Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC) today received $7 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Affordable Care Act for a new, state-of-the-art Community Health Center of Middletown.
The three-story, 48,000-square-foot, environmentally-friendly center will be located on the corner of Main and Grand streets. The space currently houses a parking lot owned by the City of Middletown.
“The new facility will reflect the quality of the dedicated health care providers who work at CHC,” said Mark Masselli, president and CEO of Community Health Center, Inc. “It will also allow us to expand and build upon the high-level, responsive, team-based primary care services we offer, as well as extend our services to more underserved and underserved individuals in the Middletown area.
“This funding is the official green light for us to break ground. We extend our deepest appreciation to Senator Dodd for helping us secure these dollars,” added Masselli. “He understands the plight of those who don’t have access to health care.”
Additional funding for the project has come from the State Bond Commission, which approved $2.5 million in funding on July 13 that had been authorized by the General Assembly (HB 7004, Sec. 34(d)). Remaining funding for the $17 million project will come from private financing sources.
The new primary care center will allow CHC of Middletown to better coordinate integrated health care services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, obstetrics and medical services. Since its inception in 1972, CHC has operated in its original home and clinical site. The new facility will replace three antiquated and overcrowded buildings with limited parking and handicap-accessible entrances.
The project will create 21 full-time health care provider positions, and more than 150 individuals will be involved in the construction.
“Watching CHC Middletown expand over the years, from a free clinic to a comprehensive primary care provider, has been incredible,” said Carl Lecce, who has been a doctor at CHC Middletown for 30 years. “All of the providers here are excited to work in this new facility, which will undoubtedly improve the way we collaborate, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.”
The Community Health Center of Middletown serves as Middlesex County’s hub for an extensive network of CHC services, including four comprehensive school-based health services, homeless shelter clinics, a domestic violence shelter, community-based case management services and family wellness and support services. On-site services include primary medical care and behavioral health services for all ages; obstetrics, pre-natal and women’s health services; lactation support and counseling; nutrition counseling; certified diabetes education; dental care; HIV treatment and support services; podiatry; and assistance with application for public insurance programs and other support services.
“Since opening, Community Health Center, Inc. has contributed significantly to the quality of life for Middletown’s residents,” said Larry McHugh, president of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. “This significant investment will be an incredible boost for Main Street and the North End, bringing vibrancy to the area.”
About Community Health Center, Inc.
Since 1972, Community Health Center, Inc. has been one of the leading healthcare providers in the state of Connecticut, building a world-class primary health care system committed to caring for special populations. CHC is focused on improving health outcomes for its more than 100,000 patients as well as building healthy communities. Currently, CHC delivers service in 173 locations statewide, offering primary care in medical, dental and behavioral health services. For more information, visit chc1.com.
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