Fair Haven Community Health Care

Summary
Overview
Programs
Management
Governance
Financials
More Details

Mission

To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive.

Needs Statement

Fair Haven Community Health Care is dedicated to serving the diverse population of New Haven County by providing essential healthcare services regardless of financial capacity. As a cornerstone of community health, our center is committed to addressing the comprehensive needs of our patients, offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and preventive care services. Our financial priorities are centered around expanding patient programs, improving our quality metrics, identifying necessary capital improvements, and ensuring competitive wages and benefits for our 300+ staff members. We take pride in exceeding the state's minimum wage requirement by 33%, reflecting our commitment to fair compensation for our dedicated team. Additionally, we aim to enhance our care coordination services to address social determinants of health, despite these services currently not being fully reimbursed through traditional payment models. Continued funding is essential for our expansion efforts, enabling us to meet the increasing demand for accessible healthcare in the Greater New Haven area. While traditional government sources have been pivotal, this support has become less predictable as patient costs rise and our need for additional staff and facilities grows. Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold high-quality healthcare standards and ensure accessibility for all who rely on our services.

Impact Statement

-FHCHC was awarded the Health Quality Leader award (6th year) -Expanded School-Based Dental Program to Ross Woodward School and F.A.M.E, offering preventive dental services to students. -Expanded Shoreline Family Health Care (Branford, CT) to include 4 new clinical exam rooms 1 POD, 1 behavioral health room. -Opened Grand Pharmacy at Shoreline Family Healthcare in Branford and to 111 Grand Ave, New Haven. -Implemented expansion of Husky Coverage from Age 12 to 15 for undocumented immigrants. -Rebranded HIV team to the Pride Team and received the LGBTq+ Healthcare equality Builder designation from the Human Rights campaign. -Received grant funding from National Opioid Settlement Fund to expand Hard Reduction efforts. -Partnered with IRIS to provide comprehensive healthcare for refugees. -Diabetes program received Full Plus Recognition from the CDC. One of four in the State and only Federally Qualified Health Center in CT with this distinction.

CEO statement

Fair Haven Community Health Care (FHCHC) distinguishes itself not merely by the number of patients it serves—over 34,000 per year—but by its commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally sensitive, patient-centered care. This dedication is embodied by our compassionate staff, who forge meaningful relationships with patients. Managing chronic diseases and promoting wellness are foundational to our approach. As a federally qualified health center (FQHC), FHCHC stands out for delivering comprehensive primary care to thousands of families regardless of their financial circumstances, ensuring accessibility and affordability. A critical aspect of our identity is our Board of Directors, with at least 51% comprised of patients, guiding us with a moral compass rooted in community needs. In recent years, FHCHC has experienced significant growth. Our dental practice on Grand Avenue in New Haven is expanding, reducing wait times for new patients with the addition of two new dentists. Our school-based program offers on-site dental care at local schools, enhancing access for students. Responding to the opioid epidemic, we've onboarded two Board Certified Addiction Medicine Internists and a full-time Substance Use Disorder care coordinator. Our Behavioral Health program has also expanded through partnerships with community organizations, enriching services available to patients. FHCHC remains proactive in addressing prevalent health challenges such as diabetes and asthma. For over a decade, our year-round Diabetes Prevention Program and Healthy Lifestyle Management Program have promoted holistic health through family-centric exercise and nutrition education. We continually refine our integrated care model to better manage chronic conditions, emergency department visits, and developmental-behavioral pediatrics, staying responsive to evolving patient and community needs. One of the critical needs our community faces is access to affordable medication. Through the 340B prescription drug program, FHCHC is able to purchase outpatient medications at discounted prices from pharmaceutical manufacturers. These savings are then used to directly benefit patients by lowering the cost of prescription drugs they receive at the health center. This program plays a vital role in guaranteeing our patients affordable access to medications, aligning with our mission to equitable healthcare delivery. At FHCHC, our ongoing commitment is to adapt and innovate, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care in a supportive, community-driven environment. Suzanne P. Lagarde MD MBA FACP Chief Executive Officer Fair Haven Community Health Care

