Community

UConn Observes National Primary Care Week (Updated)

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  • UConn medical student Jeanne Rolle and UConn dental student Lauren Dulieu staff the welcome station at the Mansfield Senior and Wellness Center during a National Primary Care Week community fair. (Nicole Davoren for UConn Health)
Interprofessionality—patient care from a team representing several disciplines working together—is the emphasis of UConn’s observance of National Primary Care Week.

The annual celebration of the contributions of primary care to community health this week included lunch-and-learn sessions, workshops, and community health fairs.

This year provided more than 1,250 student-hours of educational programming. During Wednesday’s community health fairs, 145 students and faculty members served nearly 400 patients.

UConn medical, dental, nursing, and pharmacy students, along with Quinnipiac University physician assistant students, staff the health fairs, offered free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings and providing health education materials covering topics such as oral health, nutrition, medication interaction, heart health and diabetes prevention.

Primary Care Week aims to introduce health professions students to the importance of community-responsive primary care, encourage their collaboration as members of future primary health care teams, and work to reduce problems in health care access experienced by underserved populations.

The lunch-and-learn sessions are now available via Mediasite:

Oct. 27:
http://mediasite.uchc.edu/mediasite41/Play/2834123cd0da404a9ce29a5b7c44dd431d

Oct. 29:
http://mediasite.uchc.edu/mediasite41/Play/34025cc9538a484ca0720c16db1775681d

UConn Primary Care Week Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 24

Retreat in the Berkshires
Presentation: “Revitalizing Underserved Communities: Principles in the Promise Zones” by Gina Federico Muslim, Community Solutions, NE Hartford

Monday, Oct. 26

Primary Care Dinner
Presentation: “The Future of Primary Care is Interprofessional” by Dr. Luis Padilla, Health Resources and National Health Service Corps

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Lunch & Learn Cross-campus Video Session
Presentation: “Interprofessional Team in Action: Suboxone Clinic” with Dr. Marwin Haddad and Interprofessional Provider Team, Community Health Center

Family Medicine Interest Group
Dermatology Hands-on Night at UConn Health

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Community Health Fairs

  • South End Senior Wellness Center, Hartford
  • Hispanic Senior Center, Hartford
  • North End Senior Center, Hartford
  • Community Health Services, Hartford
  • Hartford Public Library
  • New Britain Police Department
  • Mansfield Senior & Wellness Center
  • Mansfield Parks and Recreation
  • Dixwell-Newhallville Senior Center, New Haven
  • United Community & Family Services, Norwich

Thursday, Oct. 29

Lunch & Learn Cross-campus Video Session
Presentation: “Primary Care Practice 2025: A Mad Max World?” with Dr. Robert Zavoski, Connecticut Department of Social Services

Friday, Oct. 30

Interprofessional Educational Deans’ Afternoon

Memory Loss: What’s Normal and What’s Not

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We all on occasion forget where we put our car keys or the name of a person we recently met. But as we age, we begin to wonder if these lapses in memory are normal “forgetfulness” or signs of a memory disorder.

UConn Health’s Discovery Series program will explore memory loss in depth on Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m.  and provide information about:

  • The differences between normal forgetfulness and more serious memory problems
  • Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
  • Caring for someone with a memory disorder

If you think you are having memory problems, or people close to you express concern about your memory, contact your physician. At UConn Heath, The James E.C. Walker, M.D., Memory Assessment Program provides a full range of services for patients who are concerned about memory related difficulties and for those who have already been diagnosed with a memory disorder.

According to the National Institute on Aging there are ways to keep your memory sharp:

  • Plan tasks, make “to do” lists, and use memory aids like notes and calendars.
  • Develop interests or hobbies and stay involved in activities that can help both the mind and body.
  • Engage in physical activity and exercise.
  • Limit alcohol use.
  • Find activities, such as exercise or a hobby, to relieve feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.

The Discovery Series is free and open to the public. To register, call 800-535-6232 or visit discoveryseries.uchc.edu. The program is held in the Main Building, Keller Auditorium, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington. For directions, visit uchc.edu.

