CHIP 2025 PRINT

Community
Health
Improvement
Plan
2024-2029

Our Mission
Prevent disease outbreaks and conditions
that give rise to poor health outcomes.
Promote health programs and policies that
support good health.
Protect community members from
health threats.
Our Vision
Exceptional health and well-being for all
people who work, live, learn, and play in the
Farmington Valley
Our Values
Equity
Excellence
Data-Driven
Professionalism
Collaboration
Integrity

Contents
4
5
7
9
10
12
14
15
20
A Message From The Health Director
Introduction
Community Health Improvement Plan
Community Health Assessment
Community Health Improvement
Plan Development
Health Priorities
Definitions
Healthy Eating and Active Living
Mental Health
24
28
31
32
34
Optimal Wellbeing for Older Adults
Emerging Environmental Health Concerns
What’s Next?
Acknowledgments
FVHD Staff
CHIP 3

A Message From
The Health Director
It is with great excitement that FVHD releases our first Community Health Improvement Plan! As
your local health department there is nothing more rewarding than leading the agency charged
with protecting the public’s health and collaborating with partners to create communities where
people can thrive.
If public health could be described in one sentence, it would be the old adage, “an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Nearly 80% of premature heart disease, stroke, and type 2
diabetes diagnoses can be prevented. Public health initiatives such as vaccinations, food safety
regulations, and clean air and water policies have increased life expectancy in the U.S. by more
than 30 years between 1900 and 2020. 1 As your local health department, we work daily to
improve the conditions that support good health and quality of life for our communities.
Jennifer C. Kertanis, MPH
FVHD DIRECTOR
“As your local health department,
we work daily to improve the
conditions that support good
health and quality of life for our
communities.”
Grounded in the findings of our 2022 Community Health Assessment, our Community Health
Improvement Plan focuses on four priority areas: healthy eating and active living; mental health;
optimal wellbeing for older adults; and emerging environmental health concerns. This report
summarizes our goals and strategies for addressing these public health issues while working in
partnership with many agencies and organizations. Given the multitude of factors that affect
people’s health, including the environment, housing, access to healthy foods and healthcare, and
safe and walkable neighborhoods, partnerships are crucial to achieving the goals in our CHIP
and our vision: exceptional health and wellbeing for all people who work, live, learn, and play in
the Farmington Valley.
We can’t fulfill our vision without the help of community residents. So pull up a chair, get to
know us, and consider being a part of this work!
Jennifer C. Kertanis, MPH
Director
1
Source: https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/
longevity/3847532-more-people-are-living-to-be-100-heres-why
4 CHIP

Introduction
The Farmington Valley Health District (FVHD) is the local health department serving
the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby,
Hartland, New Hartford, and Simsbury in the state of Connecticut. Monitoring and
promoting the health status and needs of our community is an essential function of our local
health department. Completing a Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community
Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) allows the FVHD to further our mission to promote and
protect the health of all who work, live, learn, and play in the Farmington Valley.
CHIP 5

6 CHIP
FVHD serves approximately
110,000
residents across ten towns.

Community Health
Improvement Plan
A Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a collaborative, action-oriented
plan that outlines how the priority health areas identified in the Community Health
Assessment (CHA) will be addressed to promote and protect health and wellbeing
across the Farmington Valley. The FVHD CHIP was created through a collaborative
process that engaged community organizations, subject matter experts, and passionate
community members. Through the identified goals, strategies, action steps, and
measurable indicators for each priority area, the CHIP maps out a communitywide
blueprint for improving the health of the community while also addressing
the strengths, challenges, and opportunities that exist in the Farmington Valley.
The CHIP serves as a framework for our community partners, including municipal
departments, social service agencies, private and nonprofit organizations, community
and faith-based organizations, and local businesses, to coordinate efforts and
resources to improve the health and quality of life for all in the Farmington Valley.
For more information on the
Community Health Improvement
Plan, including our CHIP Dashboard
where we will monitor progress,
please scan the QR code below.
Community Health
Improvement Plan
https://tinyurl.com/FVHDCHIP
CHIP 7

The rate of Lyme disease is higher
among FVHD residents than in
Connecticut residents.
58%
of adult FVHD residents are
overweight or obese.
33%
of FVHD residents over the age of 65
have fallen in the past 12 months.
5%
of housing across the FVHD
qualifies as affordable.
34%
of high school students reported that
their mental health was not good for
7 days or more in the past 30 days.
8 CHIP

