WHO WE ARE
The Windham Region Health Council is a collaboration of over 50 businesses, organizations, agencies and professionals, representing the entire continuum of care, who are concerned about, and make their priority, the wellness of our community. We have all come together to form a cohesive voice for our residents and to help lead them to healthier lifestyles.
OUR MISSION
Working together for a healthier community.
OUR GOALS
To better understand what services are available in our community and to be a health resource for individuals, companies and health care professionals.
To provide an opportunity for health and wellness professionals to meet and create relationships with each other.
To develop programs to motivate and encourage healthier lifestyles.
To establish a health care legislative agenda that addresses health issues in our community.
To identify health care issues in our community and work collaboratively toward solutions.
OUR PROGRAMS
Healthy Living Magazine-quarterly magazine distributed by our partners that includes health information, health related events, features on health care providers and organizations.
Healthy Living Expo-health and wellness expo that includes free screenings, exercise, general health information and service information.
Legislative agenda-working with municipal, state and federal legislative leaders to insure accessible, professional and appropriate resources are available to our community.
Education-public health seminars as well as professional development workshops.
Our Members
A Touch of Caring Massage Therapy
ACCESS Agency
All Creatures Veterinary Hospital
All Smiles Dental
Allyson Schultz
Clearpoint Center
Community Companions and Homemaking
Community Health Resources
Covenant Soup Kitchen
Crossfit Storrs
Cutting Edge Chiropractic, LLC
Eastern CT Ear, Nose, Throat, P.C.
Generations Family Health Center Inc.
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
Hebron Family Chiropractic, LLC
Hebron Vetrinary Hospital
J. Lynn Stanley-Haney, APRN
Kirby Veterninary Hospital
Mansfield Family Practice, LLC
Mansfield Obstetrics
Mawson Chiropractic, LLC
Medical Pharmacy
Mobile Animal Clinic
Nafi Ct
Natchaug Hospital
NECASA
Leonard R. Nelson, M.S., R.S., Public Health Emergency Response Cordinator
North Central District Health Department
North Windham Animal Hospital
Patries 4 Pets
Perception Programs, Inc.
Bill Powers
Questers’ Way
River Road Veterinary
Salvation Army
Select Physical Therapy
Smile Solutions
St. Joseph’s Living Center
Szafarek Dental
The Healing Earth
Town of Columbia
Town of Hebron
Town of Mansfield
Town of Scotland
Town of Willington
Town of Windham
United Services
United Way, Windham Region
Vanderman Place
Villaris Martial Arts
Weeks, Robin A. D.M.D.
WILI 1400 AM & i98.3 FM.
Windham Area Interfaith Ministry
Windham Dental Group
Windham Hospital/Hartford Health Care
Windham Region No Freeze Center
Windham Regional Community Council
Recent Health News
HOW THE NEW MARIJUANA LAW IMPACTS EMPLOYERS IN CT
-Article from SBDC On June 22, 2021, Governor Lamont signed the Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis into law, legalizing the use of recreational marijuana in our state. The new law allows adults (21 and older) to have on their person up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana or have up to 5 […]
SUMMARY OF ALL NEW COVID RELATED RULES
VACCINATION SCHEDULE AND ELIGIBILITY Those who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination program include all individuals over the age of 55, as well as all healthcare personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional […]
WHEN CAN YOU GET YOUR VACCINE-IMPORTANT NEW RULES FOR ALL EMPLOYERS
Before yesterday, there was a schedule of when different industries or types of employees would be eligible to receive their vaccines. However, the Governor and his council changed those rules. Going forward you will be eligible to receive a vaccine based ONLY ON YOUR AGE and not what kind of job you have. This is […]
MAKE MUSIC DAY JUNE 21—SOME HAPPINESS AND CELEBRATION
Make Music Day is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music Day is open to anyone who wants to take part. […]
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS DURING 2020 OPEN ENROLLMENT
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS DURING 2020 OPEN ENROLLMENT Five Enrollment Fairs Scheduled Until the End of Open Enrollment on December 15, 2019 Five Enrollment Fairs in addition to five Enrollment Locations to get free in-person help before 12/15/19 Last day of Open Enrollment is December 15, 2019 at midnight. […]
Update from Access Health CT
Dear Customer, We are halfway through the open enrollment season- can you believe it? We want to share some information about our Enrollment Period progress with you: So far, more than 20,000 CT residents have purchased a 2020 policy, and there are about 77,000 customers who are yet to be renewed (and a large portion […]
Access Health CT Deepens Connections with Small Biz in CT
For Immediate Release Contact: Kathleen Tallarita, Kathleen.tallarita@ct.gov, 860.757.5339 ACCESS HEALTH CT DEEPENING CONNECTIONS WITH SMALL BUSINESSES IN CT AND RAISES AWARENESS OF THE PARTICIPATION WAIVER PERIOD New Opportunity for Small Businesses to Offer Health Insurance, from November 15 to December 15, 2019 AHCT Small Business launches awareness campaign for the Employee Participation Waiver for small […]
Want Free Help from Access Health CT?
