Message from Hartford HealthCare’s CEO

Dear Patient,

I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy as we work together to confront this pandemic.

I continue to be in awe of the incredible community we have and the outpouring of support we’ve received. For me and every one of my 30,000 colleagues, I want to say thank you. It matters.

You are making a difference by taking social distancing seriously and doing your part to flatten the curve of this pandemic. Everywhere we turn we hear numbers of those impacted by this dreadful disease and the toll it is taking. We mourn those who have died and our hearts break for their families. As a measure of hope, I will share that more nearly 700 women and men who came to Hartford HealthCare very sick with this awful virus have recovered and returned to their families and loved ones.

Thank you for trusting us with your care during these uncertain times. Be assured that we are working tirelessly across Hartford HealthCare to provide all of our communities with clinical excellence and access to expertise when and where it is needed most. We are taking every precaution to ensure the care is provided in the most safe manner possible, and constantly innovating and looking for new ways to keep you safe.

We also promise to make it easy to obtain the services and information you need. This is what we are called to do. It is what our system of care was built for. Here are just some ways we’re helping:

* Expanded testing. Through our unique partnership with Quest Diagnostics, Hartford HealthCare has boosted the state’s testing capabilities by 80 percent. If you are worried that you have symptoms of COVID-19 and would like a test, just call your HHC doctor. Or, if you do not have a doctor, or need assistance, we are happy to help you. Call the Hartford HealthCare Clinical Command Center at 860.972.8100 or toll-free 833.621.0600. You can ask your doctor to complete this form to get tested at one of our safe and convenient drive-through locations. Find out more here.

* Virtual visits. When you call your HHC doctor — primary care or specialist — we’ll work with you to determine what kind of visit will provide you the best and safest care possible: In-person, by phone or a virtual visit on your phone, tablet or laptop. Find out more here.

* Support. As the state’s most comprehensive behavioral health network, we know coping through this crisis is difficult. We’re here to help: To receive a call back from a behavioral health specialist for mental health concerns, call 888.984.2408.

* Timely information. As scientists search for a vaccine for this virus, reliable information is our best defense. Our website, our Health News Hub, “Coping Through COVID” podcasts, videos and social media are updated every day to keep you current, informed and safe.

* Online and on the phone. To screen your COVID-19 symptoms online, visit us here. Sign up for text alerts by texting "COVID19" to 31996, or call our 24-hour coronavirus hotline at 833.621.0600.

In so many ways, we’re there for you. And while the coronavirus has been a focus of our care and concern, we are still witnessing miracles every day. Across Hartford HealthCare, babies are born, broken bones are mended, cancer patients are cared for and cured, hearts are healed, emergencies resolved and mental health care compassionately provided. No virus can change those things.

I’d like to share an image that exemplifies my colleagues’ care and compassion. A nurse on the front lines sent this photo of herself wearing protective equipment. Knowing these masks are scary for some patients, she shared these words with me. I'd like to share them with you:

See it in my eyes.
Please be able to see that I care.
We care. We are all fighting for you.
You are not alone.
Please be able to see it in my eyes.

None of us has lived through anything like this before. We are in this together — and we are working every day to make things better. We commit to providing you with timely and accurate information, access to our services, and doing all we can to continue protecting the safety of our patients, colleagues and communities.

Thank you for the trust you place in Hartford HealthCare. It is our great privilege to serve you — at this time, and always.

Stay safe and be well.
Jeffrey A. Flaks
President and Chief Executive Officer