Health Foundation Awarded $200,000

For Privacy Research Project

HARTFORD — The Public Health Foundation of Connecticut, Inc, has been awarded a $200,000 grant to support ongoing research for the national Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC). The goal of HISPC is to propose effective privacy and security solutions that will facilitate secure communication of health information across electronic exchange systems. Connecticut is one of 34 states and territories to receive this funding from the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the Research Triangle Institute.

“The Public Health Foundation’s work strengthens Connecticut’s and the nation’s efforts to enhance the delivery of health care through the secure exchange of health information,” Governor M. Jodi Rell. “By sharing health care information, the benefits are immeasurable. This award will help us to improve the quality of care, ensure the confidentiality of patient information, and produce cost savings for Connecticut’s healthcare system.”

In January, Gov Rell announced that Connecticut had been awarded a $5 million federal grant to support more widespread use of electronic health care records, improve quality of care, and reduce the potential for medical errors.

According to Dr Linda Dimitropoulos, project director for the Research Triangle Institute, “We are pleased to continue our work with the Public Health Foundation of Connecticut and their team.

“The funding for this phase of the research project will be used to define a process for establishing digital identities for health care providers within the context of a statewide health information exchange system.”

The Public Health Foundation of Connecticut, Inc, is an independent, privately governed public charity organization. The foundation seeks to improve the health and well-being of Connecticut’s residents by sponsoring innovative public health programs that support health promotion and disease prevention.

Though it is privately governed, the foundation collaborates with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, local health departments, and other public and private organizations to assure a strong and sustained linkage between its work and the state’s public health priorities. For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.publichealthct.org or by calling 860-509-7704.