Ebony Jackson Shaheed, director of Hartford’s Department of Health and Human Services, updated the committee on Dec. 2 about new programs and operational changes while the committee also voted to forward a resolution to continue using Lattice Kitchen to prepare lunch meals for the North End Senior Center.

Jackson Shaheed said the department will roll out a "Community University" in January offering free, 90-minute courses in topics such as governance, healthy homes, health-care literacy, financial literacy, trauma response related to gun violence, homeownership and continuing education. "It is being finalized, and it is basically our community education initiative," Jackson Shaheed said, adding staff and community partners are preparing a calendar for residents.

The director also said the department's accreditation and policy updates are underway and that its epidemiology team is now complete with a PhD onboard to strengthen public data reporting. On mobile services, Jackson Shaheed said the HHS van will be put back into service and is being fitted with testing equipment "for OD2A testing." The director confirmed flu-shot clinics are available on certain weekdays and described ongoing coordination with community partners.

Committee members asked about the status of Harteem funding; Jackson Shaheed said Deputy Director Patricia McIntosh had sent an update and that staff could supply a clarifying document if commissioners request one. The chair noted, "it's my recollection that Wheeler is not providing services 7 days a week anymore," to which the director replied, "That's CRT," clarifying the provider referenced.

On item 2.9, a mayoral resolution authorizing HHS to continue using cooking and prep services at Lattice Kitchen for North End Senior Center lunches, Councilman John Gale moved and Councilman TJ Clark seconded that the committee send the measure to City Council with a favorable recommendation; the voice vote passed and the item will be taken up by City Council on Dec. 8.

Why it matters: The Community University and improved epidemiology capacity expand HHS’s public-facing services and data capabilities; continued contracting with Lattice Kitchen affects how senior meals are prepared and delivered to a vulnerable population.

What’s next: Staff pledged to circulate procurement and funding follow-ups when available; the Lattice Kitchen authorization will appear on the City Council agenda for Dec. 8.