Saint Mary’s Hospital Provides Financial Contribution to Bridge to Success to Advance Health Equity in Waterbury

Saint Mary's Hospital contributed $30,000 to Bridge to Success to advance health equity in Waterbury.

The TCI initiative works with diverse communities in the Waterbury region, many of which face serious socioeconomic challenges. Using guidance from Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA), TCI helps these communities set local priorities and use data to address issues such as food insecurity, chronic disease and other social factors that affect health. 

As the lead community-based organization supporting the Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI), Bridge to Success works alongside residents, health care providers and community partners to develop sustainable solutions that improve health and quality of life. After surveying nearly 900 people to determine what the root cause of anxiety and depression within the community was, the survey concluded that poverty was the leading factor. "At Saint Mary's Hospital, our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community extends beyond the walls of our hospital. Supporting Bridge to Success and the Transforming Communities Initiative reflects our Core Values, Mission and our continued investment in addressing the factors that have the greatest impact on health throughout Waterbury,” said Robert Roose, MD, MPH, President of Acute Care for Trinity Health Of New England. 

The funding will support ongoing efforts in Waterbury to address systemic challenges such as poverty, unemployment and racism. In addition, funding will focus on transportation and housing to provide relief to the community. “This financial contribution to Bridge to Success reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the community-led work that began through TCI,” said Carolyn Alessi, Regional Director, Community Health and Well Being. “Saint Mary’s Hospital and Trinity Health Of New England are not stepping away from this work but rather continuing in a supportive capacity as local partners and residents carry the momentum forward. We will remain actively engaged alongside our community partners to help advance efforts that improve health, well-being and equity throughout the region.”

Saint Mary’s Hospital and Bridge to Success led the TCI Collaborative Action Network (CAN) alongside key partners including Community Mental Health Associates (CHMA), RIBA/Aspira and Nest. Together, they have created a collaborative model focused on racial equity, community engagement and collective impact. 

Bridge to Success has played a pivotal role in developing the Waterbury CAN, ensuring resident voices remain at the center of decision-making. “This initiative is more than a program; it is a partnership, a movement and a promise to transform lives one community at a time,” said Althea Brooks, Executive Director, Waterbury Bridge to Success. This investment will continue to drive policy, systems and environmental change as Waterbury residents and community partners build healthier, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.