What We Do
Changing Systems, Improving Lives
All of Connecticut’s residents have the right to good health, and quality health services—access to quality care, the right information to make sound health decisions, and systems that understand their needs to ensure that every citizen, no matter what their needs, can thrive and stay healthy—in mind, body, and spirit.
But there’s a gap between right and reality: health systems that perpetuate racial and ethnic health inequities. A health delivery system in which oral health is not prioritized and perpetuates serious health issues. A juvenile justice system populated with children whose mental health problems were not identified and treated early.
We at the Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) want to help close that gap and change the way society views health and health care so that right and reality are the same for everyone, regardless of race, background, income level, or age. Through our grant-making and public policy work, we build alliances with people and organizations that strive to:
- Fund innovative programs and initiatives that change health systems to improve the health of all.
- Promote policy change.
- Develop influential leaders who can champion health justice.
- Change structures and opinions that produce disparities based on race and ethnicity.
- Educate and empower Connecticut residents so they can make informed decisions and advocate for themselves.
We also foster discussions surrounding public health issues through conferences and educational briefings, and provide resources to conduct objective research on important health policy topics. And we develop strong leaders through our Health Leadership Fellows program.
When we started as a foundation, we did research and found focus areas that we not only felt had high degrees of need, but also could benefit most from our attention. The areas became our priorities. But it has been critical to evolve as we learn. Our forthcoming new Strategic Plan and focus on Health Equity is a reflection of this adaptation.
