Connecticut Health Foundation is Accepting Applications for its
2014 Health Leadership Fellows Program
HARTFORD Jan. 31, 2013 – The Connecticut Health Foundation’s Health Leadership Fellows Program is now accepting applications for its ninth class. Within a learning-intensive environment, the program cultivates leaders and change agents who can recognize and seize opportunities to advance health equity for people of color.
“At this pivotal point in our history, we have a great opportunity to make a difference in the health status of residents of color in Connecticut,” said Brenda DelGado, graduate of the 2010 class and executive director of the Central Area Health Education Centers. “CT Health’s Leadership Fellows Program empowers leaders to be more effective when addressing this issue.”
The program brings together diverse, yet like-minded individuals who can influence policies, practices and programs aimed at eliminating health disparities. Ideal candidates possess strong critical thinking skills, access to professional community based opportunities to implement change and influence others, and a desire for ongoing learning and collaboration. Twenty participants, who will be selected through a competitive process, make a ten-month commitment (September 2013 to June 2014).
“The Health Leadership Fellows Program changed my life,” said Brad Plebani, a graduate of the 2010 class and attorney and deputy director for the Center for Medicare Advocacy. “It permitted me to pursue, on a professional basis, my passions for securing good health care for everyone and ending racism.”
“At the foundation, we are particularly interested in men and women from fields in and outside of health – education, business, oral health, mental health – as well as representation from all regions of the state,” says Lina Paredes, vice president of program at CT Health.
The rigorous program includes:
- monthly, half-day seminars led by state and national health leaders, policy-makers, trainers and peers
- two weekend retreats
- a group leadership project
- outside coursework
Once the participants complete the program in June 2014, they become full-fledged Fellows who can collaborate to achieve health equity in Connecticut.
The Health Leadership Fellows network is made up of 160 diverse leaders from around the state who are currently spearheading change in their places of employment, local communities and statewide to move this important issue.
CT Health’s Leadership Fellows Program was established in 2005 after the foundation observed that too few leaders of color were present around tables at which key decisions were being made that affected communities of color.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Application deadline: April 1, 2013
- Applicant interviews: May-June 2013
- Notification: Mid-July 2013
- Orientation: September 11, 2013
- Fall Retreat: September 20-22, 2013
- Spring Retreat: April 11-13, 2014
- Commencement June 18, 2014
- Monthly meetings: Monthly meetings take place from 12 – 5PM on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, October
2013 – June 2014.
The application is available online at https://www.cthealth.org/initiatives/health-leadership-fellows-program. For additional information about the program, contact Lina Paredes, vice president of program at lina@cthealth.org or 860.724.1580.
For additional information about the foundation, visit www.cthealth.org or contact Maryland Grier, senior communications officer, at 860.724.1580, ext. 21 or at maryland@cthealth.org.
About The Connecticut Health Foundation
the state’s largest independent health philanthropy dedicated to improving lives by changing health systems. Since it was established in July 1999, the foundation has supported innovative grant-making, public health policy research, technical assistance and convening to achieve its mission – to improve the health of the people of Connecticut.
Over the past 12 years, CT Health has awarded grants totaling more than $49.4 million in 45 cities and towns throughout the state in three priority areas:
- Improving access to children’s mental health services
- Reducing racial and ethnic health disparities
- Expanding access to and use of children’s oral health services
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