UConn Health Seeks Flu Vaccine Compliance

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Staff, Students, Residents, Volunteers Need to Report Flu Vaccine Status

  • UConn Health is administering free flu shots to staff, students, residents and volunteers. In order to be in compliance with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines, UConn Health must account for everyone's flu shot status (received or declined) and report the non-identifiable data every flu season. Those who decline the flu shot or who receive it somewhere else still must report to Employee Health Services to ensure the institution's compliance. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)
As flu season nears, UConn Health again is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot.

Although strongly recommended, especially for those who have contact with patients, it’s not required. But what is required is the reporting of influenza vaccine statistics for UConn Health staff, students, residents and volunteers in order for to the institution be in compliance with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare.

“It is now mandatory to report your flu vaccination status here at UConn Health,” says Cheryl Marenick, the nurse who oversees the Employee Health Services flu vaccine program. “We need everyone’s cooperation. Your answer does not follow you and can’t be held against you.”

The information is not tied to any individual names or health records, is maintained in a password-protected database, and will remain confidential. Only the aggregate numbers are reported to CMS.

Even those who don’t want a flu shot can help with this effort by simply reporting to Employee Health Services which of the following applies to them:

  • Received the flu shot at UConn Health
  • Declined the flu shot
  • Received the flu shot somewhere else

Ideally, says Dr. Marc Croteau of the Employee Health Services clinical faculty, we all would report our flu vaccine status, and our response would be #1 or #3.

“Obtaining a yearly flu vaccine is an important public health matter,” Croteau says. “Individuals can transmit flu to others even before they realize that they are ill. Obtaining a flu vaccine not only protects you, it also helps protect your patients, your colleagues, as well as members of your family and community. This is why it is especially important for health care workers to get immunized against the flu. Your active participation is much appreciative.”

Staff, students and volunteers can schedule a free flu shot at Employee Health Services by calling x2893. Those who decline the flu shot or get it somewhere else can email their vaccine status to Louisa Pickett. Or they can take care of both at an upcoming walk-in flu clinic:

  • Thursday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 16 Munson Road
  • Monday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Onyiuke Dining Room
  • Monday, Nov. 16, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., ARB large conference room
  • Monday, Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Outpatient Pavilion 7th floor conference room

Those who attend the walk-in clinic should bring their ID badge or employee number.

 

UConn Health November 2015 Programs, Events

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Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for November and early December 2015. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 11/24)

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Nov. 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Nov. 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.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Discovery Series: “Exploring Memory Disorders”
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Drs. Patrick Coll and Karina Berg from the UConn Center on Aging, along with Drs. Neha Jain and Kevin Manning from the UConn Department of Psychiatry, will discuss memory disorders. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. (This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month.) Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Nov. 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. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Nov. 16, 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 offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered monthly and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

(Added 10/30)
Special Panel Discussion: “EMS, Veterans and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
UConn Emergency Medical Services presents a continuing education discussion on post-traumatic stress disorder for EMS responders and members of the public. EMS providers who attend are eligible for three CME credit hours. There is no charge to attend and registration is not necessary. For more information call 860-679-3485.

(Added 10/28)
Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 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 usually meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Free Lifestyle Medicine Program: “Stress and Your Health”
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Physician assistant Bradley Biskup from UConn Health’s Lifestyle Medicine Program explains how to recognize common stress triggers and how stress affects our health, and offers coping strategies and relaxation techniques. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Nov. 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.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Nov. 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.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Holiday Bazaar and Basket Raffle
Friday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
The UConn Health Auxiliary’s annual winter holiday shopping event includes vendors in the main lobby and mezzanine and the Auxiliary’s popular raffle of gift baskets created and donated by UConn Health employees. Drawing is at 3:30. For more information please call 860-679-2963.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Dec. 5, 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.

(added 11/24)
Free Discovery Series: “Recognizing the Signs of Stroke”
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke. It can happen to anyone at any age and any time. UConn Health stroke experts Dr. Sanjay Mittal and Dr. Ryan Zengou will discuss the warning signs and preventive measures. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Dec. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
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 www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.