Community Health
Assessment
The FVHD Community Health Assessment (CHA), completed in the fall of 2022, uses data to describe the social determinants
of health, health behaviors, and health outcomes of residents in the Farmington Valley. An advisory group
of subject matter experts with a variety of public health backgrounds helped guide the CHA. Based on findings in the
CHA as well as feedback from the community through our Share Your Voice! survey, the following priority areas were
identified and serve as the foundation of our CHIP:
Healthy Eating and
Active Living
Mental Health
Optimal Wellbeing for
Older Adults
Emerging Environmental
Health Concerns
Key findings and identified priorities from the FVHD’s 2022 CHA were presented to community members and partnering
organizations over several months. Workgroups for each priority area, consisting of community members and
subject matter experts, were formed and met from September 2023 to May 2024 to develop the FVHD CHIP.
Please scan the QR code to read the
Community Health Assessment
https://tinyurl.com/FVHDCHA2022
CHIP 9

Community Health Improvement Plan
Development
The 2024 FVHD CHIP was developed over an eight month period. Workgroups, comprised
of community partners and members, were convened for each of the following three*
priority areas identified in the CHA: healthy eating and active living, mental health, and
optimal wellbeing for older adults. During initial meetings, the workgroups were tasked
with identifying (1) pressing issues and challenges in our community related to their
workgroup’s priority area, (2) community strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and gaps
to address their priority area, and (3) potential partner organizations and agencies to
engage in this CHIP work. Next, workgroup members developed specific goals, objectives,
and strategies to address their priority health area. FVHD staff then used the frameworks
developed by each workgroup to craft corresponding action steps. Once a draft plan was
developed for each priority area, the plan was shared with each workgroup for feedback
as well as with subject matter experts in our community to identify gaps and potential
implementation challenges. All feedback was incorporated into the final Community Health
Improvement Plan.
* The fourth priority area, emerging environmental health concerns, arose through discussions with the
CHIP workgroups in recognition of the public health impacts of climate change.
10 CHIP

Collaboration
Formed workgroups for 3 priority
areas identified in CHA.
Goal Setting
Developed specific goals, objectives,
and strategies to address each
priority area.
Stakeholder Feedback
Drafted plans and shared
with subject matter experts
for feedback.
1 3 5
2 6
Assessment & Planning
Identified challenges, assets and
gaps related to each priority area.
4
Action Steps & Indicators
Review
Developed specific action steps for
all strategies including measurable
indicators.
& Finalization
Presented draft for final feedback.
The FVHD CHIP was developed
over an eight month period.
CHIP 11

Health Priorities
Healthy Eating and
Active Living
• Improve access and affordability
of healthy lifestyle options.
• Create environments that
encourage healthy behaviors.
• Increase the proportion of
community members following
healthy eating and active living
quidelines.
Mental Health
• Promote environments that
support mental wellness.
• Destigmatize mental health
challenges.
• Improve access to early intervention
programs and services to meet
the mental health needs of our
community.
12 CHIP

Optimal Wellbeing for
Older Adults
• Disrupt ageism by increasing
community awareness and
understanding of the assets
of an aging population.
• Improve access to essential
services and resources for
all older individuals.
• Create environments that support
an older adult population.
Emerging Environmental
Health Concerns
• Monitor, analyze, and disseminate
public health implications associated
with climate change.
• Enhance environmental conditions
that support good health.
CHIP 13

Community Health
Improvement Plan Framework
and Definitions
Goal
Overarching community
conditions that the
improvement plan aims
to achieve.
Objective: Outline the commitments that the improvement
plan is expected to accomplish.
Strategy: Description of the specific plans to meet the objectives
Action Steps: Description of the activities and actions performed
by FVHD and the community to work towards the strategies.
14 CHIP

Priority Area 1
Healthy Eating and
Active Living
The benefits of healthy eating and physical activity on an individual’s physical,
mental, and emotional health are numerous. Most notably, eating nutritious
foods while staying physically active helps individuals maintain a healthy weight
and lowers the risk of developing many chronic diseases, including type 2
diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and certain
kinds of cancer. The benefits to an individual’s mental and emotional health
include better management of stress and anxiety, improvement of overall mood,
a natural energy boost for daily activities, and greater focus and motivation.
Through our focus on healthy eating and active living, we believe everyone
should have access to opportunities that allow them to maintain a healthy diet
and live an active lifestyle by making the healthy choice the easy choice.
CHIP 15

