01/05/2026
Today, Southwest would like to remember and honor Janet Louise Skane Stern, age 95, who passed away on December 14, 2025. As the founding Executive Director of Southwest Community Health Center, Janet found her greatest fulfillment on the West Side of Bridgeport where she left an enduring legacy of care, dignity, and access for countless individuals and families in the community she loved. Throughout her career, Janet was honored by her colleagues for her dedication to access to healthcare, including recognition from the United States Congress and the National Association of Community Health Centers for her outstanding public health service. She worked on several health-related task forces with congressional leaders including Ted Kennedy, Orrin Hatch and Christopher Shays.
Her death marks the passing of a deeply compassionate leader who was devoted to service, justice, and care for others. If it were not for her vision and drive, there would be no Southwest Community Health Center.
