In Connecticut, where there are 113,000 undocumented immigrants, Fair Haven Community Health Care in New Haven, Charter Oak Health Center, and Community Health Services in Hartford provide essential health care services. Dr. Suzanne Lagarde, CEO of Fair Haven, emphasizes that everyone receives the same quality of care without questions about immigration status.
Fair Haven, located in the predominantly Hispanic Fair Haven area at 374 Grand Ave., offers comprehensive services including illness treatment, preventive care, maternity and pediatric care, dental and behavioral health services. In 2023, they served over 34,000 individuals, with more than 140,000 visits. They don’t inquire about immigration status and are a key resource for the undocumented community in New Haven.
The center’s 300 staff members help with various needs such as getting children enrolled in the state’s health insurance program (Husky), providing low-cost medicines, and assisting with housing and food. They also work with local schools to provide health services.
Fair Haven is expanding its facilities with a new 35,000-square-foot building and opening a new pharmacy in the old Grand Apizza building, where patients can get low-cost medications. The pharmacy will offer significant savings and is open to everyone, though Fair Haven patients will benefit from government prices on medications.
Despite some patients being uninsured, Fair Haven ensures that no one is denied care. They rely on various funding sources, including federal funds, billing Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance, and the 340B drug-pricing program. They also manage discretionary funds to assist with rent and food.
In addition to health care, Fair Haven supports clients with housing, food assistance, and legal aid. They are collaborating with other organizations to enhance these services in their new facility.
Charter Oak Health Center in Hartford sees over 17,500 individuals annually and offers a range of services regardless of payment ability or immigration status. They are responding to the growing need for health care among undocumented populations, which include people from various regions.
Charter Oak provides urgent care, dental, pediatric, and behavioral health services. They also operate a mobile health unit for the homeless and are expanding their maternity care services. They work with local schools and shelters to meet the needs of their community.
Both Fair Haven and Charter Oak are vital in providing care and support to underserved populations, adapting their services to meet the growing needs of undocumented immigrants and other vulnerable groups.