05/10/2007
(HARTFORD, Conn.) - The Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) has awarded Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center a $100,000 grant from its Client Grant program for programs dealing with lead-paint poisoning and child abuse. Saint Francis was one of only nine organizations to win a CHEFA grant out of 33 applicants in the current round of funding.
Of the $100,000 grant, $75,000 will support the Hartford Regional Lead Treatment Center and $25,000 will support the Aetna Foundation Children's Center.
Hartford Regional Lead Treatment Center
The Lead Treatment Center, which is based at Saint Francis, serves children at both Saint Francis and the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
"These funds will support our efforts to reach out earlier to children with lead poisoning and refer them to remediation programs that can make a difference in reducing their exposure to the harmful effects of lead-based paint," said Lisa Menillo, M.D., the Lead Treatment Center's Medical Director.
In 2005, the Lead Center began treating children with levels as low as 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. Previously, only children with blood lead levels above 20 micrograms per deciliter had received treatment and referral to remediation programs. Since the adoption of the new standard, the number of patients served by the Center's clinics has doubled.
Aetna Foundation Children's Center
The Aetna Foundation Children's Center serves as the region's children's advocacy center, and coordinates the investigation and treatment of suspected victims of child abuse. The CHEFA funds will be used to provide parent education and support.
"We will teach parents to recognize the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse as well as the characteristics of child sexual predators. Parents will also learn how to support their children and help them heal from abuse," said Regina Dyton, M.S.W., Program Manager.
The CHEFA Board of Directors established the first grant program at the Authority in 2003 in furtherance of the Authority's mission to assist nonprofit institutions that provide critical health, education and human services in Connecticut. CHEFA's grant programs are not funded through state appropriations but through Authority's surplus funds.
"We are honored to be part of the continuum of care and services of immeasurable value that our grantees provide to improve the lives of the citizens of our state," said Kimberly Fontaine, CHEFA's Manager of Grants and Grant Administration. "Saint Francis' Department of Pediatrics provides important services through their lead treatment and child sexual abuse programs. This award will help the Hospital to protect the health and well-being of our children and their families. We congratulate them on this award, and applaud these successful programs."
Founded in 1897, Saint Francis is a major teaching hospital licensed for 617 acute inpatient beds and 65 bassinets and is the largest Catholic hospital in New England.
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