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Health center gala celebrates history


WINSTED — The Winsted Health Center Foundation is throwing a party Saturday, April 26, to honor the history of its Spencer Street facility up on the hill, which has served the medical needs of the community for more than a century.

Past patients, former employees and community members are invited to reminisce about the health center, which opened for business in 1902 as Winchester Hospital. It was later named Litchfield County Hospital and finally Winsted Memorial Hospital before closing due to bankruptcy in 1996. The facility was reopened as the Winsted Health Center in 1997 as a result of community efforts to form the foundation.

Saturday’s party will take place at the Cornucopia Banquet Hall in Torrington. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner and program following at 7:30. Dancing to the music of classic rock singer-guitarist Kebar will begin at 9 p.m.

The Winsted Health Center Foundation was created through private donors and volunteers to restore outpatient and emergency care to the Winsted area. The health center has grown to provide numerous medical services in conjunction with Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, the Department of Veterans Affairs and private practitioners.

Services include an emergency room; paramedic intercept program; laboratory, radiology and diagnostic support services; outpatient physicians’ services; therapeutic services; mental health and holistic health care. In addition, a 20-unit senior housing project will soon open on the foundation’s property.

Norman E. Smith Jr., M.D., of Barkhamsted, is the honorary chairman of the foundation’s party. Smith will be honored for his dedication to the community through his pediatrics practice, started in 1969.

For information and reservations, call the Winsted Health Center Foundation at 860-379-0888.

Lakeville Journal

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