ANSONIA, Conn. – The Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center (CS-HHC) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, October 25, 2019 to celebrate the opening of its newly renovated Community Health Center and expanded medical services at its Ansonia location. They were joined by public officials, including Mayor David S., the Valley Chamber of Commerce, and a host of health and social service organizations in a The dedication was held at the center located at 121 Wakelee Avenue.

“Our residents and their health are our most valuable assets,” said Mayor Cassetti. “The city applauds Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center for taking this important step toward ensuring all members of our community receive the health care they need to lead healthy, productive lives and contribute to the vibrancy of our communities.” 

The facility was expanded and renovated from 2,300 square-feet into the existing 12,000 square-foot outpatient center to provide high-quality, integrated medical, dental, and adult behavioral health services to more residents of New Haven County. The Richard O. Belden Dental Clinic has relocated from Derby, to join the Ansonia integrated care campus.

The expanded services include programs that will better equip the community to manage the impact of the state’s opioid crisis, said CS-HHC officials. Those services include Methadone and Suboxone maintenance and medication-based treatment programs proven to be effective in the management and treatment of opioid dependence and recovery, they said.

 “Based on the research and experience, we know that treatment is most effective when it’s paired with behavioral health services such as counseling and a range of other medical treatment options,” Cornell Scott CEO Michael R. Taylor said. “This is why, we take an integrated approach to not only treating and preventing addiction, but all of our patient-centered health care services.”

Bill Purcell, President of the Valley Chamber of Commerce said, “We are proud to support the health center and celebrate the completion of this project, which represents a significant milestone for our community.” He said, “The link between a community’s health and the vitality of its businesses and workforce is inextricable. When it comes to community health and well-being, the return on investment can be seen in quality of life and the bottom-line.”

The health center expansion project is part of a larger strategic plan by CS-HHC to upgrade its facilities and expand and improve medical services in the communities it serves. The first federally qualified health center to be established in Connecticut, CS-HHC provides health care services to residents of New Haven, West Haven and communities in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, Naugatuck, and Oxford.