New England Sickle Cell Institute News

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Dr. Biree Andemariam
Dr. Biree Andemariam

UConn Health’s Dr. Biree Andemariam Honored as Outstanding Role Model

Dr. Biree Andemariam, director of UConn Health’s New England Sickle Cell Institute was honored at the 100 Women of Color Gala recently held in Hartford. The 100 Women of Color award recognizes women who are leaders in their community and are a positive role model for young women. A portion of the proceeds from this annual event supports scholarships for young women who graduate from high school and plan on attending college, leadership and mentorship programs.

 

New England Sickle Cell Institute Nurses Present at National Meeting

Photo of Nayre Greene, RN, BSN (J. Gelineau/UConn Health
Nayre Greene, RN, BSN

Nayre Greene, RN, BSN, and Elizabeth Brookshire, MSN, BSN, RN, recently represented UConn Health’s New England Sickle Cell Institute at the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.’s 43rd Anniversary Convention in Maryland. Greene, NESCI nurse coordinator, was the moderator for the meeting’s nursing symposium that highlighted five peer-reviewed oral abstracts presented by leaders in sickle cell disease nursing care and research from around the country. Greene’s talk highlighted multidisciplinary efforts at UConn Health in coordinating safe maternal-fetal outcomes among pregnant women living with sickle cell disease.

Elizabeth Brookshire, MSN, BSN, RN (Janine. Gelineau/UConn Health)
Elizabeth Brookshire, MSN, BSN, RN

Brookshire delivered a powerful talk titled, “The Nurse’s Role in Caring for the Patient with Sickle Cell Disease: Utilizing Katherine Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort as a Guide.” Brookshire is the assistant nurse manager of John Dempsey Hospital’s oncology unit.

“NESCI is proud of the role that UConn Health nurses play on a daily basis in providing evidence-based and compassionate care to our patients living with sickle cell disease,” says NESCI director Dr. Biree Andemariam, “and now this work is known across the country.”

 

UConn Health Marks Opening of Canton Medical Facility

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  • Dr. Frank Lasala, medical director of UConn Health's Urgent Care Centers in Canton and Storrs; and Dr. Bruce Liang, dean of the UConn School of Medicine and director of the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, speaking to a guest at the Canton medical facility ribbon-cutting celebration. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)
UConn Health held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new medical facility and Urgent Care Center at 117 Albany Turnpike in Canton on Tuesday.

“Our mission at UConn is to take care of the citizens of the state of Connecticut and we are very proud and happy to be here,” said Dr. Denis Lafreniere, medical director of outpatient services and associate dean for clinical affairs. “This expands access to quality health care for the citizens of Canton and the surrounding towns,” added Lafreniere.

Patients from over 100 towns and communities have been seen at UConn Health Canton since it opened in the spring, with the majority of patients coming from Canton, Avon, New Hartford, Simsbury, Torrington and Winsted. Located at the corner of Lawton Road and Route 44, the two-story building consists of 17,000 sq. ft. and 27 employees. Services offered at the Canton location include internal medicine, primary care, cardiology, dermatology, MOHs surgery, a blood draw station, and X-ray services.

The Urgent Care Center, open seven days a week, is staffed by certified advanced practitioners and board-certified emergency medicine or family practice physicians that can treat a range of health issues that are not life threatening, but need prompt attention.

Several lawmakers attended the ceremony including Canton First Selectman Richard Barlow who said the new facility is a welcome addition to the town of Canton and “provides valuable services that the town desperately needs.”

State Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-Canton), also welcomed the new UConn Health facility located at the gateway to northwest Connecticut. “UConn has been such a great partner in everything we do at the state level, from the facility up at Storrs, to the John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, and now the facility here in Canton,” said Witkos.

“It’s quite appropriate as we open this facility to remember other residents on this spot who engaged in the same practice,” said State Rep. Tim LeGeyt (R-Avon, Canton) who also attended the ceremony. UConn Health’s new facility is located where a house once stood that was built in 1796 by a well-regarded Revolutionary War physician and surgeon Dr. Solomon Everest. Everest provided health care to the community for almost 30 years.

