Medical experts aim to partner with towns for healthy living policies

TORRINGTON — Food insecurity, economic stress, loss of insurance and housing were among the top factors identified as impacting the overall health of Northwest Corner residents.

Representatives from Charlotte Hungerford Hospital addressed the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut, at its regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 8. The goal was to seek out collaboration opportunities with municipalities and develop Community Health Improvement Plans.

Carla Angevine, regional director of community health at Charlotte Hungerford, said health care has become more complicated since the pandemic. She raised concerns about high rates of obesity, mental health, substance issues, diabetes and tobacco use during pregnancy in the area.

“If you look at the state, we sort of do stand out,” Angevine said. She noted that substance and mental health hospitalizations are higher in the Northwest Corner than the rest of state, as is food insecurity and housing insecurity.

Angevine said the region faces provider shortages. Primary care ratios are 1,810 residents per provider, compared to 1,210:1 statewide. Mental health care ratios are similar at 330 residents per provider, compared to 220:1 statewide. And there is one OB/GYN provider per 5,977 females, which is double the state average.

Dr. Mike Curi expressed a goal of creating “policy and environmental changes” to improve health.

“If we can engage the schools, the governments, the institutions in the Northwest Corner, we can build the kind of environments and structures that’s going to accomplish our goals of being the healthiest versions of ourselves,” said Curi.

He said in Torrington Middle School, just 11% of students passed the president’s physical fitness test.

Fit Together, a community collaborative, was created in 2011 to provide mini grants, information and program support for healthy living. It has helped build an obstacle course in Torrington, water fountains, bike racks, new gardens, trails and sensory hallways.

Fit Together, Curi said, is working to rebuild the wellness policy in Torrington schools.

“What can we help you with? Because we have the expertise to start to build and sustain things,” Curi said to the municipal leaders in attendance. “Our goal is to be able to regularly communicate with your constituents about what is the best way for them to take control of their health.”

Curi encouraged selectmen to reach out for collaboration. “And we work for free.”

Salisbury Selectman Kitty Kiefer expressed her support. “Thank you. I am totally with you,” she said. “This is key to our survival in the Northwest Corner.

More information can be found online at www.how2fitkids.org