Describing it as a wonderful opportunity to combine the best of the agencies, three Hartford based organizations that offer health services: the Hispanic Health Council, Mi Casa Family Services and Hispanos Unidos, announced they have decided to merge into one agency.
Facing funding challenges and with the state of Connecticut preferring to fund larger organizations, both Mi Casa and Hispanos Unidos say they opted to merge in order to save the vital community services they offer. The Hispanic Health Council, the largest of the three will take on many of the services formerly provided by the two other organizations.
Nancy Martone, chairperson of the HHC board of directors said, “We are excited to see our vision of enhancing and growing our research, culturally relevant direct service programs and advocacy to reduce health inequities experienced by our state’s diverse populations.” Martone said the merger also allows them to better position themselves to support Connecticut’s healthcare reform.
Jose Ortiz, president and CEO of the Hispanic Health Council said, “As a result of the merger, more people will have access to the helpful programs we offer.”
The merger will now allow for greater staffing and increased budgets, along with the launch of a new development office and the expansion of the 35 year old Hispanic Health Council which will work to increase its statewide presence by opening offices in New Haven and Meriden. HHC also plans to expand its youth targeted programming and the HIV prevention and support initiatives.