Board Chair Statement

Fair Haven Community Health Care (FHCHC) was founded on the belief that all patients deserve high-quality health care that is culturally relevant, regardless of their ability to pay. The health center never turns anyone away. Our staff is always available to provide excellent care. The health center began providing care in a small space in the Fair Haven neighborhood and has grown to see over 34,000 patients a year, at our 21 sites in the Greater New Haven area. Over the past 53 years, FHCHC has served several generations of families and continues to maintain the family model of care as a central focus for providing integrated, primary care to the medically underserved and uninsured, in the communities we serve. I continue to be honored to be part of a community of people who truly provide compassionate and culturally appropriate health care. Our Board of Directors works hard to create policies that align with the vision and mission of the clinic. As a patient, it gives me great hope for the future of our community that we're continuing to build a health center that provides high-quality of care, treating patients in culturally relevant ways to help eliminate health disparities in the Greater New Haven area. Maribel Martinez Board President Fair Haven Community Health Care

Areas Served
Greater New Haven

Areas Served Narrative

Primary Care

We are dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare services to all individuals, irrespective of their financial circumstances. Our healthcare approach encompasses a wide spectrum of services, addressing chronic conditions, acute care needs, and preventive health measures through an integrated framework. Each patient benefits from a dedicated care team, ensuring continuity and personalized attention across visits and over time. Our commitment extends beyond individual care to fostering a sense of family and community continuity, where patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, feel valued and supported. Our services span primary care across all age groups, including pediatrics, geriatrics, midwifery, and women's health, alongside specialized programs such as behavioral health, dental care, substance use disorder treatment, infectious disease and HIV management, diabetes wellness initiatives, and various specialty services. Emphasizing a holistic approach, we prioritize addressing social determinants of health such as housing, food security, transportation access, employment support, and parenting needs. Our providers collaborate closely with Care Coordinators to mitigate these factors, ensuring optimal quality of life for our patients. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we take pride in offering compassionate care to every patient, regardless of their ability to pay. Uninsured individuals receive care on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size, while we accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurances. We stand committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare services for all.
Example of Program Success	As a Federally Quality Health Center, we submit data on our primary care services annually to the federal government. We consistently perform in the top quartile nationally for many clinical quality metrics, and have been recognized as a Healthcare Quality Leader by HRSA 6 years in a row.

We are dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare services to all individuals, irrespective of their financial circumstances. Our healthcare approach encompasses a wide spectrum of services, addressing chronic conditions, acute care needs, and preventive health measures through an integrated framework. Each patient benefits from a dedicated care team, ensuring continuity and personalized attention across visits and over time. Our commitment extends beyond individual care to fostering a sense of family and community continuity, where patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, feel valued and supported. Our services span primary care across all age groups, including pediatrics, geriatrics, midwifery, and women's health, alongside specialized programs such as behavioral health, dental care, substance use disorder treatment, infectious disease and HIV management, diabetes wellness initiatives, and various specialty services. Emphasizing a holistic approach, we prioritize addressing social determinants of health such as housing, food security, transportation access, employment support, and parenting needs. Our providers collaborate closely with Care Coordinators to mitigate these factors, ensuring optimal quality of life for our patients. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we take pride in offering compassionate care to every patient, regardless of their ability to pay. Uninsured individuals receive care on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size, while we accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurances. We stand committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare services for all.

Example of Program Success

As a Federally Quality Health Center, we submit data on our primary care services annually to the federal government. We consistently perform in the top quartile nationally for many clinical quality metrics, and have been recognized as a Healthcare Quality Leader by HRSA 6 years in a row.

Behavioral Health/Substance Abuse Services

Our behavioral health staff provides therapeutic counseling and behavioral health assessments. Specific services include: crisis intervention, one-on-one and group counseling, medication evaluation and management, and specialties such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention, Image-guided therapy, Mindfulness. In response to the opioid crisis, we created an integrated substance abuse program, providing both Behavioral Health and Medical Care for patients suffering from substance use disorders. Board certified addiction specialists and Behavioral Health clinicians with advanced training in substance use disorders work with patients in tandem, providing coordinated medication and counseling for patients. We also work closely with a local methadone clinic, Multicultural Ambulatory Addiction Services (MAAS), providing medical care , and with a needle exchange program providing free, clean injection equipment to patients who are continue to use injectable substances. Care Coordination is vital component of our holistic medical approach and housing, personal and financial issues are intertwined with access to good health. All Fair Haven Community Health Care patients benefit from our Care Coordination services. Focused on ensuring the most culturally sensitive, relevant care, we work closely with community based partners to provide access to services patients may need, including transportation and translation; obtaining basic needs such as food, clothing, housing; eligibility assistance/health insurance access (especially Medicaid HUSKY, and Medicare); and case management. We have designated Care Coordination teams for special population groups including HIV patients, special needs children and uninsured patients referred from the emergency rooms to us for a medical home, so that those patients can take advantage of our specialized experience and resources.
Example of Program Success	Patients who have committed to treatment for opioid addiction have experienced great success, including decreased emergency department use, maintaining stable housing, gaining employment after an extended unemployment, and more stable family relationships. In a recent focus group, all eight substance use disorder patients attributed their increased self-confidence and better health overall to the compassionate, but tough-love support they received from their FHCHC care team.

