Peter Tercyak

State Senator Rick Lopes, State Rep. Robert Sanchez, State Rep. Manny Sanchez, and State Rep. Peter Tercyak, members of the New Britain legislative delegation, welcome the approval by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission of over $2.1 million to Wheeler Clinic. The funding will support renovations to enhance the range of health services offered by Wheeler’s federally qualified health center at its new 40 Hart Street location in New Britain.

The approved funding will support renovations to the unfinished third floor of the health center to increase site safety and efficiency. In addition, the renovations expected to be completed in late fall of 2022 or early winter of 2023 will provide Wheeler with more space to provide outpatient medical and behavioral health services, exam rooms, and for other additional uses.

The additional capacity to serve patients in Wheeler’s care will strengthen the expansive scope of health services available at the 40 Hart Street location including: Pediatric primary care and primary care for adults, care management for adults with complex health care needs and behavioral health concerns, and chronic disease management.

“Every day, patients receive care from Wheeler Clinic that they might otherwise not have been able to afford or were unsure where to turn for help,” said Sen. Lopes. “It is thanks to the hardworking, dedicated staff at Wheeler that our community is healthier, and many people have been helped on a path to a brighter future. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing how this funding will help Wheeler grow and build up its much-needed services.”

“We see how many local families, particularly children, need affordable, accessible health care every day,” says Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, Wheeler’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With the strident support of State Senator Rick Lopes, we can now expand and renovate our center to serve even more families. Senator Lopes was an early advocate for us expanding to include children’s services, and he has been a steadfast voice in the community to increase access to affordable health care.”

“Many people know that I spent my adult life as a psychiatric nurse. Behavioral health is important to me and it’s important to Connecticut now like never before. I’m a fan of Wheeler Clinic and the care they give. I’ve known them and have referred patients to them for decades. We are lucky to have Wheeler Clinic expanding in New Britain,” said Rep. Tercyak. “Thank you very much to Wheeler Clinic, to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission.”

“Wheeler’s federally qualified health center provides critical services to the residents of New Britain, and this state funding will help ensure that the health center has an up-to-date, modernized facility that includes the necessary resources for outpatient behavioral health, exam rooms, and children’s services,” Governor Lamont said. “I am glad that the state can partner with Wheeler on this project, and I appreciate Senator Lopes’ efforts to help make this happen.”

Founded in 1968, Wheeler Clinic has grown to provide an extensive range of services encompassing, but not limited to health care, addiction treatment, behavioral health, and special education. The community health center offers its programs and resources to patients at its facilities in New Britain and several other communities across Connecticut. More information about Wheeler’s history and programs can found at www.wheelerclinic.org.