Proposed new Dixwell Ave. home for Hill Health in New Haven.
A New Haven-based nonprofit is looking to bring goodwill to Hamden — in the form of community health care.
Cornell Scott Hill Health Center intends to expand its physical footprint by moving into Hamden.
Leaders of the community health care organization are scheduled to meet with Hamden’s Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday evening to present a plan to open its first independent care site in town. The health group, which offers sliding-fee health services across more than 20 locations in New Haven, West Haven and Ansonia, is seeking the go-ahead to begin constructing a reimagined space at 2369 Dixwell Ave., currently home to the nonprofit Goodwill thrift shop at 2369 Dixwell Ave. Hill Health plans to rent out the space and partner with neighbor Town Fair Tire to establish parking arrangements.
“It’s a great location,” Cornell Scott CEO Michael Taylor told the Independent. “It’s right on the bus line; there’s ample parking.”
He highlighted his intention to found a Hamden health center that is maximally accessible to all residents. “Convenience, convenience, convenience,” Taylor stated, was the key factor considered while searching for a site.
“There’s great visibility in the community as well,” Taylor added, pointing out that, if approved, the new health center will be positioned by the town’s “magic mile” of shopping centers.
Goodwill officials did not return calls for comment about their plans for the store, and people working there said they didn’t have information.
Cornell Scott already provides medical and mental health support at three of Hamden’s public schools, including Hamden High, Hamden Middle School, and Church Street Elementary. But it has yet to establish a separate clinic for the broader community.
“I’ve been with the health center for ten years,” Taylor recalled. “I’ve been working on us having a health site in Hamden for eight of those ten years … It took a while to cement the plan.”
According to Taylor, Hamden has a strong number of medical providers — but most practices are filled to the brim with clients and unable to take on new patients searching for care.
“What was demand before the pandemic,” Taylor reflected, especially available and affordable mental health support, “has now turned into need.”
“Hamden residents deserve the opportunity to get care in their own community.”
The center would provide primary medical care and behavioral health care, as well as rotate specialty services on a scheduled basis, Taylor said, like women’s health and pediatrics. The ultimate idea is to adjust services to the identified needs of the community.
Taylor said he hopes to see construction begin within the next couple of months as municipal approvals are granted.
By the start of 2023, if all goes as planned, Hamdenites and their families will have an affordable and accessible community health center to help them accomplish their wellness related New Year’s resolutions.
Goodwill: It's time to let go.