e-Xtra News Digest: January 25, 2019

January 25, 2019

What's happening at Hartford Hospital:

Your Human Touch Makes Every Moment Matter. Click the image to see how.

What's new in e-Xtra this week:

• BrainDance Awards for Student Projects on Mental Illness: Applications Due Feb. 1
• New Schedule of Support Groups from the IOL's Family Resource Center

What's Happening Soon:

January 26
Tune in to NBC CT on Saturday at 7 p.m. for a live broadcast from the 2019 Black & Red.

January 31
IOL Grand Rounds: Demoralization and Hope in Clinical Practice

February 1
Deadline for Submissions: BrainDance Awards for Student Projects on Mental Illness

February 15
Deadline for Sons & Daughters / Hazel Vail Scholarship Applications

For more information on these topics click on the links below:

Classes & Events
Community Events
Education, Training and Research
Employee Discounts
Employee Services
Giving Back/Volunteer Opportunities
Grand Rounds
Health Professionals
Human Resources
Information Technology
Recognition
Retirements
Respirator FIT Testing Program
Spirituality
Support Groups

Classes & Events

For a complete list of classes offered at Hartford Hospital visit the Classes & Events page here.

BrainDance Awards for Student Projects on Mental Illness: Applications Due Feb. 1

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Community Events

2019 Black & Red: Be Rxesponsible

This year’s Black & Red event will raise money for the Brownstone Clinic, a place dedicated to serving people who would otherwise have no place to turn for healthcare. Our public-facing campaign is aimed at keeping our communities safer by helping people dispose of prescription drugs responsibly. According to a study by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, as many as 6.2 million people misuse controlled prescription drugs.

Visit BeRxesponsible.org to learn the facts about prescription medication dangers and also sign up to receive a drug deactivation kit.

And don’t forget to tune in on Saturday at 7 p.m. to the annual half-hour live broadcast on NBC CT, “A Night of Black & Red."

Transplant Mind & Body Group

Join us in our educational group meetings designed to educate patients on holistic health approaches and creating behaviors that promote healthy lifestyles!

Group meetings will occur twice monthly starting November 2018 – April 2019.

• 2/6/19: 5pm-7pm: Mindfulness Matters
• 2/20/19: 5pm-6pm: Mind/Body Support Group
• 3/6/19: 5pm-7pm: Sleep Hygiene
• 3/20/19: 5pm-6pm: Mind/Body Support Group
• 4/13/19: 5pm-7pm: Final Celebration

Please reserve your spot by contacting Hartford Hospital’s Transplant Office at 860.972.4219. For additional information, please contact Danielle Gleason, PsyD, at 860.972.0829 or Danielle.Gleason@hhchealth.org.

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Education, Training & Research

Nursing Education Competency Day Schedule

Registration is now active in HealthStream for Hartford Hospital Nursing Education Competency Days. The dates are:

• February 7, 2019
• March 7, 2019
• April 4, 2019
• May 2, 2019
• June 6, 2019
• September 5, 2019

When searching in HealthStream to register, enter HH-IOL Nursing Education Competency Day. Contact Samantha Fickett in Nursing Education with questions at Samantha.Fickett@hhchealth.org.

iRIS Training Classes

The Human Research Protections Program is pleased to offer a series of monthly iRIS training classes.  iRIS is the online submission system for everything that pertains to research and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).  If you are interested in honing your skills in iRIS or if you are completely new to iRIS, please take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit the iRIS Training Intake Sheet to sign up for one of the upcoming trainings. Save this link to sign future employees up for iRIS training. 

The training repeats each month at different times.  If you only can make it for one hour, feel free to come for the session you think best applies to your needs. You are welcome to sign up for multiple training sessions. Please sign up in REDCap so we know how many people to expect and if our facility is large enough. Currently all trainings are scheduled to be held in the Robinson Library, classroom three. 

If you have any questions please contact Pamela Johnson at Pamela.Johnson@hhchealth.org or 860.972.0141; or Sharice Brown at Sharice.Brown@hhchealth.org or 860. 972.1251.

