HARTFORD, CT – The Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) has announced Kelly Rago as its new program associate. Kelly joins the program team to provide research, evaluation, and administrative support for the department.
“We are delighted to welcome Kelly to the CT Health team. Her background in public health and advocacy, along with a dedication to and passion for working to advance health equity in Connecticut helps to build a solid program team,” said Patricia Baker, president & CEO of CT Health.
Previously, Kelly interned with the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, where she performed background research and drafted legislative briefings for mental health bills. She also held other positions including: intern for the Connecticut Public Health Association; and advanced clinical assistant for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, where she continues to serve on the advocacy committee.
“I am excited to be the Connecticut Health Foundation’s new program associate, especially during a time of health care reform and shortly after the rollout of a new strategic plan of expanding health equity,” said Kelly. “Between my previous work with diverse populations at Planned Parenthood and my public health training, I have gained knowledge of population-based health as well as research and evaluation skills which I will use to help CT Health carry out its mission of improving the health of people of Connecticut.”
Kelly received her bachelors in psychology and a masters of public health from the University of Connecticut.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) is 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 close to $50 million in 45 cities and towns throughout the state.
In April 2013, CT Health announced its five-year strategic plan to transition to expand health equity as a focus. For CT Health, health equity means helping more people gain access to better care, especially people of color. Better care includes physical, mental, and oral health.
For more information about the foundation, please visit www.cthealth.org or contact Senior Communications Officer Maryland Grier at Maryland@cthealth.org or 860.724.1580, ext. 21.