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Get Back to Your Healthcare

Taking care of yourself is important. At Day Kimball Healthcare, you can confidently get the care you need or have been putting off. We know that many people have delayed or avoided routine disease management and preventive screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoping a health issue just gets better usually means it gets worse. If you’ve neglected your health care or are ignoring medical symptoms, it’s time to take action.

Your providers are eager to help with your healthcare concerns. So call your doctor or health care provider, and decide on a plan together. Today, telemedicine—being treated over the phone or online—is a much more readily available option. And, if you’re told to head to the doctor’s office or hospital, know that your safety is our top priority. We've taken extra safety precautions to ensure you get the world-class care you need. Learn more >

DKH COVID-19 Vaccination News & Updates

DKH Partners with NDDH on Vaccination Rollout to Local Schools

In the northeast corner, DKH and NDDH are preparing vaccination plans for the next phase, including local schools. The State of CT has determined that school staff and childcare providers are eligible for vaccination beginning March 1, 2021. We could not be more proud to support this important milestone in the vaccination effort by providing the vaccine to our local educators who are a vital group in our community. Watch the NBC CT news interview now >

Day Kimball Vaccinates Putnam Woman Who Had Difficulty Booking Vaccine Appointment

After struggling to book an appointment for a coronavirus vaccine, Putnam resident Lucille Nelson, finally received her vaccine at Day Kimball Hospital after DKH Chief Executive Officer, Kyle Kramer, saw her story. "I reached out personally and felt that it was my responsibility and certainly part of what our organizational mission really is," said Kramer, in an interview with NBC CT. Day Kimball is proud to have given this story a happy ending. Watch the NBC CT news story now >

Pregnancy & the COVID-19 Vaccine

Those who are pregnant or family planning may be wondering if it's safe to get the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. When in doubt, stick to information from trusted medical sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization and scientific or medical groups. Here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine related to conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Learn more >

5 Tips for Maintaining Heart Health During the Pandemic

Heart attacks and heart disease do not stop for a pandemic, and neither should you. Maintaining your heart health has never been more important than now. People with heart disease and other medical conditions appear to be at higher risk for more severe symptoms or complications if they contract COVID-19. Dr. John Modica shares steps you can take today to maintain your heart health. Read now >

DKH Receives Hospital & Home Care Accreditation by The Joint Commission

Day Kimball Hospital and DKH At Home have again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is recognized as the nation’s predominant symbol of health care quality, reflecting an organization’s commitment to meeting specific performance standards and providing patients with safe, quality health care.

Hospital Earns Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care Designation

Day Kimball Hospital has again been designated as a Blue Distinction^® Center+ for Maternity Care by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. This achievement is part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care national designation program recognizing health care facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality patient care safely, effectively and cost-efficiently.

DKH Welcomes New Medical Director of Emergency Department

DKH is pleased to welcome emergency medicine physician Vanessa M. Brown, MD, JD, FACEP, FAAEM, who has been named medical director of the Townsend Emergency Medical Center at Day Kimball Hospital.

“We are delighted to have Dr. Brown join our highly skilled emergency medicine team at Day Kimball Hospital. The level of experience, dedication to emergency medicine, and passion for patient care that Dr. Brown possesses make her an asset to our community,” said Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer, Day Kimball Healthcare. Keep reading >

DKH Express Care Center in Plainfield Permanently Closed

DKH has permanently closed the Express Care Center (formerly known as the Walk-In Clinic) at its Plainfield Healthcare Center. We are making this decision after careful examination of patient activity patterns, which show a substantial reduction in patient demand since the Center reopened last August after temporarily suspending services in response to significant drops in patient volume resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Other services offered at the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Plainfield will remain open including: COVID-19 vaccination clinic, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics and anticoagulation.

