Since its founding in 1968, Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center (CS-HHC) has remained committed to improving the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by providing excellent, compassionate care. By offering our patients accessible, innovative healthcare services, and advocating for our patients; we make life better for them, their families, and the cities and towns in which they live.

Here are two examples of how we’re using innovative techniques to make a difference for our patients.

Innovating Breast Cancer Treatment

CS-HHC’s Internal Medicine Team collaborated with our Women’s Health team to increase breast cancer screening. Together, they used medical records to identify patients due for mammograms. Then, using Epic software, they placed orders with their primary care teams and did outreach via mail and MyChart. During the first year, breast cancer screenings rose 10 percent. Late last year, we expanded our reminder system with automated text and voice messaging to patients who hadn’t yet scheduled mammograms. We believe these enhancements will mean even more patients getting breast cancer screenings in 2024!

Early Lung Cancer Detection Saves Lives

Patients in underserved communities who might benefit from CT scans to screen for lung cancer often don’t get them, due to lack of insurance, lack of access to primary care and healthcare facilities, and stigmatization. A trusted provider, however, can save lives. One CS-HHC patient, a 65-year-old smoker, finally agreed with his provider to have yearly cancer screenings. In 2023, a previously benign-looking nodule took on malignant features. We referred him to a thoracic oncologic surgeon, who removed the nodule. His cancer was caught early, before any sign of spreading, and he’s doing well. With early detection, he’s likely added years to his life.

Our new partner in care: The CS-HHC Foundation

With the help of our newly established CS-HHC Foundation and its dedicated cadre of caring Board members, Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center is finding – and funding – creative ways to better address the healthcare needs of our growing patient population, including those addressing poverty and food insecurity, wellness and health services for underserved minorities, and advancing health equity within the neighborhoods and communities we serve.

And we’re grateful to our many supporters, including those who will donate to the Cornell Scott-Hill Heath Center during the 2024 Great Give. Thank you!

As a Supporter, did you know?

Throughout our history, CS-HHC has remained committed to advancing health equity for all, providing holistic health care, broadening the reach of our services, exemplifying excellence, and transforming lives. Connecticut’s first Federally Qualified Health Center, we have never wavered from our mission, even as we grew from a single site in New Haven’s Hill neighborhood to our 31 current care sites throughout Greater New Haven and the Lower Naugatuck Valley. Last year alone, our more than 700 clinicians and staff provided approximately 344,670 medical and behavioral health visits to over 56,000 patients, reaching people in 143 out of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

Our patients reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

· Many live in some of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Connecticut, the sixth richest state in America.

· They reflect a broad range of race, ethnicity, age, gender, income, and insurance status.

· They identify as American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White, or mixed race.

· They face a myriad of challenges, many adversely affecting their physical and mental health. Those challenges include hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, mental illness, chronic diseases and lack of access to medical and behavioral health services everyone needs … and deserves.

CS-HHC’s patient-centered, integrated care teams are proud to offer all our patients- adults and children- a comprehensive range of health services, specialties, and sub-specialties, including:

· Behavioral Health (mental health services and counseling, and addiction services)

· Dental Services (preventive and restorative oral care)

· Dermatology

· Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

· Infectious Diseases

· Internal Medicine

· Ophthalmology (eye clinic)

· Gastroenterology

· Neurology

· Pediatrics

· Podiatry

· Rheumatology

· Women’s Health (obstetrics, gynecology, and family planning)