Employee Engagement Survey Returns for Year 2

October 12, 2017

https://youtu.be/eYPIv4L4H6w

The 2017 UConn Health Employee Engagement Survey is now open and will remain so for the rest of this month for all regular payroll employees.

It’s the second installment in a series of three annual surveys, an effort by Dr. Andy Agwunobi, UConn Health CEO and executive vice president for health affairs, to gauge and ultimately improve employee engagement.

“For an organization to perform well, or to surmount tough challenges, everybody has to be pushing in the same direction,” Agwunobi says in a video message to the UConn Health Community. “It has to be a completed team effort, and everyone has to feel good about that and have pride in their organization.”

Employees should complete the survey online by way of a unique link they were emailed Monday. Responses go to a third-party administrator and are kept nonidentifiable.

In 2016, the first year of the survey, the participation rate was just below 50 percent. The results—including an overall engagement score of 3.67 out of 5—led to a series of leadership development sessions and other steps taken at the management level to attempt to improve employee engagement.

Agwunobi is looking to surpass the 60 percent participation for this year’s survey.

“Your honest responses will go a long way toward helping us effectively measure employee engagement with real data and identify prospective areas of improvement within the workplace culture,” Agwunobi says.

More information about this year’s survey, including a frequently-asked questions page, is available on the Employee Engagement page on UConn Health Express.

Patient Perspective Key in Creation of HealthONE’s Patient Portal

October 3, 2017

UConn Health is enlisting the help of patient Frank Greaney in the creation of the UConn HealthONE patient portal. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

On the third Tuesday of the month, Frank Greaney of Southington has a standing appointment at UConn Health’s Outpatient Pavilion.

He is a patient, but for this hour his role is patient representative—a voice at the table where a crucial component of UConn HealthONE is taking shape.

Greaney, a founding member of the UConn John Dempsey Hospital Patient and Family Advocacy Council (PFAC), also serves on the Online Patient Engagement Committee (OPEC). This group was established earlier this year by the staff tasked with building the patient portal for HealthONE, the high-tech electronic medical record (EMR) system UConn Health is unveiling next spring.

“The OPEC members actually welcome and invite our comments,” says Greaney, a retired health care executive who, between his life’s work and his own medical challenges, has set foot in many of the country’s most successful health care facilities. “I’m impressed by the diligence of the OPEC participants and their diligent work. Everything they do has an effect on the project.”

The HealthONE patient portal will enable patients to complete such tasks as arranging appointments, requesting prescription refills, and accessing test results, all by way of a secure online account.

“My test results will be available quickly,” Greaney says. “I can run a table on my lab results for the last six months, a year, a year and a half. I can look at a summary from the last visit. I can arrange, change, or cancel appointments, and indicate the reason for my visit. It’s really going to do a lot.”

Greaney would know. He is one of two patient representatives recruited to join OPEC. Both are familiar with Epic, which provides the EMR software platform, and MyChart, which is Epic’s patient portal, from their experience as patients at other hospitals. UConn Health chose Epic as the vendor for its EMR system and branded it as UConn HealthONE.

“There’s a discipline to electronic medical records that does not exist outside the world of electronic medical records,” Greaney says. “This improves internal quality and empowers us as patients to have an active role in our care. You have your own records now. You have your own information. It’s empowering.”

OPEC members are a diverse group representing perspectives from throughout UConn Health, from patient care to billing to compliance to information technology.

With input from the patient representatives, they come up with recommendations on how to optimize the portal and make HealthONE a valuable tool for patients.

Bonnie Johnson (left) and Dr. Rebecca Andrews help lead the Online Patient Engagement Committee, which is designing the UConn HealthONE patient portal. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

“We want to create a product that our patients are happy with,” says Bonnie Johnson, a HealthONE analyst who facilitates the OPEC meetings. “We want to make sure we not only are meeting statewide regulations, but also the expectations of our patients, because we also want to stay relevant in the marketplace.”

Topics OPEC has weighed in on so far include recommendations on screen design, support mechanisms, and timing of the portal’s introduction to patients.

