Press Releases
04/03/2020
DMHAS Releases Aggregate Data of Laboratory Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in DMHAS Inpatient Facilities
DMHAS Reports Death of First Client to COVID-19
Hartford, CT – The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) today released aggregate data of the number of laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 of patients identified within its state-operated inpatient facilities as well as reported laboratory confirmed cases of staff across the DMHAS system. The Department also learned of the death of a client of who was receiving outpatient services from the agency.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a person receiving services from our system and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the individual’s family, loved ones and the staff who have provided services” said DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. “These are challenging times for us all, but we are committed to serving and supporting the behavioral health community.”
|
Laboratory Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 |
||
|
Patients |
Staff |
|
|
Connecticut Valley Hospital |
6 |
2 |
|
Whiting Forensic Hospital |
6 |
4 |
|
Capitol Regional Mental Health Center |
0 |
0 |
|
Connecticut Mental Health Center |
0 |
1 |
|
River Valley Services |
0 |
0 |
|
Southeast Mental Health Authority |
0 |
0 |
|
Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System |
0 |
0 |
|
Western Connecticut Mental Health Network |
0 |
1 |
|
Total: |
12 |
8 |
DMHAS has taken significant steps to protect clients and staff from COVID-19 throughout the DMHAS system. These include:
- Identifying spaces in all state-operated facilities to be used for the isolation of patients with COVID-19;
- Distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) including n95 masks, surgical masks, gowns, gloves and hand sanitizer to all state-operated facilities;
- Developing quarantine and isolation protocols for patients and staff that have been reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Health;
- Restricting visitors from DMHAS facilities;
- Conducting health screenings of all individuals who enter DMHAS facilities, including staff and clients;
- Approving nearly 1,100 employees for telework to promote social distancing and minimize exposure to clients and staff at DMHAS facilities; and,
- Directing staff who are symptomatic or have been in close contact with individuals suspected of or having COVID-19 to stay home and self-quarantine to prevent infecting clients and other staff.
Pursuant to Connecticut state law Chapters 368 and 899 pertaining to patients in psychiatric facilities, and other state and federal privacy laws, no additional information about the client is available.
DMHAS serves approximately 110,000 individuals through a network of state-run facilities and private not-for-profit agencies. DMHAS services are provided across the state and include behavioral health prevention, treatment and recovery supports. For more information, visit the DMHAS COVID-19 Response webpage at https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS-COVID-19.
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Media Contact:
Diana Shaw
diana.shaw@ct.gov
(860) 418-6967 (office)
(860) 558-0024 (cell)