Goal 1
Improve access and
affordability of healthy
lifestyle options
“We need more equitable access
to affordable fresh produce.”
- Canton Resident
1.1 Objective: Reduce barriers to healthy eating and active
living resources
Strategy
Strategy Action Steps
• Increase use and variety of free or lowcost
physical activity
• Reduce exercise hesitancy due to lack of
experience or skill
1.2 Objective: Advocate for local policies to improve access
to healthy eating and active living
Action Steps
• Investigate and promote existing
affordable exercise opportunities including
online options
• Promote entry-level exercise options
• Partner with local farms to provide fresh
produce to food pantries and schools
• Advocate for access to nutritious meals
for all kids at low to no cost
• Advocate for the need to expand
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) benefits to include
healthy prepared meals
• Partner with School Nutrition Association
of CT to improve access to nutritious
meals for kids
• Review school wellness policies for
opportunities to improve free and low cost
school meal options
• Convene subject matter expert group to
prepare policy brief for SNAP expansion
• Increase availability of affordable healthy
food choices
• Reduce barriers to individuals growing
their own food
• Encourage grocery stores and restaurants
to highlight healthy food options
• Investigate necessary infrastructure and
identify locations for community gardens
• Investigate opportunities for seed
exchange
• Advocate for transportation to community
events, trails, farmers markets, etc.
• Advocate for affordable housing that
includes community gardens and is
near healthy food options and places for
physical activity
• Partner with Sustainable CT programs
to improve public transportation
• Provide subject matter expertise
and support to Affordable Housing
Committees to promote spaces that
incorporate healthy eating and active
living
16 CHIP

Goal 2
Create environments that
encourage healthy
behaviors
Only 27%
of high school students get
the recommended amount of
daily physical activity.
2.1 Objective: Improve school environments to increase regular
exercise and healthy eating
Strategy Strategy
Action Steps Action Steps
• Enhance school fitness and programming
for physical activity
• Increase use of outdoors as a classroom
• Review relevant policies regarding
physical activity in schools
• Improve existing programs including
advocating for recess before lunch in
schools
• Review current programs and create
recommendations for forest and naturebased
school programs
• Implement workplace wellness programs
that provide space, times, and support for
HEAL at work
• Advocate for healthy meal and vending
machine options in schools
• Encourage schools to consider
participation in community gardens
• Convene school wellness committee
members and food service directors to
enhance healthy eating and active living
policies in schools
2.2 Objective: Improve work environments to increase regular
exercise and healthy eating
• Increase availability of workplace wellness
programs (WWP) that encourage healthy
food choices and increase exercise
• Increase availability and/or uptake of
healthy food options at school
• Improve employee benefits to include
wellness programs and nutritional
coaching
• Incentivize employers to implement
healthy eating and active living workplace
wellness programs
CHIP 17

2.3 Objective: Improve community environments to increase
regular exercise and healthy eating
Strategy
• Better utilize environments that promote
outdoor recreation
• Increase community supports for healthy
eating and active living for families
• Increase access to open space and naturebased
physical activities
• Increase availability of healthy food options
in the community
Action Steps
• Investigate and promote existing
policies regarding sidewalks, walkable
communities, and e-bike use on trails
• Identify and/or create support groups for
families on journey to improve healthy
eating and active living
• Partner with Sustainable CT to increase
availability of spaces for outdoor recreation
• Convene food pantry and Foodshare
leaders to explore novel options for making
healthy food choices readily available,
including community food swaps and
mobile Foodshare
“Improving the safety of our streets and
walkability to stores would increase my
physical activity.”
-Granby Resident
18 CHIP