UConn Health has a 15-year lease with a private development company, Sard Realty, LLC in Avon.

UConn Lands 3 Obesity Prevention Grants

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Projects Focus on Preventing Obesity in Children Birth to 2

CHDI's report on preventing early-childhood obesity. (Click image to view report.)
CHDI’s report on preventing early-childhood obesity. (Click image to view report.)

The Children’s Fund of Connecticut (CFC) awarded $230,560 to fund four obesity prevention projects in Connecticut, three of which have ties to UConn.

The work will inform and advance efforts to prevent and reduce early childhood obesity by addressing risk factors in the first two years of life.

Four projects were selected from a competitive application process.

  • Health Messaging: UConn, Department of Nutritional Sciences
  • Data Development: UConn Health, Center for Public Health and Health Policy
  • Policy Development: UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy
  • Baby Friendly Hospitals: The Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition

The grants were inspired by the Child Health and Development Institute’s (CHDI) IMPACT “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Maternal-Child Life Course Approach.” The IMPACT reviewed scientific research on the causes of obesity and explored implications for prevention and early intervention. Risk factors for early childhood obesity include: maternal pre-pregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy, infant feeding practices, weight gain during infancy, and eating habits during toddlerhood and preschool.

“Childhood obesity is a serious epidemic affecting one-third of children in Connecticut and nationwide,” says Judith Meyers, IMPACT co-author and president and CEO of the Children’s Fund of Connecticut and its non-profit subsidiary CHDI. “Research shows that that obesity may be very difficult to reverse if children are obese by 5 years of age. The grant projects funded today will help us get ahead of the curve by preventing the onset of obesity.”

Grant Awards

Health Messaging: $75,700, UConn, Department of Nutritional Sciences

Currently, there is minimal and varying outreach to parents regarding early optimal feeding practices, and the messages that are conveyed are often inconsistent. Effective messages will equip parents and caregivers and providers with the information they need to promote a healthy weight in young children. Principal investigator Amy Mobley, assistant professor nutritional sciences, and her staff will develop and test a set of obesity prevention messages for children birth to 24 months that are parent and caregiver focused, culturally appropriate, at appropriate literacy levels and evidence based, along with information for providers about strategies to disseminate these key messages.

Data Development: $80,000, UConn Health, Center for Public Health and Health Policy

The goal of this project is to establish a single, integrated longitudinal database containing child weight and other relevant data, beginning with the 2009 and 2010 birth cohorts, as a means of demonstrating the possibility of tracking population data for all children in Connecticut. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Trestman and Ann Ferris, this project creates a childhood obesity surveillance database using PATH (a HIPAA-compliant data matching software application) to link birth records from the Connecticut Department of Public Health with electronic health records at Community Health Center, Inc., with 12 sites across the state. Data will be analyzed to identify factors that increase the risk of being overweight at age 5 and to model the development trajectories to determine the probability of being overweight by age 5 based on a variety of factors, broken down by sex and ethnicity/race.

Policy Development: $14,990, UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy

The Rudd Center’s Director of Public Policy, Roberta R. Friedman, will conduct a review of relevant federal and state policies and regulations (Connecticut and elsewhere) to prevent obesity in children birth to 2 years of age. The results will be a database of policy, legislation, and regulation and the development of a Connecticut policy agenda on childhood obesity for children ages birth to 2. The proposed policy agenda will assist academics, practitioners, program staff, community coalitions and advocates committed to preventing and reducing early childhood obesity in Connecticut.