CESI offering paramedic training program

Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI) is now offering a paramedic training program beginning July 2018. The program consists of four 15-week semesters covering anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, out-of-hospital advanced life support, scene management and Emergency Medical Services operations. Upon successful completion, students will be qualified to sit for a state licensing exam. The tuition fee is $8,000, but can be paid in installments of $2,000 at the start of each semester. 

Employees can visit https://hartfordhospital.enrollware.com to sign up for a free informational session or register for our next available program. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also email questions to paramedic.training@hhchealth.org.

Nutrition Care Manual

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Manual (NCM) is a diet and professional practice manual for registered dietitian nutritionists; dietetic technicians, registered; and allied health professionals. Our web-based version of the Nutrition Care Manual is the approved resource for the department of Food and Nutrition at Hartford Hospital. Any clinical staff member can access the Nutrition Care Manual through the Hartford Hospital Intranet and gives you online access to evidence- and knowledge-based nutrition information that keeps you current and compliant. The NCM is a great resource for patient education materials. 

Please contact Erin Estabrook, RD, CD-N, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Hartford Hospital, with any questions.

Certification Courses for Healthcare Providers (BLS, ACLS, PALS, EMT, EMT-P)

Hartford HealthCare's Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI) offers a variety of courses designed to meet the needs and schedules of busy healthcare providers. All our courses are available in a traditional classroom style format, while our BLS and ACLS courses have the additional option of using online learning through the HeartCode platform. HeartCode allows students to complete the training online at their own pace, on their own schedule, followed by a one to one and half hour skills check. We can also provide customized courses for groups of people so we can meet their specialized needs.

• HeartCode BLS through HealthStream
• HeartCode ACLS through HealthStream
• HeartCode PALS through HealthStream
• Healthcare Provider CPR Course
• BLS Instructor Course
• EMT Course
• EMT Refresher Course
• EMR Course
• ACLS Instructor Course
• ACLS Provider Course
• ACLS Refresher Course
• PALS Instructor Course
• PALS Provider Course
• PALS Refresher Course
• Paramedic Training Course

To register for any of these classes please visit https://hartfordhospital.enrollware.com/schedule.

To have BLS, ACLS or PALS Heartcode loaded please email Heartcode@hhchealth.org and include which heartcode you need loaded, your employee number, and your department that you work in. If your department does not cover the cost of BLS, ACLS or PALS a credit card number must be provided before Heartcode can be loaded to your Healthstream. For more information please call us at 860.972.2564. 

Research Orientation

Research Administration is pleased to provide an orientation session to review the research services provided to our clinicians.

The session will include an introduction to our data management services, protocol development and statistical analysis assistance and grant writing support. Our current IRB processes will also be discussed. Attached please find the orientation outline.

This one hour program can be offered on a day and time to meet individual or team schedules.

To schedule this session please contact Liz Roper: lizabeth.roper@hhchealth.org, 860.972.1964.

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Employee Discounts

Hartford HealthCare's employee discount program offers exclusive deals on name-brand products and services. Please visit HHC Connect for more details.

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Employee Services

Employee Assistance Program

Hartford HealthCare’s GuidanceResources Employee Assistance Program is so much more than counseling.  Services are available to help you maintain your work/life balance. GuidanceResources provides confidential support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues to you and your family  at no cost to you.

Barney Employee Fitness Center

Open 24/7
The center offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment and free weights, functional movement screenings and exercise programs to help you prevent injuries, weight-loss exercise programs, diet and nutrition counseling. The staff is all nationally certified. For more information, call the Fitness Center at 860.972.3077.

