Health Resource Capacity Assessment for Putnam, Connecticut, May 2001

Summary

Putnam is a closely-knit, rural community facing increasing health care challenges. Some of those challenges are related to economic forces - lack of insurance, family stress; some relate to the rural character of the town - transportation, lack of providers, access to care; and some are challenges faced by many Connecticut towns that are particularly acute in Putnam - behavioral health services, dental care, smoking, asthma, and obesity.

Putnam's town leaders and provider community are deeply committed to meeting those challenges and maintaining the health of the community. There is a clear recognition that Putnam's health care environment is changing. Very busy community leaders and providers were eager to devote time to this study and to continue the ensuing planning process. There is also a pervasive optimism and confidence that the community will work together to solve problems.

Putnam's health care infrastructure should be able to comfortably meet those challenges, with the significant exception of behavioral health care. Institutions in Putnam have a history of flexibility and resourcefulness in responding to challenges. As one resident put it, "There is this feeling in the Northeast corner that we are way out there, which is good and bad. But if there is a problem, we look to each other and just figure it out."