Join us at an Enrollment Fair for FREE help with your application. Bring your documents and sit with one of our Enrollment Specialists to complete your application for health coverage. If you need a plan recommendation, there will be Certified Brokers there to help you. Make sure you come prepared to use our new document scanners – […]
Access Health Keynote Speaker
Ingrid Lindberg, Founder and CXO of Chief Customer The world’s first customer experience officer (CXO) and global expert in changing the way brands treat their customers. When it comes to the customer experience, no one knows it better than Ingrid. Recognized around the world for her leading-edge customer experience theories, practices and culture transformations, Ingrid […]
Update from Access Health CT
Dear Community Partners, It’s Back to School season – and not just for the kids! We have new opportunities for you to learn about Access Health CT and the upcoming Open Enrollment Period, and we are about to launch a series of Healthy Chats to educate customers about the application & enrollment process. We hope […]
Update from Access Health CT
Dear Community Partners, Please join us in celebrating Women’s Health Week! We are reaching out to customers this week, and throughout the summer, to encourage them to Choose a doctor, Use their plan benefits, and Be Well. This goes beyond just Women’s Health – we want all our customers and CT residents to live healthier lives. […]
Better Health Conference 2019
The Better Health Conference, presented by CT Partners for Health, in collaboration with the Primary Care Coalition of Connecticut, New England HIMSS and Connecticut Choosing Wisely Collaborative, returns to the Connecticut Convention Center. This regional, multi-track educational forum, draws over 500 healthcare providers, clinicians and patients each year. This exciting event offers innovative techniques, strategies, and resources to help […]
Access Health Ct Issues RFP for Navigator Programs
Request for Proposals (RFP): Fiscal Year 2020 Navigator Grant Program View the Navigator Program RFP Please consider this opportunity and share with your colleagues and associates. The program highlights the commitment of AHCT to enhance current outreach efforts by engaging with community organizations that have deep relationships throughout the state. A strong focus of the […]
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Safely dispose of your prescription drugs and other unwanted medications on Saturday, April 27th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at police departments across the state. On Saturday, April 27th, police departments across Connecticut will be participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This nation wide event is sponsored by the National Drug Enforcement Administration and, “aims to provide […]
Weekly Update from Access Health CT
Weekly Open Enrollment Update Special Call Center HoursLast Enrollment FairsRenewing Customers & Plan ChangesWebinar Recordings Thank You for Being Our Partner! Access Health CT Team Special Call Center Hours This Week Only:Monday – Friday8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday, Dec 159:00 AM – MIDNIGHT New Hours Starting on Monday, Dec 17:Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturdays 9:00 AM […]
The Access Health CT Open Enrollment Deadline is Rapidly Approaching!
Access Health CT (AHCT) is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. AHCT offers Connecticut residents and employers a range of quality, affordable health and dental insurance options from several health insurance partners. For coverage that begins on January 1, 2019, AHCT open enrollment ends on Saturday, December 15, 2018. If you are ready to enroll click HERE. Free, in-person help from enrollment […]
Healthcare Open Enrollment Happening Now!
