School-Based Health Centers Fill Gaps in Kids’ Health Care

KThorpe • February 16, 2022
Child receiving health care services
Father comforts his young daughter as she gets bloodwork done at one of our SBHCs

Why School-Based Health Centers Matter

February is National School-Based Health Center Awareness Month , a campaign to raise awareness of the valuable services offered by school-based health centers (SBHCs). Many parents across Connecticut struggle to access health care services for their children. Lack of health care is a problem that no one, especially children, should face. That is why, as part of InterCommunity Health Care’s mission to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all, we work with schools to provide health care for kids.

Intercommunity’s school-based health centers (SBHCs) serve nearly 2,500 students in seven East Hartford schools. The services go beyond those of the school nurse to support every student’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. 

Licensed by the Department of Public Health, SBHCs give students, including those with limited or no insurance, access to free mental and physical health services within the schools. SBHCs minimize disruptions to learning and eliminate transportation, financial, and other traditional barriers to care.  

Man smiling
Joe Leroy, Principal of Mayberry Elementary

“The services are right there,” says Joe Leroy, Principal of Mayberry Elementary. “Parents can schedule appointments, have their child enrolled, and be seen during the school day on-site, which results in minimal disruption to their child’s academic day and the parent’s work-day.”

Since January of 2021, InterCommunity’s SBHCs have provided around 10,000 mental health and primary care visits. Nearly 6,000 are mental health services including counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health screenings. The remaining include primary care services such as physicals, vaccines, treatment of ongoing conditions, and lab testing. While the centers do not replace pediatricians, they do provide essential care for hundreds of kids without insurance.

Sharon Bremner, Director of Pupil Personnel Services for East Hartford Public Schools, explains the importance of these services. “The centers play a vital role in the community when families may not have access to a pediatrician. It’s a way for a child starting the school year to get their up-to-date physicals and vaccinations. It’s a great opportunity for our families.”

Addressing the Major Issues

In a statement from December 2021, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy stressed the need to address the youth mental health crisis. Limited resources make addressing these needs challenging for schools.

Woman smiling
Sharon Bremner, EHPS Director of Pupil Personnel Services

“With the pandemic and the increasing need for children’s mental health care, [SBHCs] have played a tremendous role in being able to support our kids,” said Bremner.

Staff see students needing more support around depression and anxiety, trauma, absenteeism (missing school), nutrition, and food insecurity.

“Food insecurity is a huge issue,” says Tricia Orozco, InterCommunity’s Director of SBHCs.

Though one of the richest states in the country, 11.9% of CT residents are considered food insecure (not having reliable access to a sufficient amount of affordable, nutritious food). East Hartford is one of the state’s top five cities for food insecurity. Sixty-one percent of East Hartford public school students qualify for free or reduced lunch. In August 2020, United Way reported that 43% of households in East Hartford do not earn enough money to meet their basic human needs. Black and Hispanic residents are most impacted.

SBHCs have resources to help including a food pantry at Mayberry Elementary School and partnerships with Food Share CT to host holiday food drives. However, we continue to see more demand.  

Group of people holding food items and smiling
Tricia Orozco (far left) with school-based health center staff as they organize Thanksgiving dinner ingredients for SBHC families

InterCommunity recently received a grant from CIGNA to launch a food access program. This program will work within the SBHCs to link students and their families with community resources, education and activities about healthy eating, and other tools.

“When basic health needs and/or social-emotional needs are met, [kids] are more successful in school,” Leroy said. “Teachers utilize SBHCs not as something extra, but as an addition to our team.”

Going Above and Beyond

Teenager receiving COVID vaccine
East Hartford high school student receives COVID vaccine

Every day InterCommunity staff work hard to address students’ needs.

“Our SBHCs staff go above and beyond their job description,” Orozco said, “They are compassionate and caring. They have offered services throughout the pandemic in person and reduced barriers to care for parents and students. I’m proud to oversee this team of dedicated employees.”

