(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the impending launch of the In-Home Safety Grant Program, a new state grant program administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services aimed at enhancing the safety and security of home health care workers in Connecticut.
Established by the enactment of Public Act 24-19 – which was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2024 regular legislative session and then signed into law by Governor Lamont – this program will provide grants to home health and access agencies to fund improved safety protocols and support services for their workers. This includes items such as emergency alert buttons, buddy escort systems, tracking devices, safety training, risk-scoring tools, safety consultants, and the establishment of dedicated phone lines for staff in the field to access immediate support.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of both our home health care workers and the individuals they serve is a top priority for the state,” Governor Lamont said. “This grant program is a significant step towards providing the necessary tools and training to protect workers who provide an invaluable service to our state, especially for those who are most vulnerable. I look forward to a continued collaboration with our community partners to maximize the impact of these resources and increase the safety of home health care workers.”
“Prioritizing the safety of our caretakers took precedence this year,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “A disproportionate number of home health care workers are women and women of color who serve in our vulnerable communities every single day. It is important we provide safer environments and the training and skills necessary for them to do their jobs without personal risk.”
“By investing in these safety measures, we are not only protecting our dedicated health care workers, but also ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality care in the safest possible environment,” Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said.
Creating this program was a specific priority for many lawmakers this year. The legislation that authorized it was approved by votes of 34 to 1 in the Senate and 112 to 37 in the House of Representatives.
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) said, “Making life easier for the people who work tirelessly to support so many in our state is something sorely needed, which is why this program was part of Senate Bill 1 this year – our foremost priority as a caucus. Home care workers perform vital care for countless Connecticut residents, and they should be able to go to work without concerns over their safety. These workers enable many frail and elderly people to continue living in their own homes rather than in institutions and deserve our gratitude, support, and protection.”
State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), co-chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, said, “Violence is unfortunately a growing problem for health workers, especially home care workers. After the deaths of multiple home care workers in late 2023 and early 2024 in Connecticut, including the murder of home care nurse Joyce Grayson, we need to do better by those who keep us safe. I’m glad this grant program will become a new resource helping the hardworking individuals who perform necessary, personal care for so many.”
State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Bridgeport Fairfield), co-chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee said, “Our job is to help the helpers and protect home health care workers who are doing their jobs – helping others. Through new provisions including safety training and emergency alerts, our state is making critical progress in protecting both workers and patients alike. I thank Governor Lamont and all of our community partners for their support for this bill.”
State Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton), ranking member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, said, “Home health care workers are the unsung heroes who provide essential care to our most vulnerable residents, often at great personal risk. They face numerous challenges, including the threat of violence, while performing their duties. We are proud to have passed legislation that will provide much-needed grants to home health and access agencies to fund enhanced safety protocols and support services, ensuring a safer working environment for these invaluable workers.”
State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour), ranking member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee said, “I’m happy these grants are being made available to help provide the training and resources to create a safer working environment for our dedicated home healthcare workers. Protecting home healthcare workers was a priority this session and these funds and the increased and enhanced training and oversight will undoubtedly provide increased safety and peace of mind.”
State Representative Jane Garibay (D-Windsor, Windsor Locks), co-chair of the legislature’s Aging Committee, said, “This grant program will help to ensure that our home health care workers, so dedicated in their service to our elderly and other vulnerable populations, can now have the tools and resources they need to assure workplace safety and wellbeing. Our home health care workers deserve an environment free from violence or harassment. Prioritizing workplace safety was a primary goal of Speaker Ritter and the Aging Committee. It benefits our aging population, and I am proud to have been a part of supporting this effort.”
Home health and access agencies interested in applying for grants can begin submitting applications to the Connecticut Department of Social Services starting August 7, 2024. An online application form will be made available on that date at portal.ct.gov/dss/common-elements/home-and-community-based-services.
The application process is designed to ensure timely and efficient distribution of funds, allowing agencies to quickly implement these crucial safety measures. The first round of grants are anticipated to be released by the end of October.
The initial launch of this program is being financially supported by $6 million in funding allocated by the Connecticut General Assembly and Governor Lamont through funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.