Health Resource Capacity Assessment for Danielson, Connecticut, June 2003

Executive Summary

Danielson is a small borough of 4,265 residents within the Northeastern Connecticut town of Killingly. Danielson faces some significant challenges that most stakeholders believe are getting worse rather than better. In contrast to both the rest of Killingly and to Connecticut, Danielson residents are more likely to be living in poverty, unemployed, drop out of school, lack a college education, and become a parent as a teenager. One in eight Danielson residents does not have access to a vehicle in their household - a serious obstacle in a rural community. Rates of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, are "intolerable" in Danielson. Businesses are deeply concerned about meeting skyrocketing health benefit costs. Poor nutrition and rising obesity is a serious concern, particularly among those who care for Danielson's children.

There is deep concern among all stakeholders about government cuts to health services as the health care needs of Danielson residents are intensifying. There is a widespread perception that these cuts have fallen disproportionately on Connecticut's rural Northeast corner. A large number of Danielson residents rely on state health coverage programs. Current and proposed budget cuts to these programs are severe and will accelerate the growth in Danielson's already sizeable uninsured population. Accessing dental care and mental health services is very difficult, especially for low-income residents covered by public programs.

However, Danielson is fortunate to be served by several strong, stable healthcare institutions deeply committed to ensuring the health of all residents. Among those institutions are Generations Family Health Center, a federally qualified health center with a satellite clinic in Danielson, providing care to Danielson's growing uninsured population; Day Kimball Hospital, the area's acute care hospital in neighboring Putnam offering a wide array of social support services and educational outreach; and the Northeast District Dept. of Health, a proactive leader in health planning for the region. A collaborative project across at least four area institutions to acquire and operate a mobile dental van has been very successful in improving oral health care access, particularly for children.

Other institutions in Danielson, while not direct health care providers, are very sensitive to health issues and, in some cases, are developing programs outside their direct responsibilities to address health needs. The Women's Center, the region's sexual assault crisis program, is developing a child abuse advocacy center in Danielson. There is a state police barracks in Danielson, with a strong community-policing program that is very sensitive to the community's needs and to rising drug addiction rates and the need for treatment resources. Danielson is home to a transitional homeless shelter serving both individuals and families, with staff that is responsive to the needs of both the community and shelter residents. Childcare providers and public school educators are well informed and responsive to the health needs of Danielson's children.

Some stakeholders described the community as fractious and not united in a shared commitment to addressing Danielson's health needs. However, many also expressed a strong desire to work together, share information and resources. Even in difficult budget times, the Danielson area has found ways to identify and address specific health problems through collaboration. Despite a strongly independent, self-sufficient spirit, there is significant support for shared solutions to improve the health of Danielson residents.

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