This work would not be possible without collaboration and support of the East Hartford Board of Education, the Administration of the East Hartford Public Schools (EHPS), the faculty, community stakeholders, students, and families.

“Thank you to the administration of the EHPS for partnering with us. We appreciate the strong relationships that we have built with you,” said Orozco. “And a thank you to the East Hartford community for welcoming us into your schools.”

How to Enroll Your Child

SBHC services are available in English and Spanish to students enrolled in the following schools: East Hartford High, Synergy Alternative, East Hartford Middle, Mayberry Elementary, Silver Lane Elementary, Langford, and Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at Hockanum School. Enroll your child in SBHC services by calling the school directly. For more information, please visit the SBHCs page.

InterCommunity Staff Celebrate Annual Outing with Fun, Food, and Community Spirit

September 23, 2025
On Friday, September 5, InterCommunity staff came together for a day of laughter, connection, and celebration at the annual Employee Outing, held at High Meadow Resort in North Granby. On a mild late-summer day, team members from across the organization gathered in two shifts—morning and afternoon—ensuring everyone could take part in the festivities. From the moment staff arrived in their InterCommunity t-shirts, it was clear this was more than just a work event—it was a chance to relax, enjoy one another’s company, and celebrate the sense of community that defines InterCommunity. The outing offered something for everyone, from lively games of bingo and mini golf to climbing the rock wall—or simply unwinding and enjoying time together. Many staff took the chance to relax, connect with colleagues, and savor a much-needed change from the everyday routine. One of the highlights was the annual IC Challenge Cup field games, where employees teamed up—across departments—for a chance at the coveted trophy and bragging rights. Cheers and laughter echoed across the resort as colleagues encouraged one another in water ballon tossing, tug-of-war, and other activities. For those who preferred relaxation, the swimming pool was the perfect retreat, while others danced to music from a live DJ or enjoyed a peaceful stroll through the scenic resort grounds. The outing also featured an abundance of food, with options ranging from a taco and nacho bar to barbecued chicken, spareribs, veggie burgers, fresh corn on the cob, and even New England clam chowder. And of course, no celebration would be complete without a decorated sheet cake and ice cream that sweetened the day. A special moment of the event was when staff honored Jeff Hughes, outgoing Chief Financial Officer, who will soon be retiring. Jeff received heartfelt farewells and best wishes from colleagues and had the distinct honor of serving as judge for the cannonball contest—an event that drew big laughs and plenty of splashes. By the end of the day, the Employee Outing had once again reminded everyone that InterCommunity is more than a workplace—it’s a community. Staff left with smiles, full stomachs, and memories of a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and gratitude for one another. 

InterCommunity Named Both National and Regional Top Workplace

September 23, 2025
We’re proud to share some exciting news—InterCommunity has been recognized not once, but twice, as a Top Workplace this year! Earlier this summer, we received the 2025 National Healthcare Top Workplace award, an honor given to just 129 organizations across the country with fewer than 500 employees. And now, we’re thrilled to announce that InterCommunity has also been named a Regional Top Workplace by the Hartford Courant, joining a select list of only 59 companies to earn this recognition in 2025. These recognitions are meaningful because they are based entirely on feedback from our staff. More than 233 of you participated in the confidential survey administered by Energage, an independent research firm specializing in workplace culture. Your honest perspectives about what it’s like to work here and the culture we’ve built together earned us these honors. To be named a Top Workplace reflects more than awards; it shows that InterCommunity is a place where people feel valued, seen, respected, and proud of our work. Our team of more than 350 employees brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents, and together, we create an environment where both staff and clients feel they belong. These awards mark the 15 Top Workplace recognitions InterCommunity has received over the past 15 years. They are a powerful reminder that YOU—your energy, compassion, and teamwork—make this organization thrive. Because of you, InterCommunity is not just a Top Workplace, but an extraordinary one.