“We are most pleased to have patient advocates who have joined our OPEC committee to provide a consumer perspective,” says HealthONE Ambulatory Director Kathy Noel. “The widespread perspectives shared by many across the organization allow us to discuss and determine our course through the eyes of different stakeholders.”

But that doesn’t mean the patient representatives have the final say.

“We’re here to provide perspectives, to give our opinions if asked, with the understanding that, ‘Anything we say, you are free to completely ignore,’” Greaney says. “The internal stakeholders are at the table as this program unfolds. This project requires a staggering amount of coordination. The people in this group are at the top of their respective games. And Bonnie seeks buy-in from everyone who makes this hospital work at the granular level.”

Dr. Rebecca Andrews, primary care physician and OPEC chair, says ultimately HealthONE will offer patients much more than a new and improved accessible portal for messaging.

“The hope is to engage the patient through inpatient admissions or after outpatient visits and in between episodes of care,” Andrews says. “If we develop a robust population health team, it would also be a means to reach out for testing, guideline-driven care, or needed visits to a whole group of patients at once.”

And that can only help patients, Greaney says.

“I think this is the highest-quality, safest hospital in the state,” he says. “HealthONE is a true portal, one that will open a lot of doors for the community.”

Faculty Promotions and Appointments Fall 2017

October 2, 2017

The Academic Affairs Subcommittee of the Board of Directors during its September meeting approved the following faculty promotions and appointments:

APPOINT TO:

Professor – w/award of Academic Tenure
Dr. Se-Jin Lee – Genetics and Genome Sciences
Dr. David A. Weinstein – Pediatrics

Professor – In Residence
Dr. Eric Mortensen – Medicine

Professor – Affiliated Institution
Dr. Jonathan D. Gates – (Hartford Hospital) – Surgery
Dr. Brian Grosberg – (Hartford Hospital) – Neurology
Dr. Ching Lau – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. William Skarnes – (The Jackson Laboratory) – Genetics and Genome Sciences

Associate Professor – Affiliated Institution
Dr. Olga H. Toro-Salazar – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics


PROMOTE TO:

Professor – In Residence
Dr. Pamela Taxel – Medicine

Professor – Affiliated Institution
Dr. Adam Borgida – (Hartford Hospital) – Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Luis F. Diez-Morales – (St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center) – Medicine
Dr. Christine M. Ohannessian – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics

Clinical Professor – Community
Dr. Kathleen A. Marinelli – Pediatrics

Associate Professor – In Residence
Dr. Enrique Ballesteros – Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Dr. Melissa J. Caimano – Medicine
Dr. Meghan K. Herbst – Emergency Medicine
Dr. Danielle E. Luciano – Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Christopher M. Morosky – Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Isaac L. Moss – Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Syam P. Nukavarapu – Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Lavern Wright – Medicine

Associate Professor – w/Award of Academic Tenure
Dr. Stormy Chamberlain – Genetics and Genome Sciences
Dr. Yusuf Khan – Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Kamal M. Khanna – Immunology
Dr. Lisa Mehlmann – Cell Biology

Associate Professor – Affiliated Institution
Dr. Nicholas J. Bennett – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. James M. Feeney – (St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center) – Surgery
Dr. Daniel A. Gerardi – (St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center) – Medicine
Dr. Mark C. Lee – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Nina S. Livingston – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. Matthew D. Milewski – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Rebecca L. Moles – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. Andrea D. Orsey – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. James F. Parker – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. David S. Shapiro – (St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center) – Surgery
Dr. Cynthia Silva – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. Jesse J. Sturm – (Connecticut Children’s Medical Center) – Pediatrics
Dr. John R. Waterman – (Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center) – Medicine

 Associate Clinical Professor – Community Faculty
Dr. Richard S.K. Young – Pediatrics

Award of Academic Tenure
Dr. Pedro J. P. Mendes – Cell Biology

UConn Board Chair’s and President’s Comments on State Budget’s Damage to UConn

September 28, 2017

Chairman Larry McHugh’s comments during the UConn Board of Trustees meeting – Sept. 27, 2017

We should all be thankful for Governor Malloy’s strong support of higher education.  And those members of the Senate and House who are strong supporters of UConn.

