Expanding Access: Malta Celebrates New East Hartford Mobile Clinic Site Opening with Support from The Cigna Group Foundation

On Monday, September 22, 2025, Malta House of Care proudly opened its new East Hartford clinic with a joyful ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by nearly 50 friends, staff, board members, community partners, and supporters from Malta and The Cigna Group Foundation and its Health Equity Impact Fund.

The event featured remarks from:

  • Dianne Auger, Malta CEO
  • Ellie Polack, President of The Cigna Group Foundation
  • Tiffany Lingenfelter-Pierce, MD, MS, Malta Board Member and New England Market Medical Executive, Cigna
  • Brian Sheehan, Malta Board Chair
  • Laurence Burnsed, East Hartford Director of Health and Social Services

The ceremony also included a blessing of the new space by Fr. Ryan of St. Mary’s Church, reflecting Malta’s long tradition of teaming with parishes across the community to help people access the healthcare they need.

With the generous support of The Cigna Group Foundation, this new East Hartford location represents a powerful step forward in providing free, high-quality healthcare to uninsured adults across Greater Hartford. The excitement and energy of the day reflected Malta’s commitment to community, collaboration, and care.

Watch the full Ribbon Cutting Ceremony here.

We are also grateful to NBC Connecticut for covering this special milestone and helping share Malta’s story with the wider community. You can watch their full segment here.

“We provide free healthcare to people without insurance in greater Hartford and it’s our privilege. Over 86,000 patient visits have taken place in those last 20 years and the work continues.”

– Dianne Auger, Malta CEO

Read the full press release below for more details:

Malta House of Care Opens New Mobile Health Clinic Site in East Hartford

Made possible by a grant from The Cigna Group Foundation, clinic site will service more than 1,000 patient visits for uninsured residents

East Hartford, Conn., Sept. 22, 2025 — Malta House of Care, which provides free, essential primary care to uninsured adults in Greater Hartford, opened a new mobile health clinic site, supported by a two-year grant through The Cigna Group Foundation’s Health Equity Impact Fund. The clinic will serve the East Hartford community from St. Mary’s Church Community Center twice per month and provide free primary care services to uninsured adults who might otherwise forgo care.

“For 20 years, Malta House of Care has been a trusted source of hope and healing in Greater Hartford,” said Dianne Auger, CEO of Malta House of Care. “We’re proud to join forces with The Cigna Group Foundation to expand access to care for those who need it most in the East Hartford community.”

About 15% of adults in East Hartford are uninsured, and the new mobile clinic site will provide critical health care services for more than 1,000 patient visits for treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; urgent concerns like pain, fever, and infections; and preventive care such as cancer screenings, vaccinations, and physical exams.

“People shouldn’t have to choose between health care and other basic necessities, which is why The Cigna Group Foundation is honored to support Malta House of Care in its mission to bring health care directly to those who need it most,” said Ellie Polack, President, The Cigna Group Foundation. “Our Health Equity Impact Fund was created to reduce barriers to care and improve outcomes for underserved communities, and this site is a perfect example of that in action, right here in Connecticut.”

The Malta House of Care mobile clinic will continue to serve patients at multiple locations throughout Greater Hartford, with the new East Hartford site representing a significant expansion of its reach.

About Malta House of Care:

Malta House of Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of uninsured adults in Greater Hartford by providing free, high-quality primary care services. Founded by members of the Order of Malta, the organization upholds a tradition of compassion, dignity, and inclusion. Through its mobile medical clinic and network of volunteer clinicians and community partners, Malta delivers comprehensive care to thousands of patients each year—addressing chronic conditions, urgent concerns, and preventative health needs. Malta’s mission is rooted in health equity, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of income or insurance status, have access to safe, respectful, and life-saving healthcare.

About The Cigna Group Foundation:

The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society’s greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues’ support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community

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