We’re thrilled to share the latest edition of the Malta House of Care newsletter, filled with impactful stories and updates on our work in the Greater Hartford community.
This year’s newsletter highlights our invaluable partnerships with the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), which provide hands-on learning experiences for nursing students while expanding the compassionate care we deliver to our patients. Both Family Nurse Practitioner and Undergraduate Nursing Program students bring fresh perspectives and a holistic approach to patient care, helping to bridge healthcare access for uninsured adults.
At Malta House of Care, we are committed to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals by offering them hands-on experience while ensuring that our patients receive the compassionate care they deserve. Two partnerships with the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) bring both Family Nurse Practitioner students and undergraduate nursing students into our clinic, allowing them to learn and grow while directly contributing to our mission.
USJ Student Nurse Alex with patient.
A Transformative Partnership
Our partnership with USJ goes beyond traditional education. As Dr. Rhona C. Free, President of USJ, puts it:
“The University of Saint Joseph’s partnership with Malta House of Care enriches our students’ studies through the transformative hands-on experience of providing health care to people who otherwise might receive none. This work shapes their understanding of patient care and is a perfect complement to the part of the University’s mission that speaks to encouraging ‘strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society.’ I am very proud of this affiliation and the benefits it offers both our students and the patients they serve.”
This partnership embodies the core values of both institutions, fostering not only the education of future healthcare providers but also contributing to the well-being of our community.
Family Nurse Practitioner Program: A Holistic Approach to Patient Care
Led by Lynne Benjamin, an instructor in the Family Nurse Practitioner program, this partnership began in Spring 2023 and has quickly become highly sought after by students. Each semester, one student joins the Malta team for a day each week, gaining unique insights into a free clinic environment that they might not encounter in private practice.
Lynne emphasizes the importance of considering social determinants of health—patients’ access to care, medication affordability, and their ability to maintain sustainable treatment plans. This holistic approach is critical when working with Malta’s patients, who often face complex life challenges that affect their health, from transportation issues to personal loss.
Lynne’s student, Chantal Felix, appreciates the independence she is given at Malta. Chantal, who speaks Spanish, has found that the time and care provided at Malta allow her to develop meaningful relationships with her patients, helping them understand and manage conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Chantal notes, “Malta grounds me more—you have to think about the other aspects of a patient’s life and how that impacts their care.”
USJ Nursing Program: A Glimpse into Public Health
In addition to the Family Nurse Practitioner program, Janet Knecht, Director of the Undergraduate Nursing Program at USJ, has been bringing nursing students to Malta for a clinical rotation since 2009. This partnership is part of their Public Health Course and provides students with an opportunity to interact directly with the Malta nursing team.
For novice students, this rotation helps them gain hands-on experience in patient care, often working with our volunteer nurses and medical assistants. More senior students who come in the spring can operate with greater autonomy, using their classroom knowledge in a practical setting. Janet hopes that this experience helps students recognize the barriers some patients face in accessing healthcare and encourages them to consider the ethical implications of providing care in underserved populations.
A Shared Commitment to Healthcare Access
Both programs reflect the shared commitment between Malta House of Care and USJ to provide quality healthcare to uninsured adults in the Greater Hartford area. Through these partnerships, students gain valuable experience and insight, while our patients benefit from the extra attention and care they provide.
We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration with USJ and welcoming more students to Malta, as we all work together to create a healthier, more equitable future for our community.
A Memorable Patient Encounter: USJ Student Brings Compassionate Care to Malta
USJ APRN Student Chantal (left) & Preceptor Lynne Benjamin (right)
During her clinical rotation at Malta House of Care, USJ Family Nurse Practitioner student Chantal Felix had a memorable experience with a 68-year-old diabetic patient from El Salvador. The patient, who spoke only Spanish, arrived for a follow-up diabetic appointment with several nearly empty medication bottles.
As a trained medical translator, Chantal was able to communicate directly with the patient, ensuring she understood her medications and the importance of ordering refills—something that required extra explanation due to language barriers. With guidance from her preceptor, Lynne Benjamin, Chantal conducted a thorough medication review and a physical assessment, answering all of the patient’s questions.
At the end of the visit, the grateful patient expressed her appreciation by calling Chantal “little doctor” in Spanish—a term of endearment that touched Chantal deeply. This experience underscored the power of connection and compassionate care, leaving a lasting impact on both the patient and the student.
Malta House of Care hosted a special Women’s Wellness Day on June 28th in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare, marking another milestone in our commitment to providing essential healthcare services to the community. Nineteen Malta patients, ranging in age from 19 to 65 years old, attended this year’s half-day clinic. Patients received a complete gynecological check-up, including PAP tests, mammograms for women aged 40+, FIT colorectal screenings for women aged 45+, as well as bloodwork/labs to check cholesterol and diabetes, and blood pressure checks.
Early detection through mammograms and screenings is critical. Two patients who had never had a mammogram before were found to have abnormal results that require further examination, and two patients had abnormal PAP tests that require further follow-up.