The Barney Fitness Center Presents: The Weight Loss Challenge
Start the new year off right! This 12-week weight loss challenge includes:

• Two 30 minute Fitness Training Sessions per Week
• One Boot Camp Class per Week
• Muscular Strength / Endurance Program
• Cardio Vascular Program
• Meal Plan / Nutritional Guidelines
• Body Fat / BMI Testing
• Body Circumference Measurements

Contest Prizes:

• First Place: $400 Cash
• Second Place: 1 Month FREE FT Sessions
• Third Place: 2 Weeks FREE FT Sessions

The cost is $200 and registration is open until January 31, 2019. For more information, contact the Barney Fitness Center at FitnessCenter.FitnessCenter@hhchealth.org or 860.972.3077.

Relax...It's Just Yoga
Wednesdays from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $5
Instructor: Susan Malo, RN, MPH, RYT

• Gentle, Introductory Yoga Session
• Stress Reliever
• Session Aimed at Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit

Employees Council

All employees are invited to attend meetings, which are held once a month. Date for general council meetings listed on the Employees Council intranet page. You can also call 860.545.3904 or email Employee.Council@hhchealth.org to arrange a convenient date and time to meet with the chairperson of the council.

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Giving Back/Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers Needed for Read to Grow Program

Volunteers are trained to visit new parents in the maternity unit to discuss the importance of reading to children from birth to promote literacy skills. The program also provides a free book to each family. Opportunities are open on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Shifts must be completed from 4 to 7 p.m. and volunteers must commit for a minimum of six months. The birth rate at Hartford Hospital is approximately 3,750 per year so there are a lot of families to visit!

Please contact Eileen Pelletier, Director of Volunteer Services at Eileen.Pelletier@hhchealth.org of 860.972.2448 for more information.

No One Dies Alone Volunteer Program

The No One Dies Alone volunteer program at Hartford Hospital is a volunteer-centered program dedicated to providing caring bedside companionship for terminally ill patients who are alone and at the end of life.

With the support of the Nursing Staff, NODA volunteer companions are able to help provide these terminally ill patients with the most valuable of human gifts: a dignified death. After completing training volunteers are “on call” for when vigils. Volunteers schedule themselves for shifts and can come in anytime they are available around the clock.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this program, please email Eileen Pelletier to schedule an interview.

Mended Hearts Visitors Needed

If you have had a heart event or heart surgery, or if you have been a caregiver to someone who has, please consider becoming a Mended Hearts visitor volunteer.  The Mended Hearts organization is a national non-profit organization made up of and serving people with heart disease and their loved ones.

Mended Hearts welcomes anyone interested in learning more about heart disease. Mended Hearts visitors come to Hartford Hospital to offer hope, support and encouragement to patients dealing with a  current cardiac issue. You can learn more about Mended Hearts at www.mendedheartsct.org.  If you would like to learn more about becoming a visitor, please contact John Dunn, visiting chairman, at 860-688-5489. 

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Grand Rounds

January 31
Institute of Living Grand Rounds
Hartford Room, Commons Building
12 noon to 1:15 p.m.

"Demoralization and Hope in Clinical Practice," featuring  Jessica VanDenend, MDiv, PhD, BCC, Chaplain at the Institute of Living

February 1
Department of Surgery Grand Rounds
Gilman Auditorium
6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

"Surgical Lessons from the Lake," featuring Shanu N. Kothari, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Director of Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery at Gundersen Health System

February 7
Institute of Living Grand Rounds
Hartford Room, Commons Building
12 noon to 1:15 p.m.

"Re-engaging the School Avoidant Student," featuring Scott Hannan, PhD, program manager of the Anxiety Disorders Center; Elizabeth Scherpenisse, PhD, psychologist at the Grace Webb School; and Ari R. Steinberg, PhD, psychologist at the Anxiety Disorders Center.

May 9
Institute of Living Grand Rounds
Hartford Room, Commons Building
12 noon to 1:15 p.m.

"'TIPS' Telephone Intervention Problem Solving Improves Antipsychotic Medication Adherence," featuring Lora Beebe, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, Professor of Nursing at the University of Tennessee.

For additional information about Grand Rounds at the IOL, visit https://instituteofliving.org/GrandRounds.