Open Enrollment is Here! You can go to AccessHealthCT.com to Shop, Compare and Enroll in a plan that meets your needs for 2019. First Day Tips from Access Health CT: Sign up now for an Enrollment Fair near you! Our first Enrollment Fair is this Saturday. Use this handy guide for Before and After you enroll. We’ll be […]
Wellness Mondays- Laughter Therapy
Please RSVP to pkristatwood@colebrookvillage.com
Update on Access Health CT Leadership
As Access Health CT continues to evolve and move forward, keeping our focus on our customers and ensuring a positive experience, I would like to announce two internal organizational changes to our Senior Leadership Team, effective immediately. Shan Jeffreys, who currently serves as AHCT’s Director of Marketplace Strategies, takes on a newly revised role […]
Employers & Health Coverage Providers: You Have More Time in 2017 to Provide Information Forms to Covered Individuals
The IRS extended the 2017 due date for employers and coverage providers to furnish information statements to individuals. The due dates to file those returns with the IRS are not extended. This chart can help you understand the upcoming deadlines. Action 2017 Reporting Due Dates for… Applicable Large Employers – Including Those That Are […]
Employers that hire Holiday Help: Understand the Health Care Law’s Rules Around Seasonal Workers
As an employer, your size – for purposes of the Affordable Care Act – is determined by the number of your employees. If you hire seasonal or holiday workers, you should know how these employees are counted under the health care law. Employer benefits, opportunities and requirements are dependent upon your organization’s size and the […]
Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month A Message from Richard Porth President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut Suicide is an issue that affects all Americans. Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data reported in April 2016 show that from 1999 through 2014, suicide rates increased 24 percent in the general population for both males and females. […]
ACTS Affecting Health Professions
Click Here To View The ACTS Affecting Health Professions Reported created by the Office of Legislative Research For more information regarding all the legislation that was in enacted during 2016 please click HERE
RSVP Now for Our August Webinars
There’s still time to RSVP! We have 3 webinars scheduled during the Month of August, so RSVP below and join us to discuss outreach to different communities in Connecticut. We are covering 2 topics this month: Immigrant Eligibility, Enrollment, and Outreach: We will host 2 webinars on this topic – 1 in English and 1 […]
It’s Time for a PTC Checkup for your 2016 Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage
If you or anyone in your family are getting advance payments of the premium tax credit, it’s that time of year for a checkup to see if you need to adjust your premium assistance. Since the advance payments are paid directly to your insurance company and lower the out-of-pocket cost for your health insurance premiums, […]
The Health Care Law and Your Taxes: Last Minute Filing Tips for Individuals
If you have not yet filed your federal tax return, here are three last-minute filing tips related to the health care law. Remember that the tax filing deadline this year is Monday, April 18. Check the box to report health care coverage If you are concerned that the health care law might require additional time […]
Don’t Confuse Health Care Forms
With the tax filing deadline approaching, remember that the Affordable Care Act contains tax provisions that affect your 2015 income tax return. Taxpayers who are claiming or reconciling the premium tax credit, or claiming an exemption from the requirement to have health coverage must complete IRS forms related to the health care law. Because the […]
Setting the Record Straight about Health Care Law Forms
As you’re wrapping up your tax return, the IRS wants to help you understand the differences among forms and documents related to the Affordable Care Act. Here are five tips for individuals navigating the filing requirements related to the health care law. 1. Don’t send health care information forms or proof of coverage to the IRS […]
Keep your Health Insurance Documents with Your Tax Records
Gathering documents and keeping well-organized records make it easier to prepare a tax return. They can also help provide answers if the IRS needs to follow-up with you for more information. This year marks the first time that you may receive information forms about health insurance coverage. The information forms are: Form 1095-A, Health Insurance […]
Health Care Law: Do You Have Minimum Essential Coverage?
