In an effort to combat the growing need for mental health services and substance abuse disorders, Wheeler Clinic has expanded the scope of its federally qualified health centers in Hartford, New Britain and surrounding communities.
The expansion was approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration.
Many of the patient’s Wheeler currently serves from Hartford, New Britain and surrounding communities do not have a primary care physician, experience multiple co-morbid health disorders and are frequently seen in the emergency department. These patients have difficulty engaging in primary care through traditional channels.
Wheeler said individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse disorders are often reluctant to engage in primary care services and experience disparities in access to health care and health care outcomes. Their experience of stigma in healthcare settings and past exposure to trauma often create substantial barriers to care.
The expanded centers are slated to start services in the spring.