As you know, I have been involved in supporting higher education in Connecticut for over 34 years.  The Republican sponsored budget that just passed the General Assembly is probably the worst attack on public education I have seen in those 34 years.  This budget is a disaster for higher ed.

I want to be clear that we are open to taking cuts.  We were prepared to accept over $100 million in cuts under the governor’s budget.  But this massive $300 million cut is over the top.  It threatens all the progress that has been made in making our university the pride of the state and undercuts the tremendous investment that has been made in UConn.

I have always said that we need to strive for excellence and I will not apologize for supporting a university that works toward that goal.

In my work at the Chamber of Commerce, I meet and work with members of the business community all day long.  The State’s economy is fragile.  Regardless of the type and size of the business, the one common theme is how important it is to have a well-educated workforce.

Since a majority of our students remain here to live and work in Connecticut after they graduate, UConn is a place that these businesses count on as a source for its future hires.  UConn is the catalyst for economic growth by providing the brain power, research, employees, and support to companies from start-ups to major corporations.

A strong UConn will help our economy to get back on the right track.  So to make large cuts just for the sake of getting to a particular budget number is short-sighted to say the least.

Every state in the nation takes pride in its flagship university.  We have just been ranked number 18 out of 132 public national universities.

Because of that, we are the envy of other states that strive to achieve that level of success.  We are at a moment where our public leaders must make a choice as to whether or not they want an outstanding flagship University.  So much of our economy depends on that choice.  If the reputation and quality of UConn suffers, so will the economy, and it will lay squarely at the feet of those who make the public policy decision to sacrifice the University of Connecticut.

We know that we must be part of the solution and demonstrate shared sacrifice. Since 2010, we have contended with over $142 million in cuts.  We never complained.  When the Governor proposed a budget that would mean having to absorb another $100 million in cuts, we did not complain.  We said we would do our part.  Let’s be clear that those are massive cuts.  But to propose triple that amount is not something we can just stay quiet about.

What I am so proud of is that the UConn Nation has come together in reaction to this budget.  Members of the UConn Nation, including alumni, students, parents, patients, donors, and sports fans, are represented in every town and district of this state.  They are paying attention to how this budget will impact the economy, their healthcare, critical research, student success, and the value of their degree.

Finally, I want to say how proud I am of how President Herbst has been out there defending UConn.  She knows that now is not the time to sit idly by.  Fighting for our budget is her job.

But let me make one thing perfectly clear.  Any major cuts to programs whether at Storrs, UConn Health, or any of the regional campuses will be decided by the Board of Trustees, based on the university’s recommendations.  With these massive cuts looming, EVERYTHING is on the table.  The Board will make those decisions based on what is in the overall best interest of protecting this great university, and not on politics.

I pledge that we will work to keep this university a place that all of Connecticut can continue to be proud of.  Stick with us.  We will need all your help.

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UConn President Susan Herbst’s Report to the UConn Board of Trustees – Sept. 27, 2017

The last 10 days have been interesting for us at UConn, to say the least.

By now you are all well aware of the budget that was approved by the General Assembly earlier this month and what its impact on UConn would have been.

And we don’t know what the next version will bring.

Let me make 4 points:

  • There is a belief in some quarters that we will not make major cuts, such as closing colleges or campuses, in the face of massive state budget cuts.  We have and we will.   As you recall, we – and it was hard on us and the community – closed the Torrington campus.   We have closed colleges and eliminated dean positions in recent years:   The College of Continuing Studies, the College of Allied Health, the College of Family Studies.   I ask that folks listen to what we say and watch the hard things we’ve done in the past to cut budgets. They are not pleasant actions, but we take them when we are left with no other realistic choice.
  • On the one hand, we are told we must absorb massive cuts, but are then told by some that we may not cut anything significant. Or anything people like or care about. But everything is important to someone. There is no low-hanging fruit or mythical fat adding up to $300 million, or even a small fraction of that, that could easily go.