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Health Professionals

Financial Assistance for Patients

Do you know a patient who is in need of financial assistance? Hartford HealthCare can provide help to patients in need. Learn more about the program and how to assist patients on HHC Connect: https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/inside-hhc/patient-support).

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Human Resources

Sons & Daughters / Hazel Vail Scholarship Applications Due February 15

The Sons and Daughters / Hazel Vail Scholarships are competitive, merit-based scholarships available to children of Hartford Hospital employees, which include the IOL, Jefferson House, Cedar Mountain Commons and Rehabilitation Network (HHRN) employees, who meet eligibility requirements.

Applications may be obtained in several ways:

• Click here to download an application
• Online on HHC Connect (under Hartford Hospital > Human Resources > Education)
• Pick up an application in Human Resources @ 195 Retreat Ave.
• Contact Cari Piper, cari.piper@hhchealth.org, if you have any questions.

Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2019.

Do you have a Gold Medal Manager?

Great managers inspire us to do our best. Let’s recognize them and tell their stories so that we all can learn and grow.

Every three months, we ask employees across Hartford HealthCare to nominate what we’re calling “Gold Medal Managers” – individuals who exemplify our H3W Leadership Behaviors every day.

Managers or supervisors who have one or more people reporting to them are eligible for recognition. An employee or group of employees may nominate their manager for recognition.

Information on the Gold Medal Manager program is available here.

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Information Technology

Add Your Photo To Your Outlook Email Profile

In an effort to foster better communications and to put “a face to the name,” the ITS and Planning and Marketing Departments have created a process to allow staff to add their photograph to the Outlook Email profile via our HHC Intranet portal. If you would like to have your photo become part of your Outlook email you simply visit your profile page on the Intranet, located at: https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/my-profile Then you upload your photograph using the instructions on the Intranet and the next day your photograph will be part of your Outlook Email profile. This is the first in many data integration projects that are underway. ITS is currently working on a solution to synchronize other Intranet data to your Outlook email profile. Stay tuned there is lots more to come! If you have problems uploading a photo to the Intranet, there is a Help and Feedback section here:  https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/help-feedback And a bug submission form here: https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/help-feedback/feedback-suggestions

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Recognition

Come back soon for more recognition.

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Retirement Teas 

Check back soon for new retirement tea listings. 

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Spirituality

An Invitation to Eucharistic Ministers

If you are a trained as a Eucharistic Minister we would love to have you join our volunteer team in spiritual care. We are looking for Eucharistic Ministers who could spend a few hours a month visiting Catholic patients who want to receive communion. It is a great opportunity to connect your own spirituality to your workplace, and it means so much to our patients. If you would like to learn more, please call Chaplain Rolando Hernandez at 860.929.9632.

Lazowski/Kiely Multifaith Chapel

Monday through Friday at noon there are services of prayer and reflection in the Lazowski/Kiely Multifaith Chapel. Catholic Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 3:45 pm.

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Research Studies

For more information on these studies, as well as other ongoing research, visit the Research Department Website at hartfordhealthcare.org/research.

Seeking Healthy Participants for a Research Study

The Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living is currently recruiting healthy volunteers for a research study that examines the effect of breathing on biological responses, anxiety, and brain activity. We are looking for adults 18 and older with no history of psychiatric illness. 

Participation involves completing an interview with a clinician, a computer task while being connected to sensors that measure your biology and brain activity through electroencephalography (EEG) recording, and a rapid breathing task.

The visit takes about 2.5 hours and participants are compensated for their time with a $50 Amazon gift card.

For more information, call .860.545.7039 or email adc.research@hhchealth.org

Healthy Volunteers Needed for Antibiotic Research Study

Must be a healthy male or female, age 18 years or older, and meet all requirements of the study Females must be non-pregnant and non-lactating. Monetary compensation will be provided.

For more information, contact Tomefa Asempa at 860.972.3160 or tomefa.asempa@hhchealth.org.