3.1 Objective: Increase community knowledge about healthy
eating and active living
Goal 3
Increase the proportion
of community members
following healthy
eating and active living
guidelines
Strategy
Strategy Action Steps
• Educate the community on healthy
eating and active living
• Disseminate recommendations for
physical activity
• Partner with organizations to conduct
campaign to increase awareness of
healthy, quick meal options
• Conduct campaign to increase awareness
and enrollment in the Supplement
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Create opportunities for teaching
individuals how to grow and prepare
healthy meals
• Partner with community organizations to
disseminate information on creative ways
to include exercise in daily life
• Utilize existing community resources to
hold educational cooking demonstrations
3.2 Objective: Increase community participation in healthy
eating and active living programming
• Increase the availability of evidence-based
chronic disease and wellness programs
• Increase availability of other evidencebased
wellness programing
• Increase awareness about existing low or
no-cost healthy food resources
“I learned so many things in the
Chronic Disease Management
Class. It gave me more power to
be in control of my health.”
-Live Well Participant
Action Steps
• Identify funding to reinitiate Chronic
Disease Self Management program
• Promote in-person and remote program
options
• Expand lay leader training pool to increase
program options
• Partner with community organizations
to create marketing campaign to boost
participation in existing programs
• Distribute materials and resources
regarding healthy eating and active living
CHIP 19

Priority Area 2
Mental Health
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and behave. How
we handle stress, relate to and interact with others, and
make decisions are all everyday events that are affected by
our mental health. Most everyone experiences occasional
poor mental health days; however, prolonged periods of poor
mental health and diagnosable mental illnesses impair daily
functioning and the ability to live a healthy life. Our focus
on mental health aims to prioritize the prevention and early
identification of mental health challenges while creating
communities that support mental wellness and flourishing.
20 CHIP

Goal 1
Promote environments that
support mental wellness
and destigmatize mental
health challenges
Strategy
Action Steps
1.1 Objective: Increase community knowledge about the
importance of mental health
• Increase mental health awareness
trainings in schools, workplaces, and in the
community
• Reduce barriers to in-person mental
health trainings and information sharing
• Partner with local organizations to host
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide
Prevention trainings
• Grow workforce of lay leaders for MHFA
and QPR to expand training capacity
• Promote virtual trainings to meet
individuals where they are
• Utilize different platforms (YouTube,
Nutmeg TV, podcasts, Health Matters
newsletter, CredibleMind, etc.) to
disseminate mental health information
• Work with local restaurants and
businesses to promote CredibleMind
• Partner with community organizations to
promote mental wellness
• Empower parents and guardians to
normalize conversations about mental
health with their children
• Promote local mental health events
utilizing social media platforms
• Attend public events to promote mental
health resources and services available in
the community
• Partner with libraries to host a “Mental
Health Corner” to increase access to
resources
• Provide conversation guides and materials
for parents and guardians to promote
healthy conversations about mental health
with children of all ages
“We have recognized that mental
health is an issue not to be
hidden away.”
- Simsbury Resident
CHIP 21

1.2 Objective: Help individuals strengthen their mental
health coping skills
11.30
Strategy
• Increase opportunities for individuals to
learn different self-help skills
• Promote awareness of local mental health
resources
• Continue to develop Resilience Grows
Here (RGH) to address lifespan needs
• Integrate mental health into workplace
wellness programming
• Encourage use of CredibleMind to learn
new coping skills
• Develop new RGH programs targeting
adults and seniors
Action Steps
• Work with local organizations to promote
free workshops to the community (yoga
studios, land trusts, etc.)
• Continue to promote social-emotional
learning, stress- reduction techniques,
and resilient skill building through RGH
in schools
• Create actionable mental health strategies
for employers to implement in workplace
wellness programming
https://tinyurl.com/fvhdcrediblemind
22 CHIP