Our behavioral health staff provides therapeutic counseling and behavioral health assessments. Specific services include: crisis intervention, one-on-one and group counseling, medication evaluation and management, and specialties such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention, Image-guided therapy, Mindfulness. In response to the opioid crisis, we created an integrated substance abuse program, providing both Behavioral Health and Medical Care for patients suffering from substance use disorders. Board certified addiction specialists and Behavioral Health clinicians with advanced training in substance use disorders work with patients in tandem, providing coordinated medication and counseling for patients. We also work closely with a local methadone clinic, Multicultural Ambulatory Addiction Services (MAAS), providing medical care , and with a needle exchange program providing free, clean injection equipment to patients who are continue to use injectable substances. Care Coordination is vital component of our holistic medical approach and housing, personal and financial issues are intertwined with access to good health. All Fair Haven Community Health Care patients benefit from our Care Coordination services. Focused on ensuring the most culturally sensitive, relevant care, we work closely with community based partners to provide access to services patients may need, including transportation and translation; obtaining basic needs such as food, clothing, housing; eligibility assistance/health insurance access (especially Medicaid HUSKY, and Medicare); and case management. We have designated Care Coordination teams for special population groups including HIV patients, special needs children and uninsured patients referred from the emergency rooms to us for a medical home, so that those patients can take advantage of our specialized experience and resources.

Example of Program Success

Patients who have committed to treatment for opioid addiction have experienced great success, including decreased emergency department use, maintaining stable housing, gaining employment after an extended unemployment, and more stable family relationships. In a recent focus group, all eight substance use disorder patients attributed their increased self-confidence and better health overall to the compassionate, but tough-love support they received from their FHCHC care team.

Child-Focused Programs

Our innovation and commitment to pediatric health and wellness extend far beyond traditional care models. We proudly launched Connecticut's first school-based health center, pioneering student access to primary and specialty care. Today, we operate 12 school-based health centers (SBHC) in partnership with local Boards of Education. Each SBHC features a dedicated Nurse Practitioner offering comprehensive medical services such as physical exams and immunizations. Collaborative efforts with students' pediatricians or referrals to FHCHC pediatric specialists and Care Coordination services ensure seamless continuity of care. Expanding our pediatric services, we now provide Allergy and Asthma Care, Pediatric Dermatology, a Developmental Behavioral Clinic, and telehealth counseling for teens dealing with issues related to tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. Our LGBTQ+ Care Team equips our pediatric providers with training on respectful pronoun usage, discussing sexual orientation and healthy behaviors, and navigating resources for patients questioning gender identity. Additionally, we offer an Intensive Outpatient Program at our Branford location, catering to middle and high school students facing significant academic, social, and emotional challenges. This program welcomes qualifying students regardless of their ability to pay. FHCHC has also introduced the Reach Out and Read program to our young patients. This initiative promotes early literacy by prescribing books and encouraging reading aloud to foster language-rich interactions between parents and children, stimulating early brain development. At each well-child visit, young patients select an age-appropriate book from our dedicated library, available in the child's native language, ensuring they can practice reading with adults at home and build their own personal library.
Example of Program Success	--