DKH Proud

Jenn LeDuc, Quality & Operations Director at DKH At Home, Elected to CAHCH Board of Directors

Jenn LeDuc, RN, MSN, has been elected to the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home (CAHCH) Board of Directors. CAHCH represents all in-home care providers in Connecticut, including skilled home healthcare, hospice, and private-duty agencies. The Board oversees the many committees and activities of CAHCH that work to shape the future of in-home healthcare services in the state of Connecticut. Jenn was nominated by Renee Smith, RN, MSN, Vice President of Post Acute Services at DKH. Read the story >

Employee of the Month | February

Amanda Ponciano, mental health worker in DKH's behavioral health department, who has been named our employee of the month for February! In her role, Amanda assists registered nurses with direct patient care and works to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment for patients. Keep reading >

Supporting DKH

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy Visits DKH

This month, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy visited Day Kimball Hospital to view our COVID-19 vaccination clinic and to meet with DKH administration, medical leadership, and vaccine distribution staff, as well as CT Senator Mae Flexer and Putnam Mayor Barney Seney. During his visit, Senator Murphy learned about our rural community hospital’s accomplishments, challenges, and needs in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. We thank our representatives for championing health care in our state and region, and for giving voice to the communities of Northeast Connecticut.

Heart Attack Survivor Takes on the Hartford Half Marathon

Heart attack survivor, Reverend David Choquette, recently completed the virtual Hartford Half Marathon, while raising money for a cause close to his heart at Day Kimball Hospital – the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program. After suffering a heart attack caused by a spontaneous tear in his coronary artery wall, he enrolled in the hospital’s Cardiac Rehab program. Now, only a year after his heart attack, Rev. Choquette stood at the finish line of his 15^th half marathon. Read the story >

DKH Staff Receive Super Bowl Treat from Local Restaurant

On Super Bowl Sunday, our front line workers at Day Kimball Hospital were treated to game day appetizers thanks to the incredible generosity of the Courthouse Bar & Grille team. Restaurant owners, Sheila and James Frost, and their daughter Erica, braved the snowstorm to deliver food to feed 60 of our team members at the Hospital. We are so thankful for the Courthouse for thinking of our healthcare heroes in these challenging times.

Local Girl Scout Troop's "Sweet" Gesture to DKH Heroes

Addison Montville, 8^th grade student, and girl scout, from Killingly, delivered over 35 cases of girl scout cookies to DKH this month to be distributed to our staff, along with dozens of cards of gratitude that she and her troop put together in appreciation for our healthcare heroes and all their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DKH Birthing Center Family Receives Car Seat Donation from Putnam Business Owner

One DKH family is thanking Theresa LaCasse, Director of Red Cord Ministries and Owner of Windows Art Gallery in downtown Putnam, for donating and delivering an infant car seat to the Burdick Family Birthing Center at Day Kimball Hospital so that they could bring their newborn baby home safely. This is what community is all about. Read the full story on DKH's Facebook page >

DKH in the Community

DKH Sponsors Putnam's Feel the Love Campaign

During February, DKH was a proud sponsor of Putnam's 'Feel the Love' month-long celebration of love-inspired décor throughout the town of Putnam. The event replaced the annual Fire & Ice Festival which was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Featuring lighted hearts over Cargill Falls and words of love on banners through town, the campaign was enjoyed by individuals of all ages while driving, strolling, working and playing in Putnam.

Woman's Board Prize Calendar Raffle | 33 Days of Love and Luck
Feb. 13 through March 17
The Woman's Board of Day Kimball Hospital is holding a prize calendar raffle to support their $200,000 pledge for renovations at The Burdick Family Birthing Center at Day Kimball Hospital.

Virtual Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregiver Course
Monday, Mar. 1 | 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 will provide an introduction to Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, to help caregivers whose loved ones have been recently diagnosed to become acclimated with the facts of these conditions and what to expect. Registration requested.

Virtual Adult Bereavement Group
Wednesday, Mar. 3 | 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.

Virtual Children's Story Time & Play Group
Wednesday, Mar. 3 | 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.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Tuesday, Marc. 16 | Zoom
Women with breast cancer or who have survived breast cancer are invited to join together virtually for support and advice at this free monthly support group.

Virtual Adult Bereavement Group
Wednesday, Mar. 17 | 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.

Blood Drive
Friday, Mar. 26
Give the gift of life - donate blood! To schedule an appointment online, visit www.ribc.org/drives and use sponsor code 3844. Walk-ins only accepted if safe spacing permits at time of arrival.

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

Day Kimball Healthcare is committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 to ensure you and your loved ones receive the care you need. For the latest about vaccines, testing, telehealth and more, click here >

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.