Community Health Center of Danbury to Offer Free Health Services at the 6th Annual Danbury Project Homeless Connect

Community Health Center of Danbury will be participating in the 6th annual Danbury Project Homeless Connect on Friday, December 14th, by providing health services to the community’s most vulnerable citizens. Services being offered include dental cleanings and exams, oral cancer screenings, oral health education; behavioral health screenings, information and referrals; blood pressure screenings, diabetes and nutrition education; and information on qualifying for insurance.

Project Homeless Connect is hosted by the Greater Danbury Continuum of Care in conjunction with the City of Danbury’s Housing Partnership and is aimed at expediting outcomes, lowering barriers, removing obstacles, and improving results for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  The event is a one-stop housing and servicefair bringing together over sixty area agencies to deliver on the spot help to those persons who are in need of assistance. Those attending the event can take advantage of medical, dental and vision services, in addition to information on housing, foreclosure prevention, financial information, budgeting and much more.

“Community Health Center is committed to caring for special populations and is focused on improving health outcomes for our patients as well as building health communities,” said Adele Gordon, site director for CHC’s Fairfield County sites. “We are honored to be able to participate in this event and help strengthen the vitality of the community we serve.”

During last year’s event CHC provided dental care to dozens of people who were not educated about the connection between oral health and their overall wellness. For example, one woman who was living with diabetes was not checking her blood sugar regularly, eating right or taking proper care of her teeth. When she arrived for her dental cleaning the hygienist took time to explain the connection between a healthy mouth and keeping her diabetes under control. The woman expressed how grateful she was for the information and this event, as she had not been aware of these facts and was now in a better position to care for herself until the next time she would be able to get a cleaning.

In 2011, more than 800 people were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the Greater Danbury area; and last year community citizens, non-profit organizations, government agencies and corporations partnered together and provided much needed services to over 150 individuals and families. Given the state of the economy, and high rate of unemployment, a rising number of people are in need of simple basic needs and services and this year the event organizers anticipate more than 200 people will attend.

The event is from 9am – 3pm, and will be held at Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT, in the Bill Williams Gymnasium on Osborne Street. Free parking is provided in the adjacent parking garage.

The event is open to any Danbury residents in need of basic guidance, referrals and general information to assist themselves and their family.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge by Walsh Catering.