All patients expressed deep gratitude for having all these services completed in a single visit, which saved them from taking multiple days off work and arranging transportation for several appointments.
For several patients, we used the services of our Medical Translator (Spanish and Portuguese) or the MARTTI video remote interpreting service. This technology is essential for ensuring proper healthcare, enabling patients to understand their healthcare provider and receive quality care with cultural sensitivity.
Wellness Day is just one example of how Malta House of Care, with the support of partners like Hartford HealthCare, continues to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community. By offering comprehensive and preventative care while leveraging technology for effective communication, we are empowering patients to take charge of their health and improve their quality of life.
Thank you to all who made this event possible, and to our patients for trusting us with their care. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier community!
The Traveler’s Championship at TPC River Highlands is coming up this month — June 17th – 23rd! ⛳️🏌️♂️
Dianne Auger, Executive Director of Malta House of Care, recently shared in an interview with Renee DiNino on iHeartMedia about how you can support our mission through Birdies for Charity and help Malta earn an extra 15% through your donations thanks to Webster Bank.
Listen to the interview below to get all the details.
Malta House of Care is thrilled to partner with the prestigious Travelers Championship and Webster Bank in 2024! We extend heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors who have supported us, contributing to the success of this impactful fundraising program. Over the past six years we’ve raised a total of $442,000 through our participation with Birdies for Charity so far. This marks our 7th year participating! Let’s keep the momentum going!
As we embark on another year of Birdies for Charity, we invite you to join us in making a big impact. Your donation will directly support our efforts to provide essential healthcare services to those in need in our community. Together, we can continue to transform lives and make a difference. Donate today and help us reach new heights thanks to your generous donations PLUS a 15% match from Webster Bank, Help us reach new heights — Donate today!
This interview and more are here on The River 105.9 and iHeart Radio.
We are thrilled to share some exciting updates and stories in our latest spring newsletter! Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:
Unveiling Our New Strategic Plan: Learn about our newly unveiled three-year strategic plan, which outlines our mission, vision, and goals for the future. Discover how we’re working to expand our reach and impact in the Greater Hartford community.
Patient Success Story: Read an inspiring patient success story and discover how Malta House of Care is making a difference in the lives of uninsured adults in our community.
Honoring Malta Founding Members: Join us in honoring the founding members of Malta House of Care, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for our organization’s success.
Introducing “Minute with Malta,” an innovative program exclusively for our staff and volunteers to stay informed about recent healthcare developments started by Malta’s Medical Director Dr. Angela Stein, M.D. FACP.
Birdies for Charity and Upcoming Wonder Women Event: Get the latest updates on our participation in Birdies for Charity and learn how you can support our mission. Plus, find out all the details about our upcoming Wonder Women event, where we’ll be celebrating extraordinary women making a difference in our community.
Don’t miss out on these inspiring stories and important updates! Be sure to check your mailbox for our spring newsletter, coming soon. And for those who prefer digital reading, the newsletter stories are reproduced as news posts for your reference and convenience. Simply click on the links above to read the full articles. Or view the PDF here.
Malta House of Care is proud to announce their partnership for the Mended Murals initiative by Vaseline®, a groundbreaking campaign dedicated to restoring street art and promoting skin health awareness within marginalized communities across the country. As part of the brand’s continued efforts to achieve skin health equity, the Mended Murals project is a multi-city initiative that uses art restoration as a method to shed light on the importance of caring for skin of color and underscores the need for increased access to skin health resources for underrepresented communities.
Mended Murals launched on December 7, 2023 and VaselineBrand® selected to restore Hartford’s iconic “Star Gazing” mural by artist Corey Pane and support the Malta House of Care’s mission to provide essential healthcare services and to mobilize volunteers, partners, and donors to improve the overall health and well-being of uninsured adults in Greater Hartford by providing free primary care health services. The mural, located on Asylum Street, serves as a testament to the power of creativity and community and features Pane’s family and friends engaged in various artistic pursuits. The mural inspires young people to dream and create and as part of the restoration project a QR code was integrated to provide community members with information about access to skin health resources.
“We’re honored to be selected by Vaseline® and be a part of their Mended Murals initiative,” said Dianne Auger, Executive Director of Malta House of Care. “This initiative preserves cultural heritage and promotes skin health equity in our community. We are grateful to have Vaseline® as a partner.” As part of their commitment, Vaseline® has donated $50,000 to Malta. This financial contribution will support Malta House of Care in its mission to ensures that uninsured adults in Greater Hartford have access to free primary care services and skin health resources.
To learn more about the Mended Murals initiative and nominate a mural for restoration, visit SeeMySkin.com/MendedMurals. Together, let’s celebrate creativity, community, and skin health equity!
The Malta House of Care expresses profound gratitude to the Avangrid Foundation, in partnership with CT Natural Gas, for their impactful grant providing 850 A1c test kits. These kits are pivotal for monitoring blood sugar levels in both new and existing patients, aiding in the early identification of diabetic and prediabetic markers.