Baby-Friendly Hospitals: $59,870, The Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is an international movement launched by the World Health Organization and UNICEF to increase rates of breastfeeding through policy changes in birthing hospitals. Eight of 28 birthing hospitals in Connecticut have achieved this designation. The project goals include: 1) assist Connecticut hospitals already in the process to complete their work and achieve the baby-friendly designation; 2) recruit one or more Connecticut hospital to start the baby-friendly hospital designation process; 3) strengthen the infrastructure to support hospitals moving from start to finish including developing partnerships with physicians, community providers, mothers and families; and 4) report on the sustainability and maintenance of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

Learn more about CHDI’s work to prevent obesity in early childhood at www.chdi.org. For further information about the “Preventing Obesity in Early Childhood Grants, please visit www.childrensfundofct.org.

–Julie Tacinelli

Firefighter Breach Exercise a Smash

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LEFT: When possible, removing a window is preferable to smashing it. RIGHT: But that’s not always possible. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
LEFT: When possible, removing a window is preferable to smashing it. RIGHT: But that’s not always possible. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)

As construction of the new hospital building gets closer to completion, UConn Health firefighters are putting some of their focus on how to take the building apart.

With a two-story mock-up created by the contractor to showcase a portion of the tower no longer needed, the UConn Health Fire Department used it as an important training opportunity.

Firefighters Michael Alger and Brian Little breach a wall to find metal studs. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
Firefighters Michael Alger and Brian Little breach a wall to find metal studs. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)

“It’s almost identical in construction to the new hospital,” says Capt. John Kowalski. “It gives us a chance to go over the construction of the building so we know what we’re dealing with if we ever have to gain access, or for ventilation and rescue if we need it.”

That may involve taking out a window or cutting through a wall or roof, using a combination of power tools, brute force, and brain power to gain entry.

The exercise was as much about learning about the structure itself as it was about tactical training.

“Going into to this, we knew there were different materials, like metal and masonry in the walls and metal decking on the roof,” Kowalski says. “This helps us find out what kinds of issues we may encounter and how we can be prepared for them in a real event.”

All firefighters are trained to save lives first and preserve property second. The UConn Health Fire Department has the additional priority of business continuity – enabling the clinical operations to continue when possible.

Ideally if a window needs to go, it can be removed intact rather than smashed. On this building, the firefighters learned that was an option for some windows, but not for all of them.

Still, the destructive nature of this exercise makes it a popular one.

“I never have trouble finding volunteers for this,” Kowalski says.

Firefighter David Demarest scrapes away at insulation. Cutting in a triangular shape can help maintain a wall’s structural integrity. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
Firefighter David Demarest scrapes away at insulation. Cutting in a triangular shape can help maintain a wall’s structural integrity. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
Firefighter Brian Little tests the masonry. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
Firefighter Brian Little tests the masonry. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
Lt. Wendell Cote supervises as a probationary firefighter saws into the metal skin of the exterior. The nearby window was removed intact. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
Lt. Wendell Cote supervises as a firefighter David Noyes saws into the metal skin of the exterior. The nearby window was removed intact.
(Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
The mock-up also provides an opportunity to cut through the roof. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)
The mock-up also provides an opportunity to cut through the roof. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health)

(From) Under the Microscope: Newest UConn Health Art Exhibit

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Art in Nanochemistry Exhibit
Top: “Star Wars” depicts computer animation of the uptake of fluorescent protein nanoparticles (green objects) by cancer cells. Left: “Crystal Rose” is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a 50 micrometer high self-assembled micro-flower made from barium carbonate and silica. Right: “‘Enzyme’ Stained Glass is an SEM eimage showing the random pattern of panes formed by lysozyme/DNA complex, with colors added to enhance the image. (Images courtesy of the Kumar Research Group)
Challa Kumar, professor of Chemistry, in his lab working with a CO2 Sequestering Machine he and some of his graduate students constructed.
Challa Kumar

The newest art exhibit on display in the lobby and mezzanine in the UConn Health main building is native to the University.

Challa Vijaya Kumar, a professor of chemistry at UConn with joint appointments in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Institute of Materials Science, is also an amateur water colorist. His office showcases several of his paintings.

“Art in Nanonchemistry,” an exhibit by Kumar and two of his graduate students, will be on display through Dec. 10.