Our innovation and commitment to pediatric health and wellness extend far beyond traditional care models. We proudly launched Connecticut's first school-based health center, pioneering student access to primary and specialty care. Today, we operate 12 school-based health centers (SBHC) in partnership with local Boards of Education. Each SBHC features a dedicated Nurse Practitioner offering comprehensive medical services such as physical exams and immunizations. Collaborative efforts with students' pediatricians or referrals to FHCHC pediatric specialists and Care Coordination services ensure seamless continuity of care. Expanding our pediatric services, we now provide Allergy and Asthma Care, Pediatric Dermatology, a Developmental Behavioral Clinic, and telehealth counseling for teens dealing with issues related to tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. Our LGBTQ+ Care Team equips our pediatric providers with training on respectful pronoun usage, discussing sexual orientation and healthy behaviors, and navigating resources for patients questioning gender identity. Additionally, we offer an Intensive Outpatient Program at our Branford location, catering to middle and high school students facing significant academic, social, and emotional challenges. This program welcomes qualifying students regardless of their ability to pay. FHCHC has also introduced the Reach Out and Read program to our young patients. This initiative promotes early literacy by prescribing books and encouraging reading aloud to foster language-rich interactions between parents and children, stimulating early brain development. At each well-child visit, young patients select an age-appropriate book from our dedicated library, available in the child's native language, ensuring they can practice reading with adults at home and build their own personal library.

Example of Program Success

Dental

Our Dental Care program has flourished since its inception, culminating in the establishment of a dedicated dental facility at 50 Grand Avenue, New Haven. Our team now includes 2 full-time dentists, 4 dental hygienists (including school-based specialists), and a committed support staff. Our comprehensive range of dental services spans Dental Exams, X-Rays, Cleanings for both adults and children, Emergency Dental Treatment, Fluoride and Sealant applications, Fillings, Dental Crowns, Extractions, Root Canal Treatments, and Dental Prosthetics such as Dentures and Partial Dentures. To enhance patient care, we've seamlessly integrated our dental and medical records via YNHH's MyChart portal. This integration allows our providers access to each patient's complete health history through a secure, unified platform. In collaboration with the New Haven Board of Education, we extend our services to 7 local schools through our school-based dental program. This initiative provides essential preventive care including cleanings, exams, x-rays, and sealants, along with basic restorative treatments such as fillings, extractions, and pain management. Referrals for advanced dental care needs are conveniently directed to our main Dental Care office at 50 Grand Avenue, New Haven.
Example of Program Success	By locating dental services within schools, Fair Haven Community Health Care increases accessibility for students who face barriers to dental care outside of school hours and reduces the need for parents to take time off work to bring their children to appointments, making it more convenient for families. School-based clinics allow for early identification and treatment of dental issues. Regular check-ups and preventive care (like cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments) catch problems early and prevent more serious dental issues in the future. Improved oral health leads to fewer missed school days due to dental-related problems, benefiting both students and educational outcomes.

Our Dental Care program has flourished since its inception, culminating in the establishment of a dedicated dental facility at 50 Grand Avenue, New Haven. Our team now includes 2 full-time dentists, 4 dental hygienists (including school-based specialists), and a committed support staff. Our comprehensive range of dental services spans Dental Exams, X-Rays, Cleanings for both adults and children, Emergency Dental Treatment, Fluoride and Sealant applications, Fillings, Dental Crowns, Extractions, Root Canal Treatments, and Dental Prosthetics such as Dentures and Partial Dentures. To enhance patient care, we've seamlessly integrated our dental and medical records via YNHH's MyChart portal. This integration allows our providers access to each patient's complete health history through a secure, unified platform. In collaboration with the New Haven Board of Education, we extend our services to 7 local schools through our school-based dental program. This initiative provides essential preventive care including cleanings, exams, x-rays, and sealants, along with basic restorative treatments such as fillings, extractions, and pain management. Referrals for advanced dental care needs are conveniently directed to our main Dental Care office at 50 Grand Avenue, New Haven.

Example of Program Success

By locating dental services within schools, Fair Haven Community Health Care increases accessibility for students who face barriers to dental care outside of school hours and reduces the need for parents to take time off work to bring their children to appointments, making it more convenient for families. School-based clinics allow for early identification and treatment of dental issues. Regular check-ups and preventive care (like cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments) catch problems early and prevent more serious dental issues in the future. Improved oral health leads to fewer missed school days due to dental-related problems, benefiting both students and educational outcomes.

