Hartford HealthCare

The LGBTQ+ Colleague Resource Group (CRG) hosted a chat with Tony Ferraiolo, the Connecticut author of "Finding My Way Out of the Darkness." ????? Colleagues joined in person and virtually to hear Tammy Piel, MSN, RN, CRG secretary, talk with Ferraiolo about his often painful transgender journey and the steps he found that helped him survive and thrive. ?? Those in attendance received a signed copy of Ferraiolo's book. ??

New Beginnings /New Role/IOL/March My life has been a journey of growth, resilience, and opportunity. Every challenge I’ve faced—balancing school, work, and parenthood—has only pushed me to become stronger. I’ve turned obstacles into stepping stones, earning my degree, becoming a certified Recovery Support Specialist, and inspiring others along the way. Next month, I will be stepping into a new role as a Community Case Manager for the Family Resource Center at the IOL. I am filled with gratitude for everyone in the Community Health and Engagement Team—you saw my passion and believed in me, giving me the opportunity to run with it. I’m excited for this next chapter and the impact I can make. Through it all, I’ve learned that every opportunity, no matter how small, can shape my future. I’m grateful for the experiences that have helped me grow, and I know there’s still so much more ahead.

Cambridge Jones, MPH, CPT is serving up a tall glass of inspiration on this final day of #BlackHistoryMonth! We LOVE that she is able to instill the important values she learned at a young age in the work that she does at Hartford HealthCare every single day! She reminds us that your time is NOW to do anything that you want to do! ??

Blood transfusions help many sickle cell warriors manage extreme pain & complications. 1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for these patients. ?? Give blood, help save lives. ?? rdcrss.org/3gymsy7 | American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter

Dr. Jennifer Bell, an advanced heart failure cardiologist, recently spoke at our monthly Walk to Wellness event at Westfarms about the importance of taking action and prioritizing your heart health! After all, heart disease is the NUMBER ONE killer of women! ?? It's important to do your part to spread the word, take healthy actions, and talk to your doctor if you have concerns of your own!

In honor of February being #HeartMonth, we are reminiscing on this important story about Sarah Clyne and her life-threatening aortic aneurysm. ?? Sarah Clyne felt a chest pop, rushing to the ED, only to find her chosen hospital unprepared for surgery. Luckily, her mom's doctor friend called the Care Logistics Center, swiftly transferring Sarah to Hartford Hospital within 2? hours. Facing a life-threatening aortic aneurysm, Dr. Ayyaz Ali and his team saved her just in time. The Care Logistics Center manages patient transfers among Hartford HealthCare hospitals, ensuring quick access to care. Elizabeth Ciotti, VP of the center, explained the process, emphasizing the critical role physicians play in initiating transfers. Despite its lesser-known status, the system arranges about 1,000 transfers monthly, impacting lives like Sarah's. In Sarah's case, her mother consulted Dr. Rockman Ferrigno, who organized a team at Hartford Hospital, recognizing the urgency. Sarah, a healthy 42-year-old teacher, had no prior symptoms, making the situation unexpected. She said she appreciated how quickly she was transferred from the first hospital. “The fact that they were ready to save my life, because by the time I got to Hartford, the reason they moved so quickly is I was losing consciousness,” she said. “I was at that critical point and they recognized that immediately and that’s all I remember, just getting rushed to the OR.”

This #BlackHistoryMonth, Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS talks about the importance of the trailblazers before her, who paved a vital path for so many black physicians today. After all, black physicians weren't even allowed to join the American Medical Association until the 1960s! What does Black History Month mean to YOU?

The Behavioral Health Network recently hosted its annual Intern Summit giving 40 current and past BHN interns an opportunity to network, share their experiences and learn about future career opportunities with Hartford HealthCare. The day featured leaders from BHN who shared their career journeys, and attendees heard from representatives in senior management, academic affairs, DEIB, and human experience. Speakers addressed HHC leadership behaviors, how it is a high reliability organization, and the benefits of a career with HHC. A panel discussion and patient interview discussed keys to successful internship experiences and valuable advice from talent acquisition team. Learn more about BHN internship opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gzXi9sCC

Kristen McCartney, physician assistant with Hartford HealthCare's Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, talks about the ideal candidate for weight loss surgery. Here at Hartford HealthCare, our doctors work with each and every patient to come up with an individualized plan that is specifically tailored to each person's health and needs! Every person is unique so your weight loss plan should be too! Talk to your doctor to get started on your weight loss journey today.

?? Did you know cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of all Americans!? Dr. Boskey Patel Interventional Cardiologist, emphasizes the importance of taking action when it comes to your heart this #HeartMonth! If you feel something is wrong, don't make that determination all on your own. Please bring it up to your physician! Cardiovascular disease remains underdiagnosed and undertreated so please reach out if you have ANY doubt! ??