Fairfield fundraiser supports Bridgeport Hospital REACH program

FAIRFIELD, CT (April 10, 2018) – More than 50 people were on hand for a March 28 fundraiser at 348 Oyster Bar in Fairfield to support Bridgeport Hospital’s REACH outpatient psychiatric program. The first-of-its-kind event for REACH raised $11,000 to support the care of children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and psychiatric issues.

“On behalf of the REACH Program and the young people and families it serves, we could not be more grateful to our guests and sponsors, including Regina Madwed of Capitol Photo Interactive, Anne Pigue Design and Ardaso, and our guests for their generous support of a very important cause,” said Donna Twist, PhD, vice president of the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation.

Guest speakers at the event included Gary MacNamara, Fairfield chief of police; Charles Morgan, MD, Bridgeport Hospital chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health; and John Hamilton, family therapist, substance abuse counselor and chief clinical outreach officer at Mountainside Treatment Center in Canaan, CT.

“Look no further than the news headlines of the day to understand the far-reaching and often tragic impact of behavioral health issues on children and adolescents in our own communities and across the nation,” said Dr. Morgan. “As a society, we need to act proactively by providing the needed individual and family support to help young people steer clear of harm and lead productive lives.”

Bridgeport Hospital’s REACH Youth Program is an intensive outpatient program for children, and adolescents. It provides assessments, medication management, group therapy, case management and after-care planning. The program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team that includes a child and adolescent psychiatrist, advance practice registered nurse, clinical coordinator, registered nurse, clinical social workers, recreational therapist, art therapist, psychiatric technician and support staff. Staff also consult with other medical and rehabilitation specialists and nutritionists as needed.

Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org