Fall Newsletter Now Available!

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.

The newsletter also features our exciting collaboration with Vaseline® on the Mended Murals initiative, supporting skin health equity and restoring local street art with Hartford’s “Star Gazing” mural by Corey Pane. Additionally, we’re honored to welcome four new board members whose expertise will further strengthen our mission, acknowledged our 2024 Foundation and Corporation Supporters, and we shared our success with this year’s Birdies for Charity as our best year yet!

Join us in celebrating the dedication and compassion that drive our work every day. Together, we’re building a healthier, more equitable future!

University of Saint Joseph Partnership

Empowering the Next Generation of Caregivers

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.

USJ APRN Student Chantal (left) & Preceptor Lynne Benjamin (right)
USJ APRN Student Chantal (left) & Preceptor Lynne Benjamin (right)

Optum Flu Clinic: 4th year straight!

For the fourth year in a row, Malta House of Care is grateful to partner with Optum Health, who generously provided 180 flu vaccines for our patients. Dr. Dauphinais and his team hosted three clinic days, offering free flu shots to ensure our patients stay healthy this flu season. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Optum Health for their continued support and commitment to the health and well-being of our community. Their ongoing partnership allows us to offer essential preventative care to uninsured adults in Greater Hartford.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza such as pneumonia. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant people and children younger than 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years old.

Women’s Wellness Day Success with Hartford Healthcare

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!

Exciting Updates and Stories in Our Spring Newsletter!

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Spotlight on Our Partnership with Avangrid: We are grateful for this partnership that allows us to enhance diabetes care to Malta’s patients
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Partnership Spotlight: Gratitude for our Partners & Enhancing Diabetes Care

At Malta House of Care, we are immensely grateful for the steadfast support and generosity of Avangrid Foundation, whose partnership has been instrumental in advancing our mission of providing essential healthcare services to those in need.

With Avangrid Foundation’s support, we have been able to bolster our efforts in diabetes management, particularly in the area of A1C testing supplies. These supplies play a crucial role in monitoring blood sugar levels and empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being. By ensuring access to these resources, we are able to better support individuals in managing their diabetes and improving their overall health outcomes.

The partnership between Malta House of Care and Avangrid Foundation exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing community health challenges. Together, we are working to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across our community.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Avangrid Foundation for their continued support and partnership. Their dedication to advancing community health initiatives is instrumental in our collective efforts to build healthier and more resilient communities. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for all.

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.

Patient Success Story: Malta guides immigrant on her health journey

Meet Fatima, a resilient 41-year-old woman from Guinea, Africa, who moved to the United States in 2023. When she first visited Malta House of Care in July of that year, little did she know that her journey would lead to improved health and well-being in just six short months.

During her initial visit, concerns arose when elevated blood sugar levels hinted at a potentially life-altering diagnosis. Initially prescribed oral medication for what was presumed to be Type 2 Diabetes, Fatima hesitated to commence treatment, feeling well and displaying no symptoms. However, a closer examination and subsequent lab tests unveiled a different reality: Fatima was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Fatima initially hesitated to start insulin treatment upon receiving the challenging news. However, the compassionate team at Malta House of Care provided unwavering support and guidance. Spending over two hours with Fatima, they delved into the intricacies of diabetes management, diet, exercise, and insulin administration. Despite the language barrier, as Fatima does not speak English, Malta ensured she received essential tools, including a glucometer and educational handouts, through the assistance of an interpreter.

In the ensuing weeks, Fatima’s journey to health continued with regular follow-ups and ongoing support from the Malta House of Care team. Despite navigating immigration challenges, unemployment, and language barriers, Fatima demonstrated remarkable progress. By January 2024, she had secured Medicaid coverage and appointments for continued diabetes management with Community Health Center and UConn Endocrinology.

Fatima’s story epitomizes the transformative impact of Malta House of Care’s comprehensive care model. Through timely diagnosis, compassionate support, and access to essential resources, individuals like Fatima are empowered to navigate life’s challenges and pursue a path to improved health and well-being.

Your support enables stories like Fatima’s to become a reality. Join us in making a difference. Donate today.

*Please note: “Fatima” is a fictional name given to a real patient at Malta in order to respect her privacy while highlighting the real impact of Malta House of Care’s support.

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.

          

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.

NEW Patient Registration Hours Now Available

New Patient Registration
Tuesday through Friday | 9am-11am
Malta House of Care Clinic
136 Farmington Avenue, Hartford

To become a patient at Malta House, you must meet three criteria:

  • Age 18 or older
  • No insurance 
  • Bring photo ID

We will be open for new patient registration only Tuesday through Friday mornings from 9am-11am at Malta’s Clinic at 136 Farmington Avenue. New patients will have the opportunity to fill out paperwork/forms prior to scheduling a provider visit to help minimize crowds during their scheduled patient visit. We look forward to meeting you soon!

New patients or those requiring same-day care are asked to first call the office at 860.725.0171. If you speak a language other than English, Spanish, or Portuguese, please bring an English-speaking friend or family member to act as an interpreter.

Click here to download the flyer!