Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Grant to Support New Nutrition Wellness Program

Good nutrition is an essential part of promoting and maintaining overall health, and Wheeler patients in New Britain will have access to nutritional education and additional supports through a new Nutrition Wellness Program made possible through a $15,000 grant from the A. W. Stanley Discretionary Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.

Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center at 40 Hart Street, New Britain, will address the nutritional and wellness needs of patients with—or at risk of—diabetes and hypertension, chronic conditions prevalent in the New Britain community, particularly in underserved and vulnerable populations. The program will bridge gaps in patient education and help patients self-manage chronic health conditions.

“This program will promote healthy nutrition choices among the most vulnerable populations in New Britain, including individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or who are at high risk for chronic illnesses including diabetes and heart disease,” said Heidi Joseph, RN, MSN, vice president, Health Center Operations, Wheeler. “By promoting strong eating habits, we are promoting overall health and wellness in the community.”

A certified nutritionist will be a key member of the Wheeler Family Health & Wellness Center’s care team and will enhance patients’ knowledge on how to access healthy foods in the community, how to prepare culturally familiar foods in healthier ways, and how to incorporate healthy activities into every member of the family’s daily routine.

The program will include:

• Community Outreach and Education on Nutrition and Wellness
• Nutritional consultation and support for patients with—and at risk of—chronic health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension
• Weekly nutritional classes/activities; and more.