Goal 2
Improve access to early
intervention programs
and services to meet
the mental health needs
of our community
“QPR saves lives.”
- Avon Ninth Grader
Strategy Strategy
Action Steps Action Steps
2.1 Objective: Increase early identification of mental
health challenges
• Better equip school nurses to assess for
mental health indicators during nursing
interactions with students
• Empower parents, guardians, and
community members to identify early
signs of mental health challenges in youth
• Advocate for school Board of Educations
to adopt policy of mandatory QPR training
for all school staff and coaches
• Ensure school nurses are certified in Youth
MHFA
• Ensure at least 50% of school staff and
coaches are trained in QPR
• Provide ongoing Youth MHFA trainings for
parents, guardians, and other adults who
work with children
• Work with local Juvenile Review Boards
(JRB) to offer Youth MHFA to parents and
guardians of students who are actively
engaged in a JRB case
• Provide ongoing Adult MHFA trainings for
community members
• Develop RGH decal program to identify
members of the community who are
certified in MHFA and/or QPR
2.2 Objective: Increase awareness of the clinical and subclinical
mental health support options available locally
• Work with partners to assess and identify
gaps in the availability of mental health
services and resources in the community
• Convene group of subject matter experts
to assess mental health services and
resources in the community
• Create list of gaps identified and potential
solutions
• Promote CredibleMind as a tool to locate
local resources and subclinical options
• Empower community members to identify
in themselves and others early signs of
mental health challenges
• Make it easier for students and adults to
identify safe people and businesses they
can go to when experiencing a mental
health challenge
• Centralize basic mental health navigation
information through CredibleMind
• Build-out FVHD’s RGH webpage as
a landing place for all mental health
resources discussed in our Community
Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
CHIP 23

Priority Area 3
Optimal Wellbeing for
Older Adults
As Americans are living longer than ever before, the demographics of our communities
are shifting. This makes it more critical to prioritize aging and disability inclusivity in
all of our work as a health department. The FVHD has a higher proportion of older
adults as compared to Connecticut as a whole and thus it is important to support
environments that allow our residents to age safely and comfortably in their homes and
their community. Maintaining one’s physical, mental, and cognitive health are critical
components of healthy aging, and help reduce the risk of falls, physical injury, social
isolation and loneliness, and the development of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Through our focus on supporting our older population, we aim to support environments
that allow older adults to remain physically and socially active in their community.
24 CHIP

1.1 Objective: Build and promote intergenerational
engagement opportunities
Goal 1
Disrupt ageism by increasing
community awareness and
understanding of the assets
of an older adult population
“Volunteering has given me such
joy and sense of purpose.”
- Granby Resident
Strategy
Strategy Action Steps Strategy Action Steps
• Encourage community partners to
connect with older community members
living independently
• Compile and distribute recommendations
regarding peer support and connection
programs for older adult population
• Compile and distribute recommendations
for intergenerational mentoring programs
1.2 Objective: Build and promote volunteer and civic
engagement opportunities
• Promote the value of volunteerism and
civic engagement
• Develop and distribute materials on
importance and value of volunteerism
• Promote intergenerational mentoring
through local organizations
• Promote and expand volunteer and civic
engagement opportunities
• Promote volunteer opportunities in
collaboration with community partners
1.3 Objective: Provide data on the lived experiences of older
adults in our communities
• Issue regular reports highlighting key data
regarding health and safety issues among
the older adult population
• Distribute and promote data reports to
increase knowledge of issues among the
older adult population
Action Steps
• Identify key data measures and data
sources
• Identify methods for data report
distribution
• Determine reasonable timeframe for
updating of data
CHIP 25

Goal 2
Improve access to essential
services and resources for all
older individuals
97%
of A Matter of Balance
participants would recommend
it to family and friends.
Strategy
Strategy Action Steps Strategy Action Steps
2.1 Objective: Provide programming to enhance health
and wellness for the older adult population
• Provide A Matter of Balance (MOB) classes
and expand Steps to Safety program
• Provide resources on home safety and
aging safely in place
• Identify loaner closets and gaps in this
resource
• Schedule regular MOB and evidencebased
programs
• Identify and train lay-leaders for MOB
and Live Well Programs
• Build partnerships with town departments
to expand Steps to Safety program
• Enhance referral systems into MOB and
evidence-based programming
2.2 Objective: Build and promote inventory of resources and
agencies available to the older adult population
• Provide health-focused resources and
FAQs through innovative and accessible
channels
• Inventory and compile existing resources
• Distribute resources through community
partners
• Provide and promote evidence-based Live
Well Programs
• Increase access to equipment that
supports independent living
• Develop and distribute a guidance tool
with large lettering, clear graphics,
and symbols to make literature more
accessible for older adultsraphics,
2.3 Objective: Enhance transportation systems for older
adults accessing services and programs
• Evaluate gaps in existing transportation
options
• Promote walkability and safety audits to
assess sidewalks and crosswalks
• Improve accessibility and readability of
existing resources
• Promote awareness of existing
transportation services
Action Steps
• Identify tools to assess walkability and
safety and share with town partners
• Develop and conduct survey to assess
transportation needs and gaps
• Analyze and summarize data
• Share data with municipalities and policy
makers
26 CHIP

