Support the Winsted Health Center Foundation

Should the town’s clanging bells and a few supporters have their way, the State of Connecticut’s Office of Health Care Access will remove the Winsted Health Center Foundation from the existing Certificate of Need for the Winsted Health Center. This action would reduce the control of healthcare services in Winsted to the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital. In reality, Winsted residents would be on the outside looking in without any input in the decision-making process. How long the Winsted Health Center Foundation would then continue to provide monies and free services in an environment in which they have no input is a question that will be answered in the future. The foundation could change their nonprofit buildings in the complex to services other than healthcare and become another not-for-profit enterprise.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital have their main healthcare interests outside the Winsted area. Who in authority would be looking out for the interests of Winsted residents? Other than talk about healthcare, what has the Board of Selectmen proposed or supported? What have the local clanging bells ever done other than make noise? Where could you go for help: Charlotte Hungerford, Saint Francis, or other hospitals in Waterbury, Hartford and New Haven, or out of state? How about contacting the State of Connecticut, which would direct you to the Office of Health Care Access?

The Winsted Health Center Foundation has done a wonderful job in the past, but they could do little for the community should they be removed from the Certificate of Need. You, the residents of Winsted, have two choices: You can support the clanging bells and punish the Winsted Health Center Foundation for being successful. Or, if you want good healthcare services to continue, support the Winsted Health Center Foundation.

There will be a public hearing before the State’s Office of Health Care Access on Thursday, October 25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Winsted Town Hall. Have a nice day.