Petit Family Foundation joins Central in Building a Healthier Tomorrow
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A new community health initiative at Central Connecticut State University will bring preventive care, health education, and personalized support directly to older adults living with chronic conditions throughout Greater Hartford.
Backed by a $10,000 grant from the Petit Family Foundation, the Building a Healthier Tomorrow program will help 100 underserved residents better manage their health, navigate healthcare services, and, ultimately, build healthier lives.
Through Central's Community Health Education Clinic and Mobile Health Unit, participants will receive preventive screenings, chronic disease education, and individualized health coaching designed to support the management of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges.
Dr. William A. Petit Jr., the president and chairman of the Petit Family Foundation board, visited campus on June 24 to tour the clinic and learn more about its role within Central’s College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
“We are deeply grateful to the Petit Family Foundation for this generous investment in our CHRS students and our community,” said Dr. Jayanthi Kandiah, dean of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (CHRS). “We also were honored to welcome Dr. Petit and provide him a tour of our expanding Community Health Education Clinic, showcasing the renovations underway and the vital services we provide to our community.”
Grant funding will support personnel, clinical services, and direct program delivery costs. Student workers and a contracted registered nurse will provide screenings, education, and participant support, while community partners will assist with outreach and site coordination.
Approximately 150 students annually from the Nursing, Counseling and Family Therapy, Physical Education and Human Performance, and Social Work programs will work alongside faculty and healthcare professionals to deliver services and support while gaining hands-on experience in community-based healthcare settings.
Designed to improve long-term health outcomes, the Building a Healthier Tomorrow program emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes through nutrition education, physical activity programming, stress management techniques, and ongoing health coaching. Participants also will receive assistance navigating healthcare systems and connecting with primary care providers and community-based resources.
Services will be offered both at the Community Health Education Clinic and at three community locations through Central's Mobile Health Unit, helping reduce transportation barriers and expand access to care.
Through the Building a Healthier Tomorrow program, students will directly carry out the core mission of CHRS and the Community Health Education Clinic.
“Through this grant, our students will gain invaluable experiential learning opportunities while helping older adults address critical health challenges,” Kandiah explained. “This partnership reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes, reducing disparities, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to make a meaningful difference in the lives that need it the most.”
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(From left) Associate Director of Leadership Giving Melody Avery; Dr. Helen Abadiano, interim associate dean of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; Dr. Lisa McMahon, Central Community Health Education Clinic coordinator; Dr. William Petit, president of the Petit Family Foundation; and Dr. Jayanthi Kandiah, dean of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.