3.1 Objective: Ensure issues of aging are considered in
local policies
Goal 3
Create environments
that support an older
adult population
Strategy
Strategy Action Steps
• Share model practices that support aging
in place
• Provide written comment on policies with
consideration for older adult population
• Research and compile model practices
that support aging in place
• Track local and state policies
• Provide subject matter expertise to local
Commissions on Aging
• Formalize partnerships with town planners
3.2 Objective: Promote and support accessible and
affordable housing policies
• Share model practices that support aging
in new housing developments
Action Steps
• Research and compile model practices
that consider the older adult population
in new housing development
20%
of people living in the Farmington
Valley are 65 years or older.
CHIP 27

Priority Area 4
Emerging Environmental
Health Concerns
Climate change directly affects public health. Increased temperatures, more
frequent and intense heat waves, and altered precipitation patterns can lead
to heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from poor air quality, vector-borne
diseases like malaria and dengue fever, and mental health challenges. By
integrating climate change considerations, the FVHD believes we can better
prepare for and mitigate these health risks, ensuring our community remains
healthy and resilient.
28 CHIP

1.1 Objective: Identify mechanism for monitoring public
health implications of climate change
Goal 1
Monitor, analyze, and
disseminate public health
implications associated with
climate change
Strategy
Strategy Action Steps
• Enhance local capacity to monitor climate
changes
• Explore what indicators other organizations
are using to track climate change
• Identify data sources
• Develop reporting mechanism
1.2 Objective: Increase awareness of impacts of climate
change on public health
• Disseminate information on climate
change
Action Steps
• Share Climate Change Ambassadors
Program with local communities
• Convene local climate change taskforce
• Encourage local communities to participate
in Climate Change Ambassadors Program
“The American Medical Association
declared Climate Change a public
health crisis in 2022.”
CHIP 29

2.1 Objective: Protect indoor air quality in homes
Goal 2
Enhance environmental
conditions that support
good health
Strategy
Action Steps
• Increase the number of homes that have
been tested for radon
• Partner with the state health department
and local organizations to disseminate
radon test kits
• Educate the community on the importance
of testing their homes for radon
2.2 Objective: Protect air quality in schools
20%
of houses in the Farmington Valley
that have been tested for radon have
levels above the action levels.
Strategy Strategy
Action Steps Action Steps
• Increase the proportion of schools that
have state-of-the-art air handling
systems
• Investigate current state policies for air
filtration in schools
• Provide subject matter expertise to schools
to help them better understand current best
practices for indoor air filtration
2.3 Objective: Enforce public health laws that protect the
environment and public health
• Identify and develop local ordinances
necessary to protect the public’s health
• Maintain public health workforce that is
trained in environmental laws
• Stay current on emerging environmental
health issues
• Increase public awareness of importance of
public health laws
30 CHIP

What’s Next?
Moving the Plan into Action
As we launch this Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), we know the important
work lies ahead as we move forward purposefully, with our partners, to put this plan into
action. Progress will be monitored at routine work group meetings and tracked on our
website via a CHIP Dashboard. If you or your organization is passionate about this work,
consider joining one of the four workgroups established to advance this work across the
priority areas.
Plan for Monitoring Progress
Progress on the FVHD 2024 CHIP will be monitored at routine workgroup meetings and
will be regularly reported to the FVHD Board.
CHIP 31

