Welcome to the Connecticut Health Care Coalition Newsletter
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Connecticut Health Care Coalition (CT HCC) is to promote collaboration, education, and joint exercises during the planning and preparedness phases of emergency management. During real-world operations, the mission of the CT HCC is to help identify resources at the state and sub-state levels, and to collect, analyze, validate, and disseminate essential elements of information (EEIs) to partner agencies.
Coalition Updates
CT HCC Chair and Co-Chair Election Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in the election for our 2025–2027 Chair and Co-Chair by submitting nominations, casting votes, or running for a position. Based on the results of our virtual voting form, which was open from June 18–23, 2025, the following individuals have been elected:
Chair: Paul Wentworth
Co-Chair: Pat Srenaski
CT HCC Staff are working with our outgoing Chair, Paul Rabeuf, and outgoing Co-Chair, Jim Brown, to ensure there is a smooth transition. Both Paul W. and Pat S. previously served on the Executive Committee in other capacities prior to their election. Region 3 ESF-8 will appoint a new representative to fill Pat’s former role, and an election will be held to fill Paul W.’s position as Member at Large on the Executive Committee.
2024-2028 CT HCC Strategic Plan
As of June 16, 2025, the Connecticut Health Care Coalition has approved a new Strategic Plan for 2024-2028. This will guide the coalition's vision, goals, and strategies for the coming years, and will be updated annually.
Thank you to those who participated in the development of this plan by participating in strategy sessions and providing CT HCC Staff feedback.
Sign Up for a Workgroup!
The CT HCC completes deliverables through the collaborative effort of its membership. This is achieved most often via work groups made up of multiple members, guests, and CT HCC staff.
Workgroups that require member volunteers include:
- Plans Workgroup - The CT HCC has various plans and annexes that must be created and updated this year. This group will meet approximately once a month until December 2025.
- Exercise Workgroup - The CT HCC plans and facilitates at least one exercise (the Medical Response and Surge Exercise or MRSE) per year. The cadence for this workgroup is not determined currently, but will likely occur once a month until the completion of the MRSE.
- Training & Education Workgroup - This workgroup will help guide training and education opportunities for the Coalition, and will help plan the annual CT HCC Conference. This group will meet approximately once a month from September 2025 to the month of the conference, which will determined by the workgroup.
- Communications Workgroup - This workgroup will assess communication platforms and users and will explore opportunities for improved collaboration and efficiency in communications across the state.
emPOWER Data Available Now!
emPOWER data for Connecticut for the period ending 06/2025 is now available for members' review.
The HHS emPOWER Program provides federal data to help communities nationwide protect the health of at-risk Medicare beneficiaries, including individuals who rely on medical equipment, assistive devices, and certain essential health care services.
On-Demand Course: Application of the National Incident Command System (NIMS)
Unlock the key to mastering the essential elements of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses with our comprehensive on-demand program. This meticulously crafted course covers the critical components of IS 100, 200, 700, and 800, offering a deep dive into the core concepts and practical applications of emergency management as outlined by FEMA.
Course Highlights:
- IS 100, 200, 700 & 800 Course Content: Gain a practical understanding of key incident management elements.
- Expert Instruction: Benefit from the expertise of industry professionals with years of experience in healthcare incident management.
- Course Certification: Receive a prestigious certificate upon course completion, showcasing your commitment to excellence in incident management.
Who Should Enroll: This course is ideal for healthcare emergency management professionals, administrators, and incident response team members who are looking to learn the foundations of incident management.
Want to learn more about how your organization can become a member of the CT HCC?
News and Info
Public Health Notice: Clinician detained for dangerous prescribing practices in Branford and Wallingford clinics
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) is alerting Connecticut emergency departments (ED) of an abrupt federal law enforcement action to prohibit a behavioral health clinician who practices in both Branford and Wallingford from prescribing, administering, and dispensing controlled substances. The practice has about 250 patients, many of whom (80%) are receiving a dangerous combination of behavioral health related medications, specifically co-prescribed benzodiazepines and stimulants. Patients of this practice may present to an ED as their prescriptions run out.
To view the full Public Health Notice and associated resources, CLICK HERE.
ACEP Accreditation: A Roadmap to Pediatric Ready Emergency Care
The recently launched American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Emergency Department Accreditation Program (EDAP) offers a powerful pathway for hospitals to ensure high-quality emergency care for all patients, including children. The voluntary program includes four levels, and provides specific criteria and goals for emergency care teams and administrators. The accreditation criteria include several standards that align with the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP), of which ACEP is a founding partner. The pediatric-related criteria include:
Reviewing Pediatric Readiness status at least every two years, including participation in the NPRP Assessment (www.pedsready.org). The ED must document the review and develop action plans to address any identified deficiencies. Learn more.
Recorded Webinar: Emerging Infectious Diseases: Implications for Healthcare Preparedness
Updated Topic Collection: Mass Gatherings/Special Events
Do you have large special events happening near you? Mass gatherings can pose significant risks—including terrorism, extreme weather, infectious disease outbreaks, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and crowd surges—due to large crowds, symbolic venues, high-profile attendees, and the presence of alcohol or drugs.
