Cristin McCarthy Vahey

I hope that you and your family are having a wonderful summer and enjoying all that Connecticut has to offer. People often ask what legislators do when we are not in session. Though we are not holding public hearings or voting on bills, we meet with constituents and stakeholders, research issues, and begin preparation for next year’s legislative session.



Over the past weeks, I have joined the Governor and legislative leaders to spread the word about bills and initiatives, met with leaders of our Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHC), and spoken with healthcare leaders around the state to discuss rural healthcare, APRN education and training, and urban health districts.



Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about anything shared below.

• Maternal Health Bill Announcement
• Visits to Southwest Community Health Center and other Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Men's Health and Preventive Screenings
• Healthcare Visits
• In the Community

Specifically, this new law:

• Requires the Connecticut Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing of birth centers;
• Prohibits anyone from establishing or operating a birth center unless it obtains a license;
• Establishes a doula certification program administered by the Connecticut Department of Public Health; and
• Directs the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood to design a statewide program for universal nurse home visiting, building on a pilot program in the Greater Bridgeport area that provides a population-level solution to offer care and services early in an infant’s life.

Last week was National Health Center Week and I had the opportunity to join Mollie Melbourne, MPH, President and CEO of Southwest Community Health Center for a visit and a tour. The week prior, I was able to visit with Nichelle Mullins, President and CEO of the Charter Oak Health Center in Hartford as well as President of the Board of Directors for the Community Health Association of Connecticut (CHACT). Last session the legislature secured $5 million in bonding funds for all of the state’s FQHCs and another $32 million which will be distributed through Department of Social Services. In addition, in HB 6669, we provided support to the FQHCs for the federal program that allows patients to purchase low-cost prescriptions.

With over 250 locations, Connecticut’s FQHCs serve 11% of our state’s population, 417,000 patients in 2021, 61% through Medicaid. During the pandemic, Southwest and others were important community partners, offering COVID testing and vaccination. It was a pleasure to speak with Nichelle and Mollie and learn more about the services they provide, including dental, behavioral health, infectious disease, podiatry, laboratory services, ob/gyn, pediatrics, internal medicine, and nutrition. Southwest operates seven School Based Health Centers which provide on-site care for children, classroom presentations, and support to school staff.

Rep. Keitt and I, together with Public Health Commissioner Juthani, joined our legislative colleague, Rep. Geraldo Reyes, as he publicly shared his prostate cancer diagnosis, which was discovered only as a result of a preventive care visit and standard screening exam. Rep Reyes shared his diagnosis and struggle in an effort to remind all of us to make sure we get our annual physicals and follow recommended screening protocols. Prevention is key in healthcare and you can read more about what to do for your own prevention efforts at https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/preventive-care/index.html

This year the legislature did increase coverage of lung cancer screening, but we know we need to continue to support preventative care efforts and encourage all patients to take advantage of the opportunities available. Rep. Reyes focused his remarks specifically on men,, urging them to prioritize their health through routine screenings. If you need to schedule a screening, an annual physical, or a trip to the dentist, take the time to do so today.

This month I have also met with Lori Fedewa of the CT Office of Rural Healthcare, Dr. Henry Yoon, a Fairfielder who works with Stamford Hospital and the City of Stamford, and Dean Meredith Kazer, APRN, Dean of the Fairfield University Egan School of Nursing. In each case, these leaders shared with me the challenges and opportunities in their healthcare and educational settings. Dean Kazer took me to visit the school’s simulation laboratory where lifelike mannequins are used as part of the nursing education program.

In addition to a number of other events, I was able to join Jay Patel and his family for a celebration of the renovated Mobil Mart at the Stratfield Four Corners.

Last week, I hit the trails for a lovely hike at one of Aspetuck Land Trust's many area trails. Many of us are outside at this time of year. With the mild winter and wet weather this summer, ticks and mosquitos abound. Check out these tips for how to prevent tick bites - https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/preventive-care/index.html I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors this summer.