Wheeler Health Expanding Fast Access to Services with Federal Grant
To provide same-day assessments and rapid access to follow-up care, Wheeler Health has been awarded a $600,000 federal grant as part of a $4.2-million funding package distributed to seven community health centers across Connecticut.
This funding, announced by Connecticut’s congressional delegation, is aimed at expanding access to vital mental health, behavioral health, primary care, and substance use disorder services throughout the state, especially in communities facing high demand for these services. A second year of funding to Wheeler, $500,000, is expected.
With this grant, Wheeler will meet a growing need for services in Bristol and Waterbury. This initiative will introduce a Community Access Team (CAT) to support same-day, walk-in health assessments, crisis intervention, and linkage to Wheeler’s providers. The CAT team will also connect clients with primary care, psychiatry, medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and other essential supports.
"Fast access to care saves lives," said Sabrina Trocchi, Ph.D., MPA, president and chief executive officer of Wheeler Health. "We are deeply grateful for this support, which enables us to reach more individuals and families, faster, in Bristol and Waterbury, where we are meeting critical community needs, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors.”
The expansion will focus on same-day care, with a target of having 95% of clients offered health assessments immediately, and 75% then attending recommended follow-up treatment within five days. The services will operate out of Wheeler’s Health & Wellness Centers in Waterbury (855 Lakewood Road) and Bristol (One Hope Street), serving racially and ethnically diverse, low-income populations. Both cities have seen significant health disparities, including high rates of drug-related deaths and limited access to transportation, with Waterbury’s poverty rate more than double the state average.
In the first year, Wheeler will expand access to 500 clients, including 425 for behavioral health, 75 for substance use disorder services, and 60 receiving MOUD. Wheeler’s CAT team will also collaborate with local faith-based and grassroots organizations to establish strong referral pathways, ensuring individuals have seamless access to the support they need.
This funding represents a crucial investment in Connecticut’s mental health infrastructure. By enabling expanded access to behavioral health and recovery services, this grant will support Wheeler’s ongoing efforts to improve health equity and outcomes for underserved populations in Connecticut.
