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Let's All Help to Keep our Neighbors in Need Healthy and Warm this Winter!

We are pleased to bring back our Warmth & Wellness Holiday Drive. For a fourth year, DKH is collecting personal care and warmth items to be donated to our neighbors in need now through January 10. Donations will be distributed by TEEG, Interfaith Human Services Food Pantry, DKH Family Advocacy, and DKH Behavioral Health Outpatient Services. Donations may be dropped off at the Main Entrance of Day Kimball Hospital and at the Plainfield Healthcare Center Lobby. Thank you for your generosity this holiday season! Learn more >

COVID-19 Testing for DKH Patients

Day Kimball Healthcare offers drive-thru testing for COVID-19 in Putnam for its pediatric and adult patients who have been evaluated by a health care provider for COVID-19 symptoms, or are scheduled for a medical procedure, and have a valid prescription order from their physician. On demand or walk-up testing is not available at this location. For important requirements for testing by DKH, click here >

DKH Drive-Up Test Site
Day Kimball Healthcare Center
12 South Main Street | Putnam, CT 06260

Hours:
Monday - Friday
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Get To Know Your Pancreas

by Dr. Alejandro Carvajal, Hematology/Oncology
November was Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 57,600 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year. What you learn about pancreatic cancer today might help you or a loved one with the disease tomorrow. Read more >

DKH in the Community

Putnam's Holiday Dazzle Reverse Light Parade

DKH's "Peace on Earth" themed, blue and white light, holiday float shone brightly on Sunday, November 29 at the 19th Annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade. The first ever "Reverse Invitational Light Parade" was held at Murphy Park in Putnam due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Special thanks to the DKH crew who put together this year's float which spread an uplifting message of hope and love amidst these challenging times to an estimated 1,500 cars that drove through the park. View the parade video >

Virtual Tree of Life Ceremony to Benefit Hospice & Palliative Care of NECT

For 30 years, friends and families have gathered on village greens across the region, singing Christmas carols, sharing words of comfort, and uniting in one magical moment lighting the “Hospice Tree of Life." On December 13 at 6:30 p.m., you and your loved ones will have an opportunity to participate in the ceremony from the comfort of home. Given the extraordinary circumstances this year, watch our video of the Tree of Life ceremony, hosted by our hospice team. The ceremony will include a simultaneous tree-lighting experience representative of the many towns we serve and honoring the many lives that have been touched. Learn more >

Tune into WINY for DKH's "New Day" Show
Tuesday, 12/8 at 7:00 a.m.

Tune in for DKH's monthly "New Day" show at WINY radio with host Gary "garyo" Osbrey, Dr. Marc Cerrone, and members of the DKH leadership team to hear about a variety of medical topics. The show is always the 2nd Tuesday of the month, right after the 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. news. For a monthly dose of health and wellness talk, and always a few laughs too, listen in on 1350 AM, 97.1 FM, or stream it live on winyradio.com.

DKH Proud

Putnam Police Pink Patch Project Raises $3,700

A special thank you to the Putnam Police Department for their participation in this year's Pink Patch Project, a national public awareness campaign and fundraising effort to help fight breast cancer. This October, they raised $3,700 locally from the sale of pink versions of the officers' uniform patches in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to our local officers for their shared passion and commitment to keeping our community healthy and safe! Read the story >

Employee of the Month | November

April Chitwood, physical therapist and clinical supervisor in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department at the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Putnam, has been named employee of the month for November by DKH. In her role as clinical supervisor, Chitwood is responsible for supporting and mentoring clinical and clerical staff, in addition to providing direct patient care. Keep reading >

A National Home Care & Hospice Month Reflection

Honoring Unsung Heroes: Home Health Care Workers
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put pressures on all of us, but among those affected, one group has met incredible challenges: home health care workers. This important group of healthcare workers’ contributions to the pandemic response is nothing short of heroic. Their dedication to continuing to provide holistic care to medically complex patients, including those with COVID-19, in varied home environments has exemplified what home care always accomplishes. Read more >

Hospice Tree of Life | Special Virtual Ceremony
Sunday, December 13
You and your loved ones are invited to join us for a special virtual celebration of our annual Tree of Life Ceremony from the comfort of home. Given the extraordinary circumstances and uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, we will share a video of a Tree of Life ceremony hosted by our hospice team of dedicated and caring professionals and volunteers. The virtual ceremony will be available for viewing beginning Sunday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. and throughout the holiday season at facebook.com/DayKimballHealthcare.

Virtual Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregiver Course
Monday, Dec. 14 | Google Meet
The Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Course is a series of free classes for those who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease and other related dementias. This virtual class will focus on how to locate community resources for those with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. We will also explore options for legal and financial planning. Registration requested.

Virtual Children's Story Time & Play Group
Wednesday, Dec. 16 | Zoom
This free virtual story time and play group is held on the first and third Wednesday of each month and is open to the community. Geared toward parents with children from birth through age 5. Join us for fun, games, stories, and interactive educational activities with your little ones! Hosted by DKH's Nurturing Families Network.

Virtual Adult Bereavement Group
Wednesday, Dec. 16 | Zoom
Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut offers online bereavement support for adults during the pandemic. These virtual groups provide a community of empathy and support for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Registration required.

For more information on these and many other upcoming events, visit daykimball.org/events.

The mission of Day Kimball Healthcare is to improve the health and well being of our community by providing the best medical care.

The vision of Day Kimball Healthcare is to be the premier regional system creating excellence and innovation in patient care.