A Message from Hartford HealthCare’s CEO

Across Hartford HealthCare, I am inspired every day by my 30,000 colleagues, true heroes, working in unprecedented times. As we move through this pandemic, our focus is clear cut across HHC: Each one of us is doing all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our patients and families we care for, as well as our colleagues. At the same time, we must continually look ahead so we can meet the needs of our communities in the coming weeks. As I promised weeks ago, I am steadfastly committed to communication, transparency and accessibility to care.

Across our campuses, you will notice increasingly more restrictive visitor and screening policies throughout Hartford HealthCare. Everyone in Hartford HealthCare who works where patient care is provided is equipped with a mask. Any colleague entering any one of our Hartford HealthCare hospitals and ambulatory sites now is screened for fever and other symptoms. We are actively sourcing critical personal protective equipment, scouring the globe — and thankful for the many donations coming from near and far to support our front line.

We want you to know that we will be here for you, whatever the future brings.
Our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 833.621.0600 is staffed by healthcare professionals, ready to help if you need answers regarding COVID19.

Drive-through testing centers are conveniently located on our hospital campuses. To qualify for testing, patients must have a referral from the COVID Command Center or from the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group.

We provide virtual health visits where you have the option of receiving care in the comfort of your home. Call your Hartford HealthCare Medical Group provider or find one We know the pandemic has taken its toll. Hartford HealthCare is a leading provider of mental health with the Behavioral Health Network. Help is available; learn more online. Or, if you just need to talk, leave a message at 888.984.2408 and we will call you back.

New emergency department capabilities are taking shape as we bring tents and trailers to triage patients at each of our hospital campuses. These are there to provide for safe assessment outside of the emergency department and prevent exposure.

You can receive text alerts for the most reliable and up-to-date information by texting COVID19 in the message field to 31996.

Online, we provide the latest news and information at Finally, I would like to share a story. A Hartford HealthCare colleague was filling up her car with gas after a long shift in these uncertain times. She had on her badge and didn't think much of it, until she heard clapping. Others joined in. Soon the entire, crowded gas station was clapping, applauding her. They told her thank you. “Thank you for everything that you and all the other nurses, doctors, everyone for what you are doing to take care of people who are sick, and preventing the rest of us from getting sick.”
This and numerous other acts of kindness, small and large, are wonderful to see and provide our healthcare workers both inspiration and encouragement.

These are extraordinary times, and I am so proud of the caring, courage and compassion of everyone at Hartford HealthCare. We are here to take care of you whenever you need us — in this emergency and always.

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

P.S. I hope you will join me to show your support for healthcare workers everywhere — a word of thanks, a social media post or print a heart “Thank you” sign on your door. Together, we will get through this.