History
CT Health began as a vision of improved health outcomes for all residents of Connecticut. In the first ten years, we’ve grown into the state’s largest independent health philanthropy, awarding 556 grants totaling more than $43.7 million in 45 cities and towns. Take a look at some highlights of our journey.
- 1997—ConnectiCare converted from a non-profit HMO to a for-profit managed-care company. As mandated by the state, money earned prior to the conversion had to fund a charitable foundation to serve the people of Connecticut.
- 1999—ConnectiCare, Inc. created ConnectiCare Holding Company, Inc. as part of its reorganization into a for-profit entity, and launched the Connecticut Health Foundation.
- 1999—Patricia Baker is hired to lead the organization.
- 2001—Made a strategic decision to exercise option to sell equity of ConnectiCare, creating an endowment of $130 million to function as a private foundation to carry out its mission.
- 2002—CT Health announced that it awarded more than $1 million in oral health grants. In September of the same year, the foundation announced a $1 million grant-making initiative aimed at addressing racial and ethnic health disparities.
- 2003—Published first policy brief that provided an in-depth analysis of the impact of Medicaid changes that would impose premiums and co-pays on families enrolled in HUSKY, which contributed to a reversal of the Connecticut General Assembly’s decision.
- 2003—CT Health began executing its first strategic plan, which spanned three years.
- 2005—The Health Leadership Fellows program is established to offer formal training to influential young leaders committed to reducing racial and ethnic health disparities in the state.
- 2007—The foundation released its ten-year strategic plan, with a strong focus on systems change, education, and early identification and treatment of health issues.
- 2010—CT Health shifted the focus of its oral health priority to emphasize the importance of oral health on overall health within medical care, human service and education systems.
