Griffin Hospital

11/20/2025

Reduce Your Diabetes Risk

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Griffin Bariatrics offers free virtual presentations on its weight-loss services throughout December to explain how bariatric surgery can help individuals lose significant amounts of weight, enhance their health, and provide long-term well-being. Additionally, techniques, support programs, pre- and post-operative expectations, and insurance questions are discussed.

Upcoming seminars will be held on Tues., Dec. 2 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; and Tues., Dec. 23 from 12-1 p.m.

To register, contact Bariatric Care Specialist Kimberly Fisher at kfisher@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7108. For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery.

11/19/2025

Celebrating Our Exceptional Caregivers

Griffin Health recognized its November 2025 “I Take It Personally” (ITIP) winners with a Thanksgiving-themed party in the Griffin Hospital Dining Room today.

Celebrating the ITIP awards were, from left: Griffin Health President & CEO Patrick Charmel; ITIP Committee Co-chair Richard Le Pera; ITIP Winner Daniel Camera, Communications & Public Affairs; ITIP Winner Ashley Mackowski, Occupational Therapy; ITIP Winner Tangi Kirkland, Laboratory; ITIP Winner Mike Ortiz, Inpatient Psychiatry; and ITIP Committee Co-chair Matt Milardo.

The ITIP program rewards Griffin caregivers who demonstrate a commitment to Griffin’s Planetree Philosophy, serve as role models for other caregivers, and practice our patient safety and patient-centered care tools in striving to provide an exceptional experience to patients, families, and/or fellow caregivers.

11/19/2025

Dancing Is Good for Your Health!

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut are hosting a series of wellness programs that will help seniors get more active this December.

Theresa Waldron, CDP, BFA, of Life Coaching Ministries of CT Inc., will lead an interactive scarf dancing program, a low-impact activity that can help individuals release stress and improve fitness. These programs can be enjoyed standing or seated. Griffin Health caregivers will also be offering free blood pressure screenings and nursing consultations at the events.

The presentations are scheduled for Mon., Dec. 1 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center, Thurs., Dec. 4 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center, Wed., Dec. 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center, and Thurs., Dec. 18 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program, which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease in the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492).

11/18/2025

A Dedicated Supporter of Breast Wellness

The 22nd Annual Hope Lives luncheon recently raised $8,500 for breast cancer screening services at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

Hope Lives is a non-profit organization associated with Horizon of Hope, a national campaign by Longaberger Baskets to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and local breast cancer services. Maria Ammar, a Longaberger Stylist Consultant for more than 25 years, has organized the luncheon fundraiser as part of the campaign, raising over $138,000 for the Center.

The donation will be used to help local women pay for breast cancer screening services.

11/17/2025

Exceptional, Advanced Prostate Cancer Care

Griffin Health recently launched a Pluvicto® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) Theranostics program in its Nuclear Medicine Department, expanding access to a groundbreaking treatment option for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Developed by Novartis, Pluvicto is a FDA-approved radioligand therapy for the treatment of adult patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have previously been treated with androgen receptor pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy. This therapy targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive cancer cells, delivering a radioactive payload directly to the tumor, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

For more information, visit www.griffinhealth.org/pluvicto.

11/14/2025

Nutritious Food for Our Community

Griffin Health and its caregivers are proud to give financial and physical support to TEAM’s Project MANNA (Mobilizing Action for the Nutritional Needs of All), which provides significant shipments of fresh, healthy foods to local, partner food pantries each month.

This week, Griffin caregivers loaded up thousands of pounds of fresh, healthy produce for food pantries to help our neighbors through crisis and SNAP uncertainty. As a person-centered healthcare provider, Griffin understands our community's health and well-being depends upon addressing the social determinants of health and actively assists others in need of nutritious food, transportation, and training for fulfilling employment.

For more information about Project MANNA, visit https://teaminc.org/projectmanna.

11/14/2025

We're showing off our ‘A’ Fall 2025 Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing Griffin's achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety, assigns grades to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

Visit https://www.griffinhealth.org/news/griffin-health-receives-national-recognition-for-patient-safety for more information.

11/13/2025

So Gallantly Streaming

Griffin Health honored U.S. veterans near and far with a Changing of the Colors ceremony at Griffin Hospital this morning. We give a special thanks to the members of the Emil Senger American Legion Post 10 for raising the new flag and for holding a special flag folding ceremony at a post-event reception.

Caregivers from Griffin's Spiritual Care Department read prayers and the names of Griffin Health employees and their loved ones who served or are serving our country.

"Our nation depends on people who accept the call to serve our country in times of peace and times of war. Everywhere we look, we are reminded of the commitment our veterans made to freedom and justice in our land and beyond," said The Rev. Eric Jeuland, Director of Spiritual Care and Education.