CEO/Executive Director

CEO First Name	CEO Last Name	CEO Email
Suzanne	Lagarde	s.lagarde@fhchc.org

Staff Information

Number of Full-Time Staff	292
Number of Part-Time Staff	33
Number of Volunteers	0
Number of Contract Staff	0

Staff Demographics - Race

American Indian or Alaskan Native	0
Asian	9
Black or African American	27
Middle Eastern or North African	0
Mixed	6
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander	1
White	86
Other	196
Choose Not to Answer	0

Staff Demographics - Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino/a/x	196
Not Hispanic or Latino/a/x	129
Choose Not to Answer	0

Staff Demographics - Gender Identity

Male	35
Female	290
I am: (Fill In Below)	0
Choose Not to Answer	0

Board Chair Information

Board Chair First Name	Board Chair Last Name	Board Chair Email Address	Board Chair Term Start Date	Board Chair Term End Date
Maribel	Martinez	marimartinez0525@gmail.com	April 15, 2020	April 15, 2026

List of Board Members

Board Member First Name	Board Member Last Name	Board Member Affiliation
Thomas	Candrick, Esq.	Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey, LLP
Magda Ana	Natal	New Haven Board of Education
Luis	Luna	Husky 4 Immigrants
John	DeStefano, Jr., MPA	Start Bank, New Haven
Enrique E.	Juncadella, PhD	Behavioral Health Homes
Bill	Morico	Retired, State Comptroller's Office
Andréa M.	Simmons	Elderly Housing Management
Carla	Weil, MPP	Capital for Change, Inc.
Nitza	Diaz	CREC
Malwin	Dávila, MS	William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund
Ruth	Rodriquez	Gather New Haven
Marta	Moret, MPH	Urban Policy Strategies
José	Crespo	CTLEAD

Current List of Board Members as of	October 22, 2024

Board Demographics - Race

American Indian or Alaskan Native	0
Asian	0
Black or African American	1
Middle Eastern or North African	0
Mixed	2
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander	0
Other	7
White	4
Choose Not to Answer	0

Board Demographics - Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino/a/x	8
Not Hispanic or Latino/a/x	5
Choose Not to Answer	1

Board Demographics - Gender Identity

Male	7
Female	7
I am: (Fill In Below)	0
Choose Not to Answer	0

Additional Comments

Additional Comments (Optional)

Annual Operating Budget

Fiscal Year Start Date	Fiscal Year End Date	Projected Revenue	Projected Expenses
July 1, 2024	June 30, 2025	$50,862,442	$50,840,592

Previous Fiscal Year Revenue and Expenses

Fiscal Year	2024	2023	2022
Total Revenue	$65,902,713	$46,992,311	$38,535,950
Total Expenses	$51,756,011	$42,036,522	$36,181,411

990 Tax Form

2024 990 Tax Form
2021 990 Tax Form	Download
2022 990 Tax Form	Download
2023 990 Tax Form	Download

Financials

Financial Statements	Download
Financial Documentation Year	2024
Financial Documentation Type	Audited Financial Statements
Financial Statements	Download
Financial Documentation Year	2021
Financial Documentation Type	Audited Financial Statements
Financial Statements	Download
Financial Documentation Year	2022
Financial Documentation Type	Audited Financial Statements

CEO statement (optional)

General Info

Federal EIN Number	06-0883545
Organization's type of tax exempt status	501 (c) (3)
Website	http://www.fhchc.org
Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/FHCHC/
Twitter	http://www.twitter.com/FairHavenCHC

Our Story

Help us make sure that our community has access to the high-quality, accessible health care that is so desperately needed. Help us make sure that health care is a right, not a privilege for our patients. Our 36,000+ patients are counting on your support.

* * *

Healthy communities are critical. Access to equitable care is vital. And there is so much needed to keep our community healthy.

Well Care. Chronic Disease. Addiction Medicine. Midwifery. Behavioral Health. Dental. Care Coordination. So many ways to help our patients overcome challenges to good health. Help us be here for them and help protect their greatest asset: their health.

Our mission is to provide access to high-quality, patient-centered and culturally sensitive, health care every day. The barriers for our patients are many. With your help, we can make sure good health is possible.

We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical, behavioral health and dental care, regardless of ability to pay. For over 50 years Fair Haven Community Health Care has been making health care accessible to the communities we serve.

We work closely with our patients to understand the whole story and work as an integrated team to treat the whole patient, providing nationally recognized, high quality, integrated health care to anyone who seeks care.

You can help make sure health care is a right, not a privilege. You can help make sure your neighbors have the access to good health that they deserve. Thank you for your support!

Learn more about what we do by clicking here.

Contact

Fair Haven Community Health Care

374 Grand Avenue
New Haven, CT 06513

Dr. Suzanne Lagarde
s.lagarde@fhchc.org
Phone: 203.752.5121
http://www.fhchc.org