Research Study Volunteers Needed

Drs. Taylor and Pescatello from the UConn Department of Kinesiology and Dr. Puhl from the UConn Rudd Center are conducting a research study to compare the effects of a short-term encounter to media videos on measures of mental and physical heart health in women.

Eligibility for the study requires premenopausal women who are between the ages 20 and 50 and do not use tobacco products. 

The 2-week study requires three visits to Hartford Hospital for 1) viewing of short media videos; 2) questionnaires on mental and physical heart health; 3) blood pressure and heart rate readings; and 4) blood samples and saliva swabs.  Participants who complete the study will be compensated $200 and will receive information on their heart health.

Please call Greg Panza for more information at 860.972.1507 or email gregory.panza@hhchealth.org

This project has been approved by the University of Connecticut IRB, Protocol #H16-292 and Hartford Hospital IRB, Protocol #D-HHC-2017-0071.

Research Study Participants with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Needed

Dr. Andrew Winokur, MD, of the Clinical Trials Unit at the Institute of Living, has an exciting research opportunity for patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Up to 60% of OCD patients have an inadequate response to first-line treatments (ex: cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRIs). This study is looking at the efficacy of this glutamate modulating compound to treat OCD. This study is sponsored by Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Limited.

Criteria:

• Male or Female, 18 to 65 years of age
• Proficient in English, with normal visual (with or without corrective lenses) and hearing ability
• Diagnosis of OCD for at least 1 year

If you have a client or patient that may qualify based on the following criteria, please refer them to the Clinical Trials Unit. The research staff will review the study in more detail and walk them through the process. 

Email Clinical.Trials@hhchealth.org or call 860.545.7476.

Research Study Participants with Major Depressive Disorder Needed

The Clinical Trials Unit at the Institute of Living, a division of Hartford Hospital, has an exciting research opportunity for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This study is comparing the accuracy and reliability of self-administered memory and thinking skills test taken on an iPad vs same tests administered by a doctor. These methods could be used in future clinical studies. This study is sponsored by Janssen Research and Development, LLC.

Criteria:

• Male or Female, 18 to 59 years of age
• Proficient in English, with normal visual (with or without corrective lenses) and hearing ability
• Diagnosis of MDD, in partial or full remission

If you have a client or patient that may qualify based on the following criteria, please refer them to the Clinical Trials Unit. The research staff will review the study in more detail and walk them through the process. Email Clinical.Trials@hhchealth.org or call 860.545.7476.

Recruiting Patients with OCD for Clinical Trial

Dr. Andrew Winokur at the Clinical Trials Unit of the Institute of Living has an exciting research opportunity for patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Up to 60% of OCD patients have an inadequate response to first-line treatments (ex: cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRIs). This study is looking at the efficacy of this glutamate modulating compound to treat OCD. This study is sponsored by Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Limited.

If you have a client or patient that may qualify based on the following criteria, please refer them to the Clinical Trials Unit. The research staff will review the study in more detail and walk them through the process.

• Male or Female, 18 to 65 years of age
• Proficient in English, with normal visual (with or without corrective lenses) and hearing ability
• Diagnosis of OCD for at least 1 year

Email Clinical.Trials@hhchealth.org or call 860.545.7476 to sign up or get more information.

Research Study for People with Major Depressive Disorder

The Clinical Trials Unit at the Institute of Living, a division of Hartford Hospital, has an exciting research opportunity for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This study is comparing the accuracy and reliability of self-administered memory and thinking skills test taken on an iPad vs same tests administered by a doctor. These methods could be used in future clinical studies. This study is sponsored by Janssen Research and Development, LLC.

If you have a client or patient that may qualify based on the following criteria, please refer them to the Clinical Trials Unit. The research staff will review the study in more detail and walk them through the process. Thank you!

Email: Clinical.Trials@hhchealth.org

Phone: 860-545-7476

Criteria:

• Male or Female, 18 to 59 years of age
• Proficient in English, with normal visual (with or without corrective lenses) and hearing ability
• Diagnosis of MDD, in partial or full remission

Adult Research Volunteers Needed

The Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center of Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living seeks right-handed healthy men and women (ages 18-45) to participate in a MRI-based study. The research will study how the brains of healthy adults process information.