The individual shared responsibility provision requires you and each member of your family to have basic health coverage – also known as minimum essential coverage – qualify for a health coverage exemption, or make an individual shared responsibility payment for months without coverage or an exemption when you file your federal income tax return. Many […]
Filing Health Coverage Information Returns
If you are a health coverage provider or an employer of a certain size, the health care law requires you to prepare new information returns starting for 2015. If you are a health coverage provider, the returns provide information about the health coverage you provided for individuals. If you are an employer of a certain […]
Here’s What You Need to Do with Your Form 1095-C
This year, you may receive one or more forms that provide information about your 2015 health coverage. These forms are 1095-A, 1095-B and 1095-C. This tip is part of a series that answers your questions about these forms. Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Insurance, provides you with information about the health coverage […]
Understanding the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
The Affordable Care Act includes the small business health care tax credit, which can benefit small employers who provide health coverage for their employees. The small business health care tax credit benefits employers who: have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees pay an average wage of less than $51,600 a year pay at least half […]
Health Care Law Affects 2015 Tax Returns – Tax Help Available
Certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act will affect federal tax returns for tax year 2015. If you would like help with filing your return in regards to these or other provisions, the IRS has several options. Remember that Filing electronically is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return. Electronic Filing […]
Find Out More about Income-Based Health Coverage Exemptions
The individual shared responsibility provision requires you and each member of your family to have health care coverage, have an exemption from the coverage requirement, or make an individual shared responsibility payment for any month without coverage or an exemption when you file your federal income tax return. You do not need to file a […]
Self-Insured Employers Must File Health Coverage Info Returns
Regardless of size, all employers that provide self-insured health coverage to their employees are treated as coverage providers. These employers must file an annual return reporting certain information for each employee they cover. As coverage providers, these employers must: • File a Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, with the IRS, accompanied by a Form 1094-B transmittal. […]
Online Tool Helps Individuals and Employers Estimate Health Care Law Credits and Payments
The Taxpayer Advocate Service has developed several tools for individuals and employers to assist in estimating their ACA related credits and payments. Because these tools provide only an estimate, you should not rely upon them as an accurate calculation of the information you will report on your tax return. You should use these estimators only […]
Health and Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Program Hosted at Eastern
Eastern Connecticut State University was the host of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), which ended on July 2. This marks the third and last year of the summer program, which is a component of the Connecticut Health and Life Sciences Career Initiative (CHLSCI). This three-year program of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher […]
Get to Know the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
If you are a small employer, you might be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can make a difference for your business. To be eligible for the credit, you must: • have purchased coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program – also known […]
Get to Know the Health Care Law’s Employer Shared Responsibility Payment
Under the Affordable Care Act, applicable large employers – those with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees – are required to take some new actions. To prepare for 2016, if your organization is an ALE, you need to track information each month in 2015, including: • Whether you offered full-time employees and […]
The Health Care Law and Employers: The ACA Basics for Applicable Large Employers
Some of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act only affect your organization if it’s an applicable large employer. An applicable large employer is generally one with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees. • Applicable large employers have annual reporting responsibilities; you will need to provide the IRS and employees information returns […]
Health Care Law and Taxes – More Time to File
Most taxpayers will simply check a box on their return to indicate that everyone listed on the front of the return has qualifying health care coverage for the entire year and may not need more time to file. However, people who haven’t finished filling out their return can get an automatic six-month extension. The fastest […]
Find Out More About Health Coverage Exemption Based on Income
The individual shared responsibility provision requires you and each member of your family to have basic health insurance coverage, qualify for an exemption, or make an individual shared responsibility payment when you file your federal income tax return. If you are not required to file a federal income tax return for a year because your […]
What Kind of Health Insurance Qualifies as Minimum Essential Coverage?
The individual shared responsibility provision requires you and each member of your family to have basic health insurance coverage – also known as minimum essential coverage – qualify for an exemption, or make an individual shared responsibility payment when you file your federal income tax return. Many people already have minimum essential coverage and do […]