webmaster Community, Grants, Partners

Avangrid Foundation and CT Natural Gas Fuel Malta House of Care’s Diabetes Initiative

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.

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Flu Clinics: Malta Partners with Optum Health for Patient Wellness

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.

To make an appointment:  please call 860.725.0171.

webmaster Clinic, Community, Partners, Patients

Malta hosts Women’s Wellness Clinic

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.

          

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Aetna and CVS partner with Malta

A huge thank you to Aetna and CVS for their generous donation to Malta! They provided us with 300 cinch sacks, each packed with essential items like soap, sunscreen, deodorant, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, bandages, and cotton swabs. Additionally, they gave us around 75 boxes of extra supplies. We are incredibly grateful for their support and the volunteer effort of their employees. Together, we are making a positive impact in our community. Check out more about the social responsibility approach at CVS here.

webmaster Community, Partners, Patients

Malta and City of Hartford Partner on #Getvaxxed Campaign

#Getvaxxed Clinic at Malta | January 19, 2023

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.

 

 

View the press release.

webmaster Community, Donors, Event, Honors, Partners

Congratulations to Malta’s inaugural Community Partner Award winners!

On Thursday, December 1, 2022 we celebrated the Magic of Magic and presented our inaugural Community Partner Awards to three partners who have gone above and beyond to show care and concern for others. Malta relies on the support from its generous donors and also need partners in our community to help us take care of our patients. Some are obvious partners for health care support … and some not so obvious. Our inaugural Community Partner Awards recognize:

  • Laurence Burnsed, Director of Health and Social Services in East Hartford, in appreciation of your and the Town of East Hartford’s immediate partnership and collaboration with Malta’s staff and our patients, including direct assistance with health care and other needs at our clinic site in East Hartford and your assistance with connecting patients outside of East Hartford to their local social service agencies. (Mayor Michael Walsh was there to present the award along with Malta)
  • Julie Redding, Hartford Public Library’s The American Place AJC Site Manager/Liaiso, in appreciation of your hard work in helping many of our patients who are immigrants access services and information at The American Place that they might otherwise not receive. (accepted by Bridget Quinn, President and CEO of Hartford Public Library on her behalf)
  • Nesti Risto, Pharmacy Manager at a local Stop & Shop Pharmacy, in appreciation of your hard work in going above and beyond in helping our patients access no cost and affordable medications that they truly need. (accepted by colleague Migdalia Ortiz on his behalf)

On behalf of the Malta House of Care board, staff, volunteers and, most importantly, our patients, Executive Director Victoria Veltri expressed deep gratitude to all three of our awardees for being a true partners in our mission. For over 16 years, Malta has provided no cost primary care to the uninsured adults in the Greater Hartford region. Thanks to the efforts of our recipients, Malta has been able to go the extra mile for its patients. 

The Magic of Malta event, hosted by Jocelyn Maminta, Malta Wonder Woman Class of 2013, Former CT News Anchor/Reporter, and Co-Founder of Caroline’s Room, was a huge success. Thank you to our lead sponsors Cigna and Trumbull Family Foundation; silver sponsors Rossmore Private Capital and Liberty Bank; and bronze sponsor CT Health Foundation. Over 70 guests enjoyed a private viewing of a new exhibition at the Connecticut Science Center, “The Forest of Illusion,” enjoyed up-close magic with magician Christopher Hulbert, a cocktail reception, good company, and the premier of a new video featuring Malta’s new clinic in the words of its patients. Thank you to everyone who attended! Help Malta continue to Make Magic by donating today!

Welcome!
Celebrate the Magic of Malta!
Dazzled by the Magician Christopher Hurlbert
Brian Sheehan welcome
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webmaster Community, Donors, Event, Honors, Partners

Up-close private viewing of CT Science Center’s new exhibit at Magic of Malta event

Join us at our Magic of Malta event on December 1st for an up-close private viewing of the not-yet-opened “Forest of Illusions” exhibition opening just days before our special event. We look forward to having you celebrate with us! Tickets on sale now!

Learn more about this special event!

 

The CT Science Center describes the new traveling exhibition:

Follow the winding path through our Forest of Illusions, where your eyes and mind will be put to the test as you encounter some mind-bending optical illusions. Explore color and light in a whole new way as you mix things up on the interactive light wall. Find your way out of the darkness in a true black hallway that will distort your sense of depth… and space. Step inside a human-sized kaleidoscope for an entirely new perspective. Wander into the UV Cave, where the rocks will shine like you have never seen before. This forest holds many dark secrets, all waiting for you to uncover the truth. But one thing is certain in this Forest of Illusions – you won’t believe your eyes.

