Senator Kelly Joins Community Health Leaders at Bridgeport Forum

State Senator Kevin Kelly, center, takes part in a legislative forum on community health care centers with State Representatives Jack Hennessy and Andres Ayala, at right (Credit: Siobhan Kinney, CHCACT)

Bridgeport – State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) joined community health care leaders and other legislators at a forum hosted by three federally-qualified health centers serving southwestern Connecticut at the J.P. Morgan Wellness Center of Optimus Health Care on Monday, April 23rd.

“We must support community health organizations that provide essential health care to low-income families,” said State Senator Kevin Kelly. “In attending this forum, I was pleased to join with other legislators to learn more about how these organizations serve those who are most in need.”

The forum was sponsored by Optimus Health Care, Inc., Southwest Community Health Center, Inc., and the Norwalk Community Health Center. It was also facilitated by the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut.

Senator Kelly attended the discussion along with Representatives Jack Hennessy (D-127) and Andres Ayala (D-128). In this year’s legislative session, there is funding for federally qualified health centers in the Appropriations Committee budget and bonding for expansions and renovations at health centers in the state.

“I am thankful for the important work that these organizations do in the Greater Bridgeport area,” continued Senator Kelly. “This was an excellent opportunity to speak with healthcare professionals and learn more about how we can help them succeed in our community.”

The Bureau of Primary Health Care and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designates certain community health organizations as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). These typically provide healthcare services to underserved and underinsured residents regardless of their ability to pay. In return, they are reimbursed through grants from the federal and state governments.

Optimus Health Care, Inc. is a non-profit, federally qualified health center serving the communities of Bridgeport and Stratford. For more information, please visit their website at www.optimushealthcare.org.

Southwest Community Health Center, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that serves the primary medical, dental and behavioral health service needs of the Greater Bridgeport community. For more information, please visit their website at www.swchc.org.

The Norwalk Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center serving residents of Norwalk. For more information, please visit their website at www.norwalkchc.com.

The Community Health Care Association of Connecticut (CHCACT) is “a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting the clinical and administrative operations of its member community health care centers across Connecticut.” There are 13 member health centers. For more information, please visit their website at www.chcact.org.