A New Path for Cervical Cancer Screening at InterCommunity

September 19, 2025
For many patients, cervical cancer screening can feel overwhelming. Traditional Pap tests are invasive, uncomfortable, and for some, retraumatizing. At InterCommunity Health Care, this challenge is especially real for the people we serve—individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, histories of trauma, or those navigating gender dysphoria. Too often, these barriers keep patients from getting preventive care that could save their lives. That’s why InterCommunity has introduced a groundbreaking, patient-centered solution: self-swabs for cervical cancer screening. Recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), self-swabs give patients more control, privacy, and dignity in the screening process. “This is about more than medicine—it’s about creating an environment where every patient feels respected and empowered,” said Dr. Chad McDonald, InterCommunity’s Chief Medical Officer. “By offering trauma-informed care rooted in compassion and dignity, we reduce stigma and anxiety, and open the door for more patients to say yes to prevention.” In 2024, cervical cancer screening rates among eligible female patients at InterCommunity rose significantly with the use of Pap testing alone. With the addition of self-swabs, those numbers are expected to increase—bringing lifesaving screenings to patients who might otherwise go without. For InterCommunity, self-swabs are not just a tool—they’re a symbol of our commitment to high-quality health accessibility. By prioritizing comfort, dignity, and choice, we are breaking down barriers and making preventive care accessible for everyone in our community. Together, we’re paving the way for a healthier future.

The Power of a Trusted Provider: Why Physical Health at InterCommunity Matters

August 22, 2025
At InterCommunity, we believe that staying healthy starts with having a trusted doctor and nurses you can see regularly—what we call Physical Healthcare. It’s more than just going to a clinic when you're sick. It’s about having someone who knows you, understands your health needs, and helps you stay well. When people have a regular doctor or Primary Care Provider (PCP)—this might be a physician, nurse, or physician assistant—they’re more likely to catch health problems early, avoid trips to the emergency room, and feel more in control of their health. For people living with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or even depression, a trusted doctor can make all the difference. And for people working through recovery from addiction, our Physical Health team helps with things like sleep, nutrition, and liver health, all of which are key parts of healing. At InterCommunity, our Physical Health team offers care for the whole person. This includes: Checkups and yearly wellness exams Care for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes Women's health services like Pap smears, birth control, and STI testing Help with quitting smoking and staying up to date on vaccines Support for people in recovery from addiction, including managing medication for addiction like Suboxone, Sublocade, and Vivitrol Same-day visits for minor illnesses Connections to help with food, transportation, employment services, and more We also work closely with mental health counselors, case managers, and community health workers, so our patients get the care and support they need—all in one place. “Having a trusted team of medical experts by your side can change the course of someone’s health journey,” said Tyler Booth, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at InterCommunity. “We’re here to walk with our patients every step of the way.” At InterCommunity, we’re proud to provide care that helps people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Big News for East Hartford: Norris Elementary Opens New School-Based Health Center

August 19, 2025
East Hartford Public Schools and InterCommunity Health Care have taken another important step toward making healthcare more accessible for local families with the opening of the district’s 10th School-Based Health Center (SBHC) at Norris Elementary School. The new center was celebrated on August 11 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by educators, local officials, InterCommunity staff, and community members. Located in a newly renovated space that once served as the North End Senior Center, the Norris SBHC will provide primary care and behavioral health services to students during the school day—services that go far beyond the scope of a school nurse. With parental permission, students can receive checkups, physical exams, immunizations, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, as well as counseling and crisis support. By offering care on campus, the center reduces missed school time for students and eliminates transportation and scheduling challenges for families. “Expanding our School-Based Health Center program to Norris Elementary is a meaningful step toward ensuring every child has access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare—right where they learn,” said Kimberly L. Beauregard, President & CEO of InterCommunity Health Care. “This program is about more than treatment—it’s about connection, prevention, and supporting the whole child.” The expansion of a School-Based Health Center at Norris was made possible through the leadership of Tricia Orozco, Vice President of Strategic Implementation at InterCommunity; Rebecca Rickert, Clinical Manager for SBHCs; and Jessica Russell, Practice Manager for SBHCs, whose vision and dedication helped bring this new center from concept to reality. School-Based Health Centers are making a measurable difference in East Hartford and Manchester. In the 2024–2025 school year alone, more than 2,100 students received over 23,000 behavioral and physical health services across the district’s centers. For many children, this care means they can remain healthy, focused, and ready to learn—without their families facing the added stress of navigating the healthcare system. With the addition of Norris Elementary, InterCommunity and East Hartford Public Schools are continuing their shared mission to remove obstacles, promote wellness, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

