Our word of the month for April is "Community" and at UConn Health, community isn't just a word, it's the foundation of everything we do. Whether it's the connections between our patients and providers, the collaboration among our teams, or our commitment to serving those beyond our walls, community defines who we are.
UConn Health employees, JJ Odom, Eliza Rivera, Tamara Cardoso, Michelle Lucco, Kim Hamilton, Jessica Santos-Martinez,, and Cassandra Keola.
At UConn Health, community isn't just a word, it's the foundation of everything we do. Whether it's the connections between our patients and providers, the collaboration among our teams, or our commitment to serving those beyond our walls, community defines who we are. This month, we're highlighting the ways in which our staff and departments comes together to support, uplift, and strengthen one another. From innovative partnerships to everyday moments of kindness, we celebrate the power of community in shaping a healthier future for all.
On Saturday, March 15, UConn Health and UConn faculty, staff, students and researchers, came together with community partners at the Black Family Wellness Expo, a vibrant annual event dedicated to promoting health and wellness in the Greater Hartford community hosted by the Artists Collective in Hartford. The expo, organized by the Farmington Valley and Greater Hartford Chapters of The Links Incorporated was co-sponsored by UConn Health's Health Disparities Institute (HDI), the UConn School of Social Work, the Department of Public Health Sciences, and UConn's Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP),
Now in its second year of participation, HDI played a central role in the expo, not only through sponsorship but also in deepening institutional partnerships and collaboration with UConn Health and UConn that included the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), the Center on Aging, the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, Public Health Sciences, Area Education Centers (AHEC), and InCHIP, among others.
"Instead of having UConn and UConn Health departments scattered throughout the expo, we intentionally grouped UConn Health and UConn tables, allowing the community to see the multiple ways in which we engage and serve Connecticut residents, beyond health care delivery and education," said Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez, HDI director and professor in the department of medicine.
HDI also created an interactive engagement opportunity for attendees. This year at the expo, HDI engaged attendees by asking what makes for a great health care experience, and we heard overwhelmingly about the importance of the interpersonal aspects of care and engagement. Providers who take the time to really listen, are empathetic, and show compassion were common responses," said Dr. Sprague Martinez. "Events like this are important opportunities for UConn Health to connect with community residents and our patients in a meaningful way."
"Events like the Black Family Wellness Expo create a space not only for direct engagement with community members but also for fostering connections with organizations that share HDI's commitment to health equity and exploring ways to deepen collaboration through collective efforts that drive lasting impact," said Trisha Pitter from the Health Disparities Institute who initiated the partnership with the Farmington Valley Links, Inc. to promote this year's event as well as the 2025's expo.
JDH Diversity Council's Role and Impact
As part of its mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the JDH Diversity Council played a key role in engaging attendees through interactive initiatives. Their presence included two tables: one focused on Human Resources, providing information about UConn Health career opportunities and workplace culture, and another featuring the "Community Wishing Tree," an idea proposed by Elizabeth Haskell, sepsis nurse, were invited to share personal barriers to health care and their wishes for improvements in their community. The activity proved to be a meaningful way to amplify community voices and gather valuable insights that will be reviewed at an upcoming Diversity Council meeting.
"For me, joining the Diversity Council was about helping to create a more inclusive and equitable health care environment, not just for patients, but for our faculty and staff as well," said Cassandra Keola, administrative program coordinator. "It's inspiring to see our work extend beyond the walls of our hospital and into the communities we serve."
"As a newer member of the Diversity Council, I was drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with a team dedicated to fostering growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion, both at an organizational level and as individuals. With 17 years of experience as a nurse, I have had the privilege of caring for patients from diverse backgrounds, which has reinforced the vital role that cultural awareness and inclusivity play in delivering equitable and effective health care. Being part of this council allows me to contribute to meaningful change and advocate for a more inclusive environment for both patients and staff," said Eliza Rivera, population health manager.
Collaboration Across UConn and UConn Health Departments
Dr. Linda Barry, associate director of Health Disparities Institute, led the Alzheimer's discussion and CT AHEC brought a team of Urban Health/AHEC Scholars and preceptors to provide health promotion education as well as screenings (oral health, blood pressure, blood glucose). The CT AHEC team worked closely with partners from Charter Oak Community Health Center for community member handoffs for vaccinations, mental health, muscular skeletal and A1C screenings. In total more than 35 community members were seen by this interprofessional team.
Leslie Bell, administrative director in nursing administration and diversity council member, shared her experience: "The room was filled with people providing essential services and education. I had the opportunity to attend a UConn Health panel discussion on Alzheimer's, which was both informative and impactful. There was such a strong presence of organizations committed to health and wellness; it was truly inspiring."
The event also facilitated networking opportunities among health care professionals. Bell was able to help connect a physician from Saint Francis Hospital with UConn Health's ALS program to ensure continuity of care for a patient facing insurance challenges. This kind of real-time problem-solving exemplifies the council's broader mission to bridge gaps in health care access and equity.
Looking Ahead
HDI's ongoing partnership with the Farmington Valley Links will continue to shape future wellness initiatives, including the 2025 expo. HDI is co-sponsoring an upcoming Women's Health event with the Farmington Valley Links, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, Aurora Foundation for Women and Girls, and InCHIP focused on intergenerational dialogues on menopause. Community events like the Black Family Wellness Expo create spaces for HDI to engage with residents, learn about priorities, and to build collaborations across UConn and with communities to promote health.
In addition to participating in the Black Family Wellness Expo, the Diversity Council continues to lead and support various initiatives, such as ODI's monthly "coffee break" discussions, cultural awareness events, and employee appreciation activities. Their ongoing efforts reinforce UConn Health's dedication to an inclusive workplace and community engagement.
Reflecting on the event's success, Diversity Council members expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations and deeper community connections. "The sheer volume of interest in wellness and information was encouraging," said one attendee. "Seeing so many people engaged and eager to learn reaffirms why events like this matter," said Keola.
By fostering dialogue, sharing resources, and strengthening partnerships, the Diversity Council continues to make a meaningful impact-both within UConn Health and throughout the communities it serves.
The Black Family Wellness Expo was a powerful example of UConn and UConn Health's institutional commitment to community engagement, health equity, and partnership. Through shared leadership, HDI and its collaborators are ensuring that UConn's presence in the community is both impactful and enduring.