About the Artists

Caterina Riccardi
Caterina Riccardi

Kumar says he’s interested in promoting the intersection of art and science. He, along with students Caterina Riccardi and Bobbi Stromer, used high-powered electron or optical microscopes to capture nature at the nano level and create images otherwise not visible to the naked eye.

Riccardi is working for a Ph.D. in chemistry, wrapping enzymes in polymers. As an undergraduate at Wheaton College, she took classes in the studio arts in addition to chemistry and Italian studies. She says she enjoys bridging the gap between art and chemistry.

Stromer, also pursing a Ph.D. in chemistry, is investigating protein chemical modification synthesis to more stable proteins for use in sensing, industrial catalysis and imaging.

The UConn Health Art Advisory Committee invites viewings from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Bobbi Stromer
Bobbi Stromer

UConn Health’s collection of fine art serves to enhance the environment and promote the sense of a caring community for patients, visitors, staff and students. Art is selected, acquired and exhibited by the UConn Health Art Advisory Committee. To view a selection of the permanent collection visit: http://auxiliary.uchc.edu/art/exhibit.html.

Donation to Help Pay for UConn Health Mammograms

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Dozens of women to benefit from gift to UConn Foundation

Dr. Bruce Liang, Dean of the UConn Health School of Medicine, Wanita Thorpe, academic administrative manager of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sue Tenore and Adam Clemens of the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation, Richard Carbray Jr. of the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation, the UConn Health Board of Directors and UConn Board of Trustees, and Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, executive vice president for health affairs at UConn Health. (Photo by UConn Provost Mun Choi).
Dr. Bruce Liang, Dean of the UConn Health School of Medicine, Wanita Thorpe, academic administrative manager of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sue Tenore and Adam Clemens of the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation, Richard Carbray Jr. of the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation, the UConn Health Board of Directors and UConn Board of Trustees, and Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, executive vice president for health affairs at UConn Health. (Photo by UConn Provost Mun Choi).

Up to 60 women who are either uninsured or underinsured will receive free and potentially life-saving mammograms this year at UConn Health, thanks to a recent $6,000 donation from the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Many of these women would not go for mammograms otherwise because they have no coverage,” says Richard Carbray Jr., a member of the UConn Health’s board of directors who helped facilitate the gift.

The gift, to be paid in two $3,000 installments, was presented to the UConn Foundation’s Linda Clemens Fund at a recent UConn Health board of directors meeting. The funds will help support the mammogram program.

“We’re trying to reach out to as many as we can in the community, really the Hartford-based community. It’s about trying to get out there and work together to eradicate the disease,” says Carbray, who also sits on the board of directors of the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation and recently was elected to his second term as a member of UConn’s Board of Trustees.

This is the second year the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation has made the generous donation to the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health. The program has already provided 35 free mammogram screenings.

“That means a whole lot to us, just the fact that there were 35 women out there who really couldn’t have afforded it and we helped them,” says Adam Clemens, one of the founders of the Linda Clemens Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Breast cancer survival rates increase exponentially the earlier you catch it,” Clemens says.

Breast cancer survivor Rosanne Palazzolo started the foundation in 2011 with Clemens, who lost his own mother, Linda, to breast cancer when he was 7 years old. Their first fundraiser, the Pink Glove Gala, was so popular it has become an annual event.

About a year ago, with Carbray’s help, the Linda Clemens Foundation asked to meet with leaders of UConn Health’s breast program to inquire about how they could partner together. They decided to focus on early detection through annual screenings for underserved and uninsured women.

“Our comprehensive breast team educates women at various community outreach events throughout the year on 3D mammography and early detection,’’ says Wanita Thorpe, academic administrative manager for the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. “But to tell a woman with no insurance we can offer her a free mammogram can be life changing.’’

In addition to funding the mammograms, the Linda Clemens Foundation provides “chemo care bags” for UConn patients that consist of games, lotion, nail care items, hats, and candy.

The foundation has also donated 30 $50 Stop & Shop cards for patients who sometimes fall on hard times during their cancer treatments, Thorpe says.

–Jack Cramer, UConn Foundation