A Day of Health, Fun, and Connection at Our Coventry Street Campus

August 18, 2025
On Friday, August 8, our Coventry Street campus came alive with music, laughter, and a true sense of community as we hosted a special celebration in honor of National Health Center Week. The event brought together patients, neighbors, community partners, and staff for a day filled with health resources, family-friendly activities, and an inspiring reminder of the power of community-centered care. We were honored to welcome Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman John Larson, and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, each of whom spoke about the vital role community health centers play in expanding access to care and improving health outcomes. Their visits underscored the importance of our mission and the ongoing need to invest in healthcare for all. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a variety of activities and resources. Children bounced and played in the inflatable house, families visited the mobile library, and neighbors explored tables hosted by local vendors offering information on housing assistance, nutrition, mental health support, and other community resources. The InterCommunity Mobile Unit was also on site, providing complete physical exams and behavioral health assessments. For those looking to relax, an all-levels yoga session offered a moment of calm amid the excitement. Healthy snacks and refreshing treats from an ice cream truck kept everyone fueled for the fun, and raffle prizes added an extra spark of excitement. The day was about more than festivities — it was a celebration of connection and commitment. Every conversation between neighbors, every shared laugh over ice cream, and every handshake between a community leader and a resident was a reminder that health is not just about medical care; it’s about fostering trust, building relationships, and working together toward a healthier future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our community partners, vendors, and attendees for making this event a success — and to our dedicated InterCommunity Health Care team, whose hard work made the day possible. Your enthusiasm and energy turned National Health Center Week into an unforgettable celebration of wellness, unity, and hope. 

Fighting Hepatitis One Patient at a Time

July 25, 2025
July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day, a time to shed light on a silent but serious group of diseases that affect millions of people across the country—including right here in Greater Hartford. Hepatitis A, B, and C are all viral infections that attack the liver, often with few symptoms in the early stages. Without diagnosis and treatment, they can lead to long-term complications, including liver failure and cancer. Among them, Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common and dangerous. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , estimated new HCV infections in the U.S. rose to 67,400 in 2023, a sharp increase from 44,700 in 2017. These numbers are more than double the CDC’s target goal of 35,000 by 2025. While the rate of Hepatitis C-related deaths has dropped to 2.89 per 100,000, down from 4.13 in 2017, the fight is far from over. The CDC’s goal is to reduce the mortality rate below 3.00 by 2025—and communities like ours must remain at the forefront of that effort. InterCommunity Health Care is doing exactly that. “At InterCommunity, we work daily to eliminate Hepatitis C as a public health threat for the Hartford area. By training every primary care provider to screen, diagnose, and treat Hepatitis C during their orientation, we are removing barriers and restoring hope to patients by treating right from the patient’s medical home,” said Dr. Chad McDonald, Chief Medical Officer at InterCommunity. “We are bringing care to where our patients feel safest and most supported.” In addition to Hepatitis C, InterCommunity also provides testing, vaccines, and care coordination for Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B is often transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Both can be prevented through vaccination—something InterCommunity offers as part of our comprehensive care. We know that early detection saves lives. That’s why we encourage our patients to ask about hepatitis testing, especially if they have a history of injection drug use, were born between 1945 and 1965, or have certain chronic health conditions. Eliminating hepatitis in our region is not just a public health goal—it’s a matter of dignity and access. At InterCommunity, we are proud to lead this work with compassion and urgency, one patient at a time.
Top Work Places 2025