We could zero out the salary of every single senior administrator and it would be a tiny fraction of our overall budget and barely make a dent in a $300 million reduction. So let’s get some perspective with the facts.

  • Speaking of facts.  I’ve been a social scientist for over 30 years, and in my work, I focus on quantitative measurement, data analysis and interpretation.   There’s some very poor and woefully distorted data out there in very pretty charts on the Internet.   Don’t be fooled, as hard as this is to read through.

For example, of course a university’s expenditures go up over years, when they expand their enrollment by the thousands.

And they go up because we must support advanced computing, modern educational resources, new facilities, mental health services, sexual assault prevention, legal compliance, and not to mention, actually making undergraduate education better.

There’s no free lunch for a comprehensive public university, one where the state has in fact chartered us to be comprehensive.   We are glad serve our students and the state.   We do it well – we are 18th public research university out of hundreds, not 50 – and we do it efficiently.

  • I urge all of our folks to please continue keeping the discourse – online and in print – civil. I thank you for that, USG and our tremendous faculty and staff. Even if there are ad hominem approaches taken by others off campus, we don’t go low. The funding and support of UCONN is a public policy matter for our students and state; it’s not about me or anyone else.

I want to thank our students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, donors and others supporters for speaking up for UConn.

We will wait and see what the new budget looks like.

Cancer Survivors Day at UConn Health Marks 20 Years

September 26, 2017

Cancer survivor holding one of the many gift baskets donated for the Cancer Survivors Day event on Sept. 24, 2017. (Photo by Wanita Thorpe)

The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center celebrated its 20th Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, Sept. 24 in the Academic Rotunda at UConn Health. The focus of the event was how you can make simple changes to your diet and exercise routine that will help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Brad Biskup, physician assistant leading the Lifestyle Medicine Program at UConn Health, spoke during Cancer Survivors Day in the Academic Rotunda. (Photo by Wanita Thorpe)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event kicked off with Dr. Susan Tannenbuam, division chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology, telling the many survivors and their families that, “you are the most important people in the room and we are all here for you.” She then introduced Dr. Elektra Kaloudis, section head of Thoracic Imaging at UConn Health, who bravely shared her cancer journey and how she pushed through the scary times by focusing on her young children.

Dr. Kaloudis was followed by Brad Biskup, the physician assistant leading the Lifestyle Medicine Program at UConn Health. Biskup discussed some simple diet and exercise changes you can make that will lead to a healthier you.

Books written by local author and speaker Terry Walters were on display at the Cancer Survivors Day event Sept. 24, 2017. (Photo by Wanita Thorpe)

Terry Walters, a local author of the book “Eat Clean Live Well,” held a cooking demonstration to prove that, with a little bit of planning, you can prepare healthy and tasty snacks.

Norm (Craig) Smith, a breast cancer survivor, said the speakers resonated with him since he’s been working to get back into shape and eat better. “These presentations really helped us with the tools we need to kick start that process. Taking one step at a time towards healthy foods and getting more active are the two take-aways we heard.”

Survivors were also treated to a raffle in which numerous departments at UConn Health and Storrs campus, local businesses, and individuals generously donated gift baskets, gift cards and services.

 

 

 

 

HealthONE Training Taking Shape

September 20, 2017

The ARB Small Conference Room is now a training build room, and then will be repurposed for training end users on HealthONE. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

As integrated testing continues, another important UConn HealthONE project is underway.

In preparation for the training that starts in February, principal trainers are working on building training environments for HealthONE, the sophisticated electronic medical record system UConn Health will use starting in the spring.

Fifteen principal trainers and their counterparts from Epic, the software vendor, are in the middle of a three-week process.

“These training environments are not only critical for training but coming in October is pilot training,” says Kim Robinson, UConn HealthONE training director. “Pilot training is a chance for the subject matter experts who have been working with the trainers to develop curriculum to see it in action in the training environment.”

