From Hartford HealthCare's CEO: A Time For Vigilance

To Hartford HealthCare Patients:

Summer has at last arrived, and I hope you and those you love are safe and healthy.

Usually at this time of year, health advice includes tips to help you avoid sunburn, bug bites and other summer hazards. As important as those remain, the global pandemic requires additional — and urgent — reminders. You’ve heard them before:

• Wear a face mask
• Maintain physical distance
• Wash hands frequently

There is no doubt that these simple steps stop the spread of the coronavirus. This week, as the number of COVID-19 cases rises to ever-higher levels nationally, the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association released an open letter urging Americans to continue to take these common-sense precautions. We can’t let our guard down.

Vigilance — and visitors
Across Hartford HealthCare, we remain vigilant. While the total number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Connecticut has been steadily declining, we’re intensely aware that maintaining this positive trend demands all of our effort.

Thanks to the hard work of our colleagues and the support of our community, Hartford HealthCare was one of the first health systems in the region to ease its visitor restrictions. We know how important visiting is to those in our care, and we’re proud to be able to support it through our unwavering commitment to safety. Learn more about visiting patients here.

Testing — a key tool
From the earliest days of this pandemic, Hartford HealthCare has made it easy to get a coronavirus test — vastly expanding testing capacity for the entire state through our strong partnerships with Quest Diagnostics and GoHealth Urgent Care. We’ve already provided more than 100,000 tests at our convenient drive-through locations across the state. Today, through our CampusCare and Hartford HealthCare at Work programs, we provide both clinical expertise and access to COVID-19 testing for students attending colleges and universities throughout Connecticut and for major employers so they can safely bring their people back to work.

Hartford HealthCare is proud to make testing available and accessible, so you can be aware and stay safe. Learn more about COVID-19 testing here.

We are also doing our part to support scientists learning all they can about the virus through our participation in an antibody testing research study for our 30,000 colleagues. Soon, we will announce HHC’s participation in a new COVID vaccine trial.

Hotlines — help 24/7
The pandemic is taking its toll in many ways — some of them not always apparent, like emotional well-being. That’s why Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network established a special support line, available around-the-clock, seven days a week, to confidentially answer questions and provide services. Since it launched on May 20, nearly 700 callers have been helped.

That’s not a surprise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of all Americans report showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression. That’s up more than three-fold from a year ago.

Our Emotional Support Line is just one of the many ways we’re here to help. Our Community Care Center, also available 24/7, has received more than 91,000 calls since it began in mid-March, providing guidance and information on COVID-19 related issues. You can reach either hotline by dialing 1.833.621.0600.

Access to expertise
In August, Hartford HealthCare will proudly open its Access Center, another way to make it easier to get the care you need. With a single call, patients will be able to schedule individual or multiple appointments to a number of healthcare providers across our system. The Access Center will provide an easy, centralized scheduling experience. Initially, the Center will support Hartford HealthCare Medical Group primary care offices, with specialty care soon to be phased in.

The Access Center is an outgrowth of our Community Care Center — and a great example of how we’re using the lessons of COVID-19 to make things “better than normal” by making it easier for you to live your healthiest life.

Of course, you can also connect with a Hartford HealthCare Medical Group provider by calling your doctor’s office or 855.300.6933. For virtual visits, click Safe, prepared and ready
Your safety is always our top concern. We’re taking extra steps to ensure that the care you receive at any Hartford HealthCare location helps you stay safe and feel confident. You can learn more about our safety protocols here.

I am so very proud of my 30,000 colleagues for being here for you, and helping more than 1,600 COVID-19 patients recover. I also want to thank you for your support — and your commitment to your safety and those of others. Remember:

• Wear a face mask
• Maintain physical distance
• Wash hands frequently

… and have a healthy summer as we get through this together.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Flaks
President and Chief Executive Officer