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

August 19, 2025

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

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.

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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.