The goal is to have 49 certified trainers in place to handle the task of training the more than 3,000 estimated HealthONE users. The full training phase is scheduled to start in late February, leading to the April 28 go-live date.

More information about UConn HealthONE is available at http://uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr.

 

UConn Health October 2017 Programs, Events

September 19, 2017

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for October and early November 2017. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes.

UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally will meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Oct. 7, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Oct. 16, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. A physician’s referral is required. Fee is $20. Call 860-679-3245 more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, Oct. 19, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Oct. 23, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).

Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Oct. 25, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Nov. 4, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at http://bit.ly/get2uch.

Wellness Center Opens Next Month

September 14, 2017

It’s only a matter of weeks now before students, staff and faculty have their own wellness center.

UConn Health is dedicating more than 3,600 square feet to an around-the-clock, badge-access facility that will offer 13 cardio machines, 9 resistance machines, free weights, locker rooms with showers, and a healthy vending machine. It also will have two rooms for fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, Zumba, behavioral counseling, and stress management.

Construction of UConn Health’s wellness center is nearing completion. (Photo by Ethan Giorgetti)

The location is the main floor on the academic side of the main building, in what formerly was known as the Friends Lecture Room (LM 034).

Scheduled to open by late October, the wellness center will also will be available to graduate students and residents. Details on the enrollment process and membership fees are to be announced shortly.

“This is something the UConn Health community has been asking us about for a very long time,” says UConn Health Chief Adminstrative Officer Carolle Andrews. “The facility is part of a larger vision of student and employee wellness we are offering on campus as we strive to become an even greater example of health and well being, given our mission of public health and public service.”

The wellness center will have a coordinator whose duties will include managing the membership, overseeing the fitness programs, and communications.

Wellness center fitness floor
Rendering of the wellness center

The fitness equipment is on order and will include:

  • 4 commercial treadmills
  • 4 adaptive motion trainers
  • 2 step machine
  • 3 stationary bicycles
  • 1 leg extension/ curl
  • 1 chest press
  • 1 bicep curl
  • 1 abdominal machine
  • 1 glute extension
  • 1 back extension
  • 1 lateral pulldown/row
  • 2 benches/utility seats
  • 1 dumbbell – weight stack
  • 18 yoga pads
  • 1 plyometric box
  • 2 medicine balls
  • 2 kettle bells

In the coming months, the wellness center will have a website that will include fitness class schedules and a form to register for them.

Bryan Gran, Man With a Plan: Hurricane Readiness

August 31, 2017

Bryan Gran, UConn Health emergency management program specialist

Are you ready for the next disaster? If your answer is no then chances are you need a plan.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and serves as reminder that we must be prepared for any and all types of emergencies and having a plan for yourself, family and friends will go a long way to achieve this. This year’s theme is “disasters don’t plan ahead. You can”.

Hurricane Ready
Protecting Family, Pets and Property.

To do this you need to:

  • Have a shelter in-place plan
  • Have an evacuation plan
  • Have a communication plan
  • Have preparedness kits
  • Prepare your property ahead of time
  • Be prepared to evacuate
  • Protect important documents

Hurricane readiness starts with you. Be UConn Health ready, be hurricane ready.

—Bryan Gran

Looking at Hurricane Harvey and its catastrophic impact to Texas emphasizes the importance of planning and being prepared. Signing up for alerts and warnings in your area, having a communications plan, knowing your evacuation routes, meeting locations, sheltering plan and securing important documents are just a few of the many things you can discuss with family, friends, and your co-workers.

Now is the time to make a plan, or if you have one take the time to test it and update it as necessary. For more information on making a plan visit https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

When you know a hurricane is coming and it’s time to put your evacuation plan into place, what’s next?

  • Once you receive notification to evacuate take action and begin necessary movement to put your plan in place.
  • Listen and more importantly take directions from government officials as many others will be receiving the same instructions, roads may be closed and hazards may exist that you are not aware of.
  • Know where you’re going and how to get there.
  • Make a kit and ensure you include important documents and those items needed to sustain you.

FEMA also has a guide on preparing specifically for a hurricane.

–Bryan Gran