Qualified volunteers for the study will participate in an interview, some questionnaires, neuropsychiatric tests, and a non-invasive brain imaging scan. Participants will also undergo one session of a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation procedure while playing a computer game.

Volunteers will be compensated 20 dollars per hour for their time. The study is expected to take about 4 hours total and can be separated into two visits, if necessary.

For more information please call 860.972.7077 or email Stephanie.novotny@hhchealth.org.

Research Study Volunteers Needed

Drs. Taylor and Pescatello from the UConn Department of Kinesiology and Dr. Puhl from the UConn Rudd Center are conducting a research study to compare the effects of a short-term encounter to media videos on measures of mental and physical heart health in women.

Eligibility for the study requires overweight, premenopausal women who are between the ages 20 and 50, have a body mass index > 30 kg/m2, and do not use tobacco products.

The 2-week study requires three visits to the University of Connecticut or Hartford Hospital for 1) viewing of short media videos; 2) questionnaires on mental and physical heart health; 3) blood pressure and heart rate readings; and 4) blood samples and saliva swabs.  Participants who complete the study will be compensated $200 and will receive information on their heart health.

Please call Greg Panza for more information at (860) 972-1507 or email gregory.panza@hhchealth.org. This project has been approved by the University of Connecticut IRB, Protocol #H16-292 and Hartford Hospital IRB, Protocol #D-HHC-2017-0071.

Research Study Volunteers Needed

Drs. Taylor and Pescatello from the UConn Department of Kinesiology and Dr. Puhl from the UConn Rudd Center are conducting a research study to compare the effects of a short-term encounter to media videos on measures of mental and physical heart health in women.

Eligibility for the study requires overweight, premenopausal women who are between the ages 20 and 50, have a body mass index > 30 kg/m2, and do not use tobacco products.

The 2-week study requires three visits to the University of Connecticut or Hartford Hospital for 1) viewing of short media videos; 2) questionnaires on mental and physical heart health; 3) blood pressure and heart rate readings; and 4) blood samples and saliva swabs.  Participants who complete the study will be compensated $200 and will receive information on their heart health.

Please call Greg Panza for more information at (860) 972-1507 or email gregory.panza@hhchealth.org

This project has been approved by the University of Connecticut IRB, Protocol #H16-292 and Hartford Hospital IRB, Protocol #D-HHC-2017-0071.

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Respirator FIT Testing Schedule

All testing is conducted in the ERD on the 4th floor, except on competency days, where it will be held on the 1st floor of the ERC in the Informal Lounge. Staff is encouraged to enroll through HealthStream. FIT Testing is an annual requirement. Employees who are required to do a yearly N95 Respirator Fit test will see their due date in HealthStream as their anniversary date of starting at the hospital. When you have completed all three steps, the assignment will automatically reset to the same month next year. Complete your HealthStream module prior to getting the Fit Test portion. If there are any changes to your cardiac or pulmonary health, or if you are a new employee, you must be medically cleared by Occupational Health prior to being Fit Tested. Also, Federal Law prohibits testing of anyone with facial hair that interferes with the mask seal. Please ensure you meet all of these requirements before getting Fit Tested.

Please note: Employees need to complete BOTH an online fit testing course AND an actual mask fit test. Once an employee has completed the online portion of the fit testing, they should follow the instructions to register for the actual mask fit test.

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Support Groups

IOL Family Resource Center Support Groups

Click here for the most up-to-date support group schedule from the IOL's Family Resource Center. All programs, unless otherwise noted, are held in the Massachusetts Cottage, 1st floor Group Room. For more information, please call 860.545.7665.

Hartford Hospital Support Groups

For information about Support Groups for cancer, cardiology, diabetes, mental health, neurology, pulmonary, surgical weight loss and urology visit, https://hartfordhealthcare.org/health-wellness/classes-events/support-groups.

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