FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
John Sponauer
Vice President of Marketing Communications & Philanthropic Giving
860.793.4450 (Office)
860.324.1285 (Cell)
jsponauer@wheelerhealth.org
Allison Separy
Marketing & Communications Manager
Community Health & Wellness Center
469 Migeon Avenue
Torrington, CT 06790
860-489-0931 Ext. 1020
asepary@chwctorr.org
Bristol, Conn. and Torrington, Conn. (August 27, 2025) - Reflecting a shared vision to expand access to health care services in the northwest corner of Connecticut, two federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have signed a letter of intent to evaluate combining services into one network.
Community Health & Wellness Center (CHWC), an FQHC based in Torrington, Winsted, and North Canaan, and Wheeler Health, an FQHC in Bristol, Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, and Waterbury, and a leading statewide provider of community-based human services, are exploring the partnership to significantly increase health care services for residents in Torrington and the Northwest Hills region.
As health care continues to evolve—especially in community-based primary care and behavioral health—joining forces will allow the organizations to:
- Expand access to care across a broader service area
- Deepen service offerings and specialty care
- Strengthen operational stability
“Both Wheeler and CHWC bring a shared vision of high-quality, accessible, and compassionate integrated health care,” says Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheeler Health. “Wheeler’s proven success in our care model, and more than 55 years of innovation, pairs perfectly with CHWC’s knowledge of their communities and health center services already offered.”
“FQHCs are experiencing an ever-expanding patient population, increasing the demand on already strained resources, especially in our rural parts of the state,” says Joanne Borduas, MSN, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Community Health & Wellness Center. “Established over 25 years ago, we have been serving as the only comprehensive FQHC in Northwest Connecticut, and today, operating under continued uncertainty of future federal funding support, partnerships like this one are a smart strategic option that will strengthen our ability to better plan for future sustainability, invest in long-term solutions, and expand services while honoring our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Management from both organizations are already meeting to discuss commonalities and dynamics of the potential agreement.
“This is a commitment—to our combined patients, communities, and staff—to be at the forefront of improving health care for all,” Trocchi said. “We are committed to transparency as we listen, learn, share, and discover the possibilities. Together, we can measurably improve the health of Torrington and the Northwest Hills communities.”
About Community Health & Wellness Center
Community Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) is an award-winning 501(c )(3) not-for-profit organization and the only Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in the northwest corner of Connecticut providing comprehensive services. CHWC delivers a range of integrated healthcare services including medical, behavioral health, chiropractic, and nutrition, as well as an in-house lab and pharmacy. Serving over 7,000 patients, CHWC operates health centers in Torrington, Winsted, and North Canaan, with School-Based Health Centers in all Torrington schools and three Region One Schools. Learn more: www.chwctorr.org
About Wheeler Health
Wheeler Health provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families, and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages health, recovery, and growth at all stages of life. Wheeler’s integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for nearly 70,000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Learn more: WheelerHealth.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER PATIENTS
September 9, 2025
Why are CHWC and Wheeler exploring a partnership?
Ultimately, because this will significantly improve care for Torrington and the Northwest Hills region.
As health care evolves, joining forces allows both organizations to expand access to care across a broader service area, increase specilaty care and other services, and strengthen their operational stability.
What is the next step?
We are in a 90-day Letter of Intent phase that allows both organizations to take a comprehensive look at each of our structures and gather key operational, financial, community, and other data, to ensure both CHWC and Wheeler are aligned. This is a critical phase that allows us to then make an informed decision on whether it makes sense to come together in a merger.
If there is a merger, how long will that take?
We both hope it would be complete by the summer of 2026.
Will both CHWC and Wheeler Health keep their identity and community focus?
Both organizations are well-established and long-standing health centers, and we will always honor our commitment to the communities we have served for decades, but with greater strength and increased access to quality health care. As Federally Qualified Health Centers, our focus will always remain on how best to serve our communities and the patients who rely on us.
Does this process affect staff, services, hours, or locations of the health centers?
No! All sites for both organizations are operating as they have been, with no changes to access or service. This period of discovery is to learn whether we will pursue next steps like a merger. We look forward to continuing to serve you. Thank you for trusting us with your care!
Will I still be able to see my regular provider in the site I've always seen them in??
Yes, you will still be able to see your provider in the site you’ve always visited.
If you have any questions or concerns, please to not hesitate to contact our office at 860-489-0931.