We are grateful for the many partners who contributed to the
development of the Community Health Assessment and the
Community Health Improvement Plan, and will support this
work moving forward.
Andreoli, Toni
Services for the Elderly of Farmington
Bava, Colleen
School Principal, Granby
Bavaro-Grande, Missy
School Superintendent, East Granby
Bennett, Jennifer
Avon Senior Center
Bibbins, Deb
Founder & CEO, For All Ages
Bible, Vic
iffs Elder Care Consultants, LLC
Bishop, Jon
School Assistant Superintendent, Canton
Boudreau, David
FVHD Volunteer
Buckley, Tom
UConn School of Pharmacy
Cleveland, Erica
Simsbury Youth Services
Derleth, Jennifer
The Total Runner Athletics, LLC
Dokmanovic, Nikola
Master’s Degree Student and East Granby
Community Member
Donihee-Perron, Jean
Chair, Granby Commission on Aging
Dotson, Teresa
Registered Dietitian, Canton resident and President
of the CT Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics
Fortinsky, Richard
UConn Older Americans Independence Center,
UConn Center on Aging and University of
Connecticut School of Medicine
Formanek, Kristen
Director of Community and Social Services, Simsbury
Foy, Lisa
Attorney
Frodermann, Nancy
Visiting Nurses and Hospice of
Litchfield County
Goclowski, Jadwega
CT DPH (retired) and FVHD Board Member
Gray, Sharon
UConn, College of Ag, Health and
Natural Resources
Hall, Janet
George Hall Farm, Simsbury
Hanson, Kathryn
Senior Program Director, Farmington Valley YMCA
Jackson, Tonoa
Canton Food Pantry and Canton Senior
and Social Services
Johnson, Abigail
Student Intern FVHD
Johnson, September
Community Member
Lagan, Ray
Simsbury Chamber of Commerce
Leathers, Sarah
Healing Meals Community Project
Linner, Samantha
Wellness Director, Farmington Valley
YMCA
Loveland, Rachael
Social Worker
Ludorf, Jessica
Program Manager, Careforth
(Adult Family Living)
Masino, Susan
Professor of Applied Science, Trinity College
McAuliffe, Cindy
Services for the Elderly of Farmington Inc.
Morris, Stephen
Executive Director, FAVARH
32 CHIP

Morse, Chris
Healthtrax Fitness and Wellness
Mullin, Michelle
Children’s Clubhouse
Nielsen, Sarah
Simsbury Main Street Partnership
Norwood, Alyssa
CT Age Well Collaborative
Roberts, Dave
President, Barkhamsted Senior Center
Root, Mary
Fitness Therapist
Schott, Fred
St. Paul’s Church, New Hartford
Schwartz, Marlene
UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy
and Health
Scully, Carol
Director of Advocacy for the Statewide
Arc of Connecticut
Toomey, Sarah
Greenwoods
Tse, Annie
Advisory Practice Lead Wellbeing Strategy
at WellSpark Health
Van Hemert, Colleen
FVHD Volunteer and East Granby Resident
Van Neil, Alicia
Youth Services, East Granby
Warr, Shir
Better Human
Wilson, Hilary
Hartland Commission on Aging
Woodman, Amy
Registered Dietitian, Farmington Valley
Nutrition and Wellness
Yost, Daniel
Canton Community Member
Taylor, Kate
APRN
Toal, Brian
DPH, Env Health (retired) and CT Forest
and Parks
CHIP 33

Staff
Jennifer C. Kertanis, MPH
Director of Health
jkertanis@fvhd.org
Stephanie Johnson, MPH
Assistant Director
sjohnson@fvhd.org
Dianne Harding, RS
Chief Sanitarian
dharding@fvhd.org
Patricia Gigliotti, RS
Environmental Health Coordinator
pgigliotti@fvhd.org
Kristin Kula, RS
Registered Sanitarian
kkula@fvhd.org
Jason Brown, RS
Food Program Coordinator
jbrown@fvhd.org
Kristin Olsson, RS
Registered Sanitarian
kolsson@fvhd.org
Kristin Kelley
Emergency Response Coordinator,
Environmental Health Inspector
kkelley@fvhd.org
Deidra James, BS
Environmental Health Inspector
djames@fvhd.org
Justine Ginsberg, BSN, RN
Community Health Coordinator
jginsberg@fvhd.org
Amanda Hubbard, MSN, RN
Public Health Nurse
ahubbard@fvhd.org
Olivia Morris, BS
Epidemiologist
omorris@fvhd.org
Jamie Dudyak, LMSW, MPH
Community Health Program Associate
jdudyak@fvhd.org
Anna Larson, MPH
Community Health Program Associate
alarson@fvhd.org
Sam Carter
Office Manager
scarter@fvhd.org
34 CHIP

Avon
Barkhamsted
Canton
Colebrook
East Granby
Farmington
Granby
Hartland
New Hartford
Simsbury
CHIP 35

95 River Road, Suite C, Canton, CT 06019
Phone: (860) 352-2333
www.fvhd.org
36 CHIP