News from Wheeler

Wheeler’s commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care is on full display in two vital programs for women navigating substance use recovery: REACH (Recovery, Engagement, Access, Coaching, and Healing) and PROUD (Parents Recovering from Opioid Use Disorder). While distinct in structure and scope, both programs offer voluntary, compassionate support tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

The road to substance use recovery can be challenging, especially for parents. But according to Susan Schneider, LCSW, director, Wheeler Community-Based Family Services, SAFE-Family Recovery (SAFE-FR) provides a place where individuals have a voice in their path to recovery.

With a new $250,000, multiyear grant, The Cigna Group Foundation is expanding access to health care in Hartford through a partnership with Wheeler Health.

Every day, across the state, dozens of Wheeler clinicians step out of their cars, ring a doorbell, and change lives in the most intimate setting, a family’s home.

"Now, it's just a whole different perspective."

Daniel Melchor, LCSW, integrated care supervisor at the Wheeler Family Health & Wellness Center in Waterbury, recently sat with NBC Connecticut and Telemundo to discuss how to manage anxiety and stress in these turbulent times.

Pregnant and parenting women with substance use issues and their families can access recovery resources, behavioral health, primary care, and additional supports through Wheeler’s Women’s REACH program (Recovery, Engagement, Access, Coaching & Healing).

Amber Sagan, MPH, project coordinator, Wheeler's Connecticut Center for Prevention, Wellness and Recovery, recently appeared on CT Paid Leave Podcast to discuss the statewide Change the Script Campaign.

On July 30, more than 200 community leaders, donors, supporters, friends, and employees attended a remarkable celebration of Wheeler’s One Hope Street headquarters and health center, which will begin primary care services on August 13 and all other services beginning on August 19.

A visit to Wheeler’s Connecticut Clearinghouse in 1990 was a harbinger of the next career move for Judith Stonger, MA, CPS, vice president of Prevention, Wellness and Recovery. Judy retires after 24 years with the organization.

Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center at 43 Woodland Street in Hartford was the site of a visit this morning from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) where he asked sports betting companies to stop targeting problem gamblers with promotions and ads, and to make it easy for problem gamblers to remove themselves from online gaming platforms.

For the first time, Wheeler is launching a unique residency program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants designed to cultivate clinical leaders in community health.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the challenges of problem gambling and remind individuals and families that hope and recovery are possible through Wheeler’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program, funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

Camila Rubino, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, of Southington has joined Wheeler Health as senior director of nursing, overseeing all nursing and medical assistant operations at Wheeler’s five federally qualified health centers, congregate care settings, and Northwest Village School.

A five-year, $2-million federal grant will help individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders returning to their communities in central Connecticut after incarceration.