components: Food as Medicine delivers nutrition education, healthy living support, and behavior modification coaching, reinforced by Community Health Workers (CHWs) who address social barriers and cultural considerations.
Targeted Hypertension Care combines structured PCP follow-up, medication titration, lifestyle coaching, and remote BP monitoring supported by CHWs.
Impact:
Initial state (Nov 2024): Average BP was 149/91 mmHg, and 43% of patients had Stage 2 hypertension.
After intervention (Nov 2024–Apr 2025): 100% of patients completed timely PCP follow-up, Significant BP improvement: majority achieved controlled readings, Lifestyle coaching and medication adjustments improved adherence and confidence.
Pilot outcomes include a 90% reduction in ED visits for hypertension-related issues, improved engagement, and potential to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk. Upon program completion, participants transition to community-based organizations for ongoing support, ensuring sustainability and reinforcing healthy behaviors.
Together for Wellness exemplifies Trinity Health Of New England’s commitment to health equity, community partnership and innovative chronic disease management through integrating clinical and social care.
(This program information was submitted by Trinity Health Of New England for consideration for Connecticut’s Hospital Community Service Award. Opportunities to submit programs for future award consideration will be shared in the coming weeks.)
*Connecticut hospitals and health systems are constantly developing and implementing innovative, collaborative approaches to care to meet the evolving needs of their patients and communities. Through the Hospital Spotlight Series, CHA will showcase initiatives that are transforming care delivery, advancing health equity, and elevating the world-class, high-quality care for which Connecticut is known. Each spotlight offers a closer look at one of the countless programs underway across the state.