  • MIXING LIGHT: Mix things up on our interactive RGB light wall
  • UV CAVE: Step inside our cave, where the rocks will shine under various types of UV light
  • TRUE BLACK: Venture into a pitch-black hallway that distorts your sense of depth…and space
  • HUMAN KALEIDOSCOPE: You’re about to see things in a whole new way when you walk into our kaleidoscope that’s taller than a human
  • HEAT SEEKER: Have some fun testing our infra-red camera
  • GREEN SCREEN: Now you see it, now you don’t. Play with different backgrounds and costumes against our green screen for different outcomes.
  • OPTICAL ILLUSIONS: You will encounter all sorts of mind-bending optical illusions as you walk through our forest, can you solve them all?
  • INSECT ILLUSIONS AND BIO-MIMICRY: Nature is playing tricks on you too! See how various insects use illusions to hide from predators and stay safe

 

Join the celebration and Purchase Tickets

 

 

webmaster Community, Donors, Partners

Magic of Malta Event tickets on sale

We are excited to invite you to come celebrate the Magic of Malta on Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 5:30-8:30pm at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. The evening is hosted by Jocelyn Maminta, Malta Wonder Woman class of 2013, former CT News Anchor/Reporter and Co-Founder of Caroline’s Room. The evening includes a private viewing of the new exhibition “The Forest of Illusion,” a cocktail reception, close up magic with the Magic of Christopher, and a presentation of the Malta Community Partner Awards.

Become a Sponsor for the event or join the celebration and Purchase Tickets. 
$100 per person (includes a $50 tax-deductible donation). Please reply by Monday, November 28, 2022.

Learn more about this special event!

 

Proceeds to benefit the Malta House of Care Clinic of Greater Hartford, providing comprehensive, compassionate, completely free primary health care to uninsured Connecticut adults since 2006.

webmaster Community, Partners

Successful Flu Clinic Series

This year’s flu clinics brought six times more people than we helped in 2021. It was a great success and we are grateful for our partnership with Optum to help our community stay healthy and safe.

We offered FREE flu vaccines to over 180 uninsured and under-insured people in Hartford and East Hartford at three clinics in September and October.

webmaster Clinic, Community, Partners

Upcoming Free Flu Vaccine Clinics — Fall 2022

Malta is excited to once again be partnering with Optum to provide Malta patients (and anyone else who is uninsured or under-insured) FREE Flu Vaccines this fall!

Clinics are scheduled for:

Wednesday, September 21st
10am-2pm
Malta House of Care Clinic
136 Farmington Avenue, Hartford

Thursday, September 29th
12pm-3:30pm
St. Augustine Church
10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford

Monday, October 3rd
10am-2pm
St. Rose Church
33 Church Street, East Hartford

Call us at 860-725-0171 or visit the clinic to sign up!

Information from Optum Care about the Flu Shot and Covid 19 from their website.

An Optum Care patient asks her doctor if she needs to get a flu shot this year. She’s still staying away from public places because of COVID-19. Learn why this year it’s so important to get your flu shot.

Question:

I hate shots. I heard that the flu shot doesn’t always keep you from getting flu. I also don’t want to go out in public if I don’t have to. Should I get the flu shot this year?

Answer:

Some people are ready to go out in public again. Others still work from home and don’t want to visit a clinic or pharmacy to get a flu shot.

Ask your local Optum clinic about how you can get your flu shot this year. Clinics follow strict rules for social distancing and cleaning. But they may also offer other safe ways to get your flu shot.

We’re always looking for other safe ways to give flu shots. We’re working with experts from:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • State and local health departments

But this year, like every year, it’s important to get your flu shot any way you can. It won’t keep you safe from COVID-19. But it can lower your chances of getting the flu.

And if you still get the flu, a flu shot can help your body fight the illness so you don’t need hospital care. It could even safe your life.

We also suggest you get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine. Neither shot will keep you safe from the other illness.

The CDC recommends getting a flu shot before viruses start spreading in your community this fall. Plan ahead, because it takes about two weeks after getting the shot for antibodies to develop. The antibodies help protect you from getting the flu.

Everyone 6 months of age and older, except those with some illnesses, should get a flu shot every year. To learn how to get your flu shot, call your doctor’s office.

In health,
Efrem Castillo, MD
Senior Medical Director, Optum