It is for these reasons that we should anticipate the public health and medical issues presented by mass gatherings and prepare adequately for a range of response operations. Using incident management systems for planning and operating these events as “planned emergencies” allows a rapid transition to emergency response should an incident occur.
The resources in this Topic Collection include lessons learned, case studies, research, tools, and templates designed to help emergency medical staff create robust plans for mass critical care before an incident strikes their jurisdiction.
Resources from EMS for Children: Water and Fireworks Safety
Pediatric Pandemic Network’s Resource Central offers a curated guide with practical information to help families prepare and stay safe.
Swimming and Water Safety
Resources for Families & Caregivers is an open-access, self-paced resource guide that helps families be better prepared for water safety.
Fireworks Are Fun but can Harm Kids - Celebrate Safely
As summer celebrations approach, so do the dangers of fireworks and sparklers. Pediatric Pandemic Network offers a free, self-paced resource guide to help families enjoy the season safely.
Partner Trainings and Exercises
Each month, the CT HCC spreads the word about our partners' emergency preparedness trainings, exercises, and other training opportunities in and around the state of Connecticut. You can view the calendar of partner events, event flyers, and other details below. If you would like to add your organization's event to the calendar and the newsletter, please contact the Readiness and Response Coordinator.
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Psychological First Aid Course
Do You Want to Help When Disasters Happen utilizing a behavioral health approach? Taking Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a great first step.
TRAINING DATE: Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET
TRAINING LOCATION: Torrington Area Health District, 350 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790
TRAINING REGISTRATION: Contact Brien LaForge (blaforge@tahd.org / 860-489-0436 x322)
The primary goal of Psychological First Aid is to provide an organized, practical behavioral health response to individual victims, family members, survivors, and communities affected by disasters in order to mitigate long term impact.
Topics will include:
- Disaster Mental Health 101
- Psychological First Aid
- Preparing to Serve/Self-Care
- Practicing PFA and Self-Care
AWR-343 Hurricane Preparedness
This CT DEMHS course covers hurricane structure and hazards, advisory products, forecasting and warning, and safety tips. It is meant for all partners. There are two offerings of this course:
Offering One: August 12, 2025 - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET - Old Saybrook Fire Department, 310 Main St. Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Offering Two: August 14, 2025 - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET - Fairfield Regional Fire School, 205 Richard White Way, Fairfield, CT 06824
Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) Cyber Security Classes
The AWR-432 course is relevant for anyone involved in preparedness across state, local, tribal, and territorial, communities, public and private utilities, emergency services, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and other areas of critical infrastructure. It is especially valuable for those who may not hold a formal emergency management title but support planning, response, or coordination efforts. The content aligns with HSEEP, THIRA, and SPR frameworks and is delivered live online by experienced instructors.
The National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium is proud to offer courses at no cost through the congressionally funded U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA, National Training Division.
AWR-432, Integrating Cyber Hazard Response into Exercise Planning: offers practical strategies for incorporating cyber into the all-hazards exercise process. (4 hours) no-cost training.
- July 23, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST – Virtual Instructor-Led
- August 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST – Virtual Instructor-Led
A FEMA Student ID (SID#) is required when you register for NCPC class. You can sign up for one for free through the FEMA Student Identification (SID) System. Please Contact Ashley Lipton, Director of Cyber Outreach, at alipton@norwich.edu for more information.
TEEX Courses are Coming to Connecticut!
The following courses will be offered through via TEEX in Connecticut in the coming months:
| Training Name | Location | Date |
| MGT348: Medical Preparedness and Response for Bombing Incidents | Danbury, CT | September 3-4, 2025 |
| MGT439: Pediatric Disaster Response and Emergency Preparedness | New Britain, CT | October 30-31, 2025 |
| MGT319: Medical Countermeasures: Point of Dispensing (POD), Planning and Response | Torrington, CT | December 2-3, 2025 |
DEMHS Course List
The following courses will be offered through the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Education (DEMHS) in the coming months:
| Training Name | Location | Date |
| Connecticut CERT Connect (CT3) 2025 Webinar Series: Hurricane Forecast and Preparedness | Virtual | July 22, 2025 |
| Connecticut CERT Connect (CT3) 2025 Webinar Series: Cybersecurity | Virtual | September 17, 2025 |
| Connecticut CERT Connect (CT3) 2025 Webinar Series: Search & Rescue | Virtual | November 18, 2025 |
| Connecticut Basic WebEOC Training | Virtual | July 1, 2025
August 5, 2025 September 2, 2025 October 7, 2025 November 4, 2025 December 2, 2025 |
For more information about these courses or to register for a course, please visit the DEMHS training website.
All Clear Emergency Management Group has the following upcoming free webinar:
Contact Us
Email your coalition coordinators at Coordinator@CTHCC.org with questions, comments, or to assist you with any of your preparedness needs.