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Health Resource Capacity Assessment for Putnam, Connecticut, May 2001Putnam Description: DemographicsPutnam is a very appealing, rural town of 9,002 1 residents in the northeastern corner of Connecticut. Putnam is a closely-knit community with a strong sense of civic involvement and volunteerism. Ninety six percent of residents are white; English is the predominant language 2 . Putnam is the retail center for neighboring communities and has developed a thriving antiques district. Putnam's town government is well organized and stable. The cost of living in Putnam is low, with the lowest equalized mill rate and median house price among Connecticut towns its size 3 . Putnam's crime rate is the 13th lowest among Connecticut's 169 towns 4 . In 1998, 78% of eligible Putnam residents were registered to vote compared to 55% statewide 5 . Through interviews, focus groups and public input, the town's commitment to the health of residents and health care institutions is clear. There is widespread resistance to offering local family planning services and a very small but significant defensiveness regarding gun ownership. Despite a very low tax rate, there is resistance to an increase in local taxes. The level of commitment and civic engagement in Putnam may be its greatest assets. Enthusiasm for the town was virtually unanimous from all sectors. This investigator encountered a remarkable level of cooperation and openness both for this project and to improve the health of town residents. Town leaders and health care institutions were eager to hear both positive and negative feedback. Recruiting for five focus groups within a very tight timeframe could have been a great challenge, but everyone contacted was very willing to help and generous with their time. Busy community leaders were eager to participate in the workgroup that guided this project and intend to continue meetings after the study is complete. Putnam faces several challenging social issues. As one resident stated, "We are small town with big city problems." The state has designated Putnam as a "distressed municipality" 6 . Per capita income for Putnam residents was $18,936 in 1998, compared to $37,452 for the state overall. Unemployment has been consistently higher than state averages 7 . The predominant categories of employment for Putnam residents are manufacturing (20%), retail sales (23%) and services (30%). 8
Many students in Putnam's public schools face significant challenges. 31.8% of students are eligible for free and reduced price lunches compared to 23.6% statewide 10 . Twenty percent of students live in poverty compared to 14% statewide 11 . 16.4% of students receive special education services compared to 12.8% statewide 12 . Drop out rates are consistently above the state average; the cumulative rate for Putnam High School Class of 1999 was 18.7% compared to the statewide average of 14.3% 13 . On the 2000 Connecticut Mastery Test, Putnam students ranked 141st out of 163 districts 14 . Putnam has a higher proportion of residents on public assistance than the rest of the state 15 . In fiscal year 2000, there were 140 reports to the Department of Children and Families of child abuse in Putnam involving 422 children. Fifty-four of those reports were substantiated, involving 152 children. Forty-five Putnam children were in Out of Home Placement 16 .
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