Wheeler Receives Emergency Grant from Direct Relief to Bolster the Health Care Safety Net in Connecticut

Wheeler’s health care personnel and patients at our four community health centers are delivering care in a safe environment amid COVID-19, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Direct Relief, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers. The funding supports the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use at Wheeler’s four community health centers in Bristol, New Britain, Hartford, and Waterbury.

Wheeler was among 518 federally qualified health centers to receive funding through Direct Relief’s $25 million COVID-19 Fund for Community Health, which recognizes the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the finances, services, staff, and patients of community health centers.

The grant facilitated Wheeler’s purchase of 50,000 disposable face masks for health center staff who have direct contact with patients and all patients who come into the health centers during their visit, as well as gowns, shoe and head covers for health center personnel; hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

“We are thankful for the support from Direct Relief and the National Association of Community Health Centers and for their recognition of the continued need as we confront COVID-19 and care for our community,” said Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, president and chief executive officer, Wheeler.