From Kimberly Beauregard, President & CEO: A Workplace That Reflects Our Values

July 22, 2025
I’m proud to share that InterCommunity Health Care has been recognized as a 2025 National Healthcare Top Workplace, an honor awarded to just 129 organizations across the country with fewer than 500 employees. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it’s based entirely on feedback from our staff, gathered confidentially by the independent research firm Energage. To be named a Top Workplace is a reflection of the environment we’ve built together—one where people feel respected, valued, and supported. Our team brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents to their work, and that richness strengthens everything we do. Both staff and clients often share how deeply they feel they belong here—and that speaks volumes about our culture. As we celebrate this achievement, we stay grounded in our mission: to provide thoughtful, compassionate care to those who need it most. That mission remains unchanged—and it will continue to guide us as we grow and serve together.

InterCommunity Named a National 2025 Healthcare Top Workplace

July 16, 2025
InterCommunity Health Care is proud to announce that it has been nationally recognized as a 2025 Healthcare Top Workplace , a prestigious honor awarded to only 129 organizations nationwide with fewer than 500 employees. This recognition is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through a confidential survey administered by Energage, an independent research firm specializing in workplace culture. The Top Workplaces program is the nation’s most credible and objective employer recognition initiative—free from subjective elements and grounded in robust data analysis.  “I’m beyond excited and proud to accept this national honor for the very first time,” said Kimberly Beauregard, President and CEO of InterCommunity Health Care. “This recognition is a direct reflection of our dedicated team—professionals who bring unmatched passion, skill, and commitment to the individuals and families we serve throughout the Greater Hartford community.” InterCommunity Health Care remains deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and mission-driven workplace that empowers employees to make a difference every day. For more information, please call 860-569-5900
health care legislative support

What the New State Budget Means for InterCommunity

June 26, 2025
On May 20, InterCommunity Health Care joined more than 2,000 nonprofit providers, staff, and clients at the Connecticut State Capitol to demand fair and sustainable funding for community-based health and human services. The rally, held just days before the close of the state’s legislative session, served as a powerful, united call for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents. The event came at a pivotal moment. As the June 4 legislative deadline approached, lawmakers and the Governor worked to finalize the state budget—nonprofits like InterCommunity sounded the alarm. Despite growing demand for services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, primary care, and community outreach, the adopted budget included no general funding increase for nonprofit providers for the 2025 fiscal year. With banners held high and voices raised, InterCommunity staff stood in solidarity with peer organizations from across the state, urging elected officials to address a deepening crisis. Nonprofit providers like InterCommunity—who deliver essential services to people facing serious barriers to care—have gone years without adequate increases in funding, all while costs rise. “Connecticut’s nonprofit health providers are doing more with less every day,” said Kim Beauregard, President and CEO of InterCommunity. “We serve people who face serious barriers to care—housing insecurity, poverty, substance use, and trauma. When the state underfunds organizations like ours, our communities suffer. This is not just a budget issue—it’s a public health crisis.” While targeted increases were approved for providers who run group homes and treat developmental disabilities—with required wage increases for caregivers—broad-based support for organizations like InterCommunity was once again deferred. Lawmakers also designated $30 million in the second year of the budget for nonprofits serving individuals with mental health and substance use needs or providing reentry support to formerly incarcerated people. InterCommunity’s presence at the Capitol was not just symbolic—it was a statement of values and a demonstration of unity with peer organizations across the state. The message was clear: Connecticut cannot balance its budget at the expense of the most vulnerable. The rally was part of a larger statewide effort led by the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance to ensure policymakers understand the real-world impact of chronic underfunding. Without action, providers warned, services may be scaled back or eliminated, wait times could increase, and individuals and families may go without critical care. “There’s a real disconnect between the value of our work and the state’s investment in it,” Beauregard added. “We were proud to stand up for our staff, our clients, and our mission. The fight for fair funding doesn’t end with the legislative session—it continues in every conversation we have about what kind of community we want to be.” As we look ahead, InterCommunity remains committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care—and to advocating for the resources needed to keep that promise.