HARTFORD, Conn. (October 5, 2020) – Saint Francis Hospital has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Bank of America in support of the hospital’s Community Health and Well Being Initiatives focused on reducing health disparities throughout the local community.
With Bank of America’s partnership, Saint Francis’ Community Health and Wellbeing department will establish a standardized screening and referral system to address social needs, creating a pathway toward health and wellbeing. This ‘closed loop’ system will provide assurance that patients receive all the services they need. Over the next year, the funds will be used to launch the pilot patient screening process, review data, develop implementation and training materials, and finalize an action plan for regional implementation.
“In the wake of COVID-19, and recent and ongoing acts of violence against the Black community, racism is being acknowledged as a public health emergency,” said Regina Dyton, Director of Community Health and Well Being, Saint Francis Hospital. “Advancing racial justice and addressing health disparities requires a coordinated approach that focuses on all influencers of health, not just episodic clinical care. Working in collaboration with community-based organizations to take a holistic approach to patient care, Saint Francis seeks to reduce disparities and support resiliency in the face of public health crises like COVID-19.”
Since its founding, Saint Francis, a member of Trinity Health Of New England, has been a recognized leader in improving individual and public health and addressing the interrelated systems of inequities that lead to disparate health outcomes. Trinity Health is a national leader in advancing systems and practices that result in better outcomes for the communities it serves.
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to work with partners like Bank of America to create system change and better serve the region’s under-resourced communities” remarked, Lynn B. Rossini, Regional Vice President of Philanthropy and Chief development Officer, Trinity Health Of New England.
“As the health crisis persists and disparities intensify, we each have a role as individuals, families, community members and business leaders, in addressing racial inequities. It is especially important now for companies across all industries to join the effort in support of a better world for all…regardless of race or economic standing,” commented Joe Gianni, Greater Hartford Market President, Bank of America.