According to CDC research, 1 in 10 adults in America has diabetes, and astonishingly, 1 in 5 are unaware of their condition. Diabetes accounts for a substantial portion of healthcare spending in the U.S. The Avangrid Foundation grant equips Malta House of Care with vital resources to detect, monitor, and manage diabetes effectively and tools to intervene early and create personalized treatment plans to track our patient progress effectively.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing community health. Malta House of Care continues to stand as a beacon of accessible healthcare, with the support of organizations like the Avangrid Foundation and CT Natural Gas. Together, they are championing health equity and creating pathways to healthier futures for individuals facing diabetes.
Thank you to Optum Health for a successful series of Flu Clinics! We are fortunate that Optum donated 300 flu vaccines to Malta and we have administered them to 146 individuals … and counting!
Malta House of Care is excited to announce a series of upcoming Flu Clinics in partnership with Optum Health, aimed at providing accessible flu vaccinations to our valued patients.
Clinic Dates and Locations:
Wednesday, September 20th: 10 am – 2 pm at Malta’s Clinic, 136 Farmington Avenue, Hartford
Thursday, September 28th: 12 pm – 3:30 pm at St. Augustine, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford
Monday, October 2nd: 10 am – 2 pm at St. Rose, 33 Church Street, East Hartford
Why It Matters: Influenza vaccination is a critical preventive measure to protect against the flu virus, especially for vulnerable populations. By partnering with Optum Health, we are reinforcing our dedication to patient wellness and promoting a proactive approach to healthcare.
What to Expect: Patients can look forward to a seamless and efficient vaccination experience at these clinics. Our friendly and experienced healthcare professionals will be on hand to administer vaccinations and address any questions or concerns.
Malta House of Care is committed to enhancing the health and quality of life for the communities we serve. We encourage all our patients to take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard their health during the upcoming flu season. We look forward to your participation in these clinics and thank Optum Health for their partnership in promoting community well-being.
Malta recently hosted a Women’s Wellness clinic in collaboration with Hartford Hospital’s Mobile Mammography Van. This initiative aimed not only to provide essential medical services, but also to underscore the significance of proactive healthcare within our communities.
The event was a resounding success as we welcomed eleven women to receive both physical exams and mammograms. The partnership with the Hartford Hospital enabled us to offer comprehensive care in a convenient and familiar setting as part of Malta’s mission and ongoing commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
The importance of these services cannot be overstated. Routine check-ups and screenings play a pivotal role in early detection and prevention of potential health issues. Our commitment to fostering holistic wellbeing extends beyond mere medical procedures; it’s about empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health.
We take great pride in providing such initiatives, as they align perfectly with our mission to deliver accessible and high-quality care to our communities. Together, we can continue to build healthier and stronger communities.
Malta House of Care, Inc. and the City of Hartford Health and Human Service Department are partnering to provide COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and flu vaccines to anyone ages 5 and up at two Malta House of Care locations in Hartford. No appointment is needed.
Starting on January 19th, vaccines will be available on the third Thursday of each month, through March. Vaccines will be available on January 19th, February 16th, and March 16th at:
Malta House of Care’s clinic at 136 Farmington Avenue from 10:00 to 11:30 am, and
Malta House of Care’s mobile medical clinic site at St. Augustine’s Church at 10 Campfield Avenue from 12:30pm to 2:30pm
COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the state, impacting communities hardest hit by the virus and its ripple effects, especially lower income communities and uninsured residents in Malta’s catchment area. COVID-19 spread and the continued impact of a hard-hitting flu season make it imperative that COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and flu vaccines are more accessible to residents at higher-risk of contracting the viruses and harsher symptoms of the viruses.
The City of Hartford and Malta House of Care, Inc. with its trusted relationships with uninsured residents of the city, are committed to vaccination access for Hartford residents.
On January 19, 2023, community organizations were onsite at Malta’s location on Farmington Avenue to assist residents with related needs, including The United Way, the Hartford Public Library’s American Place, and City of Hartford Health and Human Services. Malta House of Care is also partnering with the Cathedral Food Pantry, located in the same structure, which opens its doors on every Thursday morning. The United Way Young Legends Program will be at the Food Pantry to offer $50 gift cards to those completing the Young Adult Employment Survey.
While the City’s “goal” is to create access for Hartford underserved residents, anyone five and over is eligible. Vaccinations and boosters are available regardless of insurance status.
For more information on the #Getvaxxed campaign, visit getvaxxed.info or call 860.757.4700, option 3.
As part of the event, Malta was happy to have Hartford’s Young Legends group host a table at our #Getvaxxed clinic. Young Legends is a youth-led, youth-built team of young adults that work together to push youth voice within the community with the help of the Hartford Opportunity Youth Collaborative. They are focusing on increasing employment rates in Hartford and are currently hosting a Youth and Young Adult Employment survey and giving youth (ages 16-29) $50 gift cards for taking the survey.
