Saint Mary’s Hospital Medical Home Initiative Receives Grant

Savings Bank of Danbury's Farid Cabrera presents a grant check to Timothy Stanton, Regional Vice President and Chief Development Officer and Maria Thomas, Regional Program Coord., of Saint Mary's Hospital Medical Home Initiative.

Savings Bank of Danbury Foundation has awarded Saint Mary’s Hospital $2,500 in renewed grant support for its Medical Home Initiative patient fund.

The Saint Mary’s Medical Home Initiative is a hospital-based program that provides comprehensive care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs. It is run by a small, but mighty team of Care Coordinators, comprised of registered nurses who have worked in pediatrics for decades, who have been providing this service for nearly 20 years. The Medical Home program is supported by grant funding through the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), with state and federal funds through the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant (Title V).

By offering comprehensive care coordination from birth to age 21, Medical Home ensures that children with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions receive the support and services they require. This initiative not only focuses on addressing the medial aspects of their conditions but also considers their overall well-being and quality of life. By coordinating various services and resources, such as medical care, therapy, education, and community support, the Medical Home model aims to improve outcomes and enhance the overall experience for both the children and their families.

During the past year, the program has served 387 families in 42 towns spanning greater Waterbury, greater Torrington and greater Danbury. More than one third of the families received essential items they otherwise could not afford through the Patient Fund, such as school supplies, fees for recreational programming, and specialty health and safety-related items.

“In the realm of caring for children with special health care needs every donation serves as a lifeline, bridging crucial gaps and offering invaluable relief to families navigating the complexities of their child’s condition,” said Maria Thomas, MPH, Medical Home Regional Program Coordinator, Saint Mary’s Hospital. “Grants, such as this have a profound impact it has on easing burdens, accessing essential resources, and fostering hope amidst challenges.”