It is with deep gratitude we recognize the following veterans in the Griffin Health family:

Douglas Aldrich - Army National Guard
Timothy Benson, Sr. - Marines
Timothy Benson, Jr. - Marines
Normand Bernstein – Navy
John Bittmann – Air Force
Beth Botta – Navy
Brady Brown – Army
Warren C. Brown - Army 8th Air Force
Sean Burke – Army
Cole Chebro - Army National Guard
Ralph Crosby - Air Force
Richard D’Addona – Air Force
Robert A. Daley – Navy
Sarah Davis – Navy
Josh DeBan - Air Force
Brian Diaz - Navy
Arthur D'Oliveira - Air Force
William Raymond Ernst - Army National Guard
Vincent R. Ferrucci – Marines
Edward Foote – Army
Henry Fout, Jr. – Army
Leon Mitchell Garcia – Marines
Ronald Garofolo – Navy
Paul S. Garofolo – Army
Melissa Gorton – Marines
Richard Gramse – Army
Alphonso Grannonio – Army
Frank Grannonio - Army
Henry Grannonio – Army
Jimmy Grannonio – Army
Randall L. Hatfield, Jr. – Air Force
Jeffrey Hamilton - Air Force
Carlos Holden – Army
Clarence E. Jackson, Sr. - Army
Matthew Kishonis - Air Force
Louis Kosko – Navy
Mike Kosko - Navy
Michael Krayeski – Army
Cayden Lantz – Army
Theresa Lipka – Marines
Luis Lu
Katrina MacDonald – Army
Kevin MacNary – Army
Brian MacNary - Army
Matthew MacNary – Marines
Roland MacNary, III – Army
Shawn MacNary, Jr. – Army
Roland MacNary, Sr. – Marines
Arkadiusz Mycek – Air Force
Paul Pastelok - Army
Steven Richard Persson – Army
Nick Puterski – Navy
Alexander Puterski – Navy
Bianca Ransome – Navy
Brent Ransome – Navy
Frank Anthony Rizzo - Air Force
Normand Roberts - Air Force
Keith Roberts – Army
Brian Roberts – Army
Tod Roberts - National Guard
Shane Roberts - Coast Guard
Henry Ruiz – Army
Winston Ruiz, Sr. – Army
Brady Sanders, Jr. – Army
Kelly Schebell – Army
Michael Schebell – Marines
David Scianna - Air Force
John M. Searles – Navy
John F. Shea, II – Navy
Leland J. Soto, III – Marines
Earl Harold Tesch – Army
Adam Jesse Wielk - Air Force
Kenneth E Wielk - Air Force/Navy
Deanna Wolff – Army

11/13/2025

Empowering People, 'A'dvancing Care

Griffin Hospital was awarded an ‘A’ in the Fall 2025 Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing its achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

High-quality care and safety are enhanced when patients, families, and caregivers are engaged in the entire care planning and delivery experience. This appreciation and value for everyone’s unique preferences is supported by Griffin’s ongoing work in establishing a truly person-centered care environment. Griffin's steadfast focus for more than two decades has been guided in close partnership with Planetree International, the global leader in person-centered care (PCC) transformation, and their best-practice PCC Framework which is rooted in research, evidence, and the authentic experiences of all those that give and receive care.

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

For more information, visit https://www.griffinhealth.org/news/griffin-health-receives-national-recognition-for-patient-safety.

Griffin Hospital in Derby was awarded an ‘A’ in the Fall 2025 Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing its achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. “Earning an ‘A’ Grade means Griffin Hospital made a true commitment to put patient safety first...

11/12/2025

Managing and Helping Prevent Diabetes with Proper Nutrition

In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is helping individuals understand how to manage or prevent the condition with a free cooking demonstration.

Healthy Eating for Diabetes will be Tues., Nov. 25 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road, Oxford.

Griffin Health Chef Mike Rizzio will lead a cooking demonstration of Spaghetti Squash Stir Fry with Chicken and Vegetables. This colorful stir-fry swaps noodles for roasted spaghetti squash, creating a lower carb base that’s hearty and satisfying. Paired with lean chicken breast, a medley of crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sesame soy sauce, this plate is packed with plenty of nutritious fiber and protein.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit www.griffinhealth.org/healthy-nutrition-for-diabetes or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

11/11/2025

On this Veteran's Day, Griffin honors all who have served, and still serve. Thank you to the brave veterans who protect our freedom, and to the Griffin Caregivers who have proudly served our country. We are forever grateful for your service and the freedom it protects.

Honoring Griffin Caregivers:
Leland J. Soto, III – Marines
Theresa M. Lipka – Marines
Richard Daddona – Air Force
John Bittmann – Air Force
John F. Shea, II – Navy
Beth Botta – Navy
Edward Foote – Army
Melissa Gorton – Marines
Michael J. Krayeski – Army
Katrina MacDonald – Army
Arkadiusz Mycek – Air Force
Robert A. Daley – Navy