Big Improvements Happening at InterCommunity!

Last year’s flu season was one of the worst in more than ten years. Thousands of people were hospitalized, and sadly, 280 children across the country lost their lives. Here in Connecticut, only about half of adults got the flu shot. That means too many families were left unprotected. Dr. Chad McDonald, our Chief Medical Officer at InterCommunity, puts it simply: “With over 280 children lost and hospitalizations at a 10-year high, last flu season proved one thing: skipping your shot isn’t just risky—it’s deadly for you and the community.” This year, getting your flu shot matters more than ever—especially for people in communities like ours. The Connecticut Department of Public Health notes that neighborhood poverty is associated with lower flu vaccination rates, even as overall rates improve statewide. And according to Connecticut’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Black and Brown residents are less likely to receive recommended vaccines. These disparities mean that communities of color in Greater Hartford are at higher risk for serious illness from the flu, especially when combined with other health challenges like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. At InterCommunity, we’re working to close that gap. Our clinics make flu shots easy, affordable, and accessible for everyone. When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re protecting your neighbors, elders, and children. This fall, let’s look out for each other. Roll up your sleeve. Get your flu shot. Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect your community.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 14, 2025 —because this year’s Light Up the Night Gala will be bigger and brighter than ever! For the first time, our signature event will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Downtown Hartford, giving us the space to welcome more friends, partners, and supporters than ever before. This isn’t just a fancy night out (though we promise there will be delicious food, dancing, and fun)! Light Up the Night is about something much deeper: coming together to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the care they need—be it physical care, mental health services, addiction recovery, or wellness programs. Every ticket purchased, every table sponsored, and every dollar raised goes directly toward expanding care for children, families, and neighbors across Greater Hartford and beyond. What to Expect Guests will enjoy: Cocktail hour & time to connect with new and old friends. A delicious dinner. Live entertainment & dancing. A silent auction with some truly one-of-a-kind items. Inspiring stories and an awards ceremony honoring local leaders making an impact. We are also thrilled to welcome Renee DiNino , local media personality and Director of Community Affairs at WFSB Channel 3, as this year’s Gala emcee. Renee has a gift for connecting with people and spotlighting the good happening in our communities—you’ll love the warmth and energy she brings to the evening. Honoring Our Partners We couldn’t have pulled off this event without the generosity of our supporters. A special shout-out to our Title Sponsor, Reid & Riege Attorneys, and all of our wonderful sponsors and supporters. Your support helps us keep our mission alive. “Our donors are more than supporters—they’re true partners in our mission. Every contribution reflects a belief in our work and a shared commitment to building a healthier, more connected community. I’m deeply grateful for the trust our donors place in InterCommunity, because their generosity makes it possible for us to expand care and change lives every day,” said Venton B. Forbes, Vice President of Community Integration and Impact at InterCommunity. Why It Matters InterCommunity began as a small nonprofit offering behavioral health services. Today, we have more than 350 employees providing a full range of care that uplifts thousands of lives each year. But here’s the truth: the need is greater than ever. And that’s why this Gala matters. “For more than two decades, I’ve seen firsthand InterCommunity’s impact on families across Greater Hartford. What makes this work so meaningful is knowing that we’re not just providing care—we’re providing hope, dignity, and belonging,” said Kimberly L. Beauregard, President & Chief Executive Officer at InterCommunity. “Our gala is a reminder that when we come together as a community, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has access to the care they deserve.” By showing up—by buying a ticket, sponsoring a table, bidding at the silent auction—you’re doing more than enjoying a great night out. You’re helping us keep our promise: to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to everyone who walks through our doors, no matter their circumstances. So, let’s come together on November 14 to celebrate, laugh, dance, and—most importantly—make a difference. We can’t wait to see you there. To purchase your tickets today or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit the gala website at: https://give.classy.org/ICGala2025 Help us Light Up the Night!

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States—and in Connecticut, the numbers are especially alarming. Our state has the second-highest rate of new breast cancer cases in the nation, with nearly 4,000 women expected to be diagnosed this year and more than 400 lives lost. That means, on average, one woman dies every single day in Connecticut from a disease that is often preventable through early detection, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). DPH’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program notes that Black women in Connecticut are more likely to die from breast and cervical cancer than any other racial or ethnic group, and Latina women face higher rates of late diagnosis—when treatment is more difficult and survival rates drop. These disparities remind us why access to timely screenings is so critical. While InterCommunity Health Care does not provide mammograms on-site, our providers and Care Coordinators make it a priority to connect patients to screening before they even leave our clinic. From writing referrals to scheduling appointments, we walk alongside our patients every step of the way to ensure no one misses this vital opportunity. Why screenings are important: Mammograms can detect breast cancer years before symptoms appear, when treatment is most successful. National guidelines recommend women ages 40 to 74 get screened every one to two years, though some women at higher risk may need earlier or more frequent testing. Most insurance plans cover mammograms at no cost, and for those without coverage, programs like Connecticut’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (CBCCEDP) provide free screenings. Screening is not always an easy decision. There are benefits and risks, which is why it is important to talk with a trusted healthcare provider to weigh options, ask questions, and make the best choice for your health. At InterCommunity, we believe no woman should face breast cancer alone. Early detection, support, and access to care can save lives, and together, we can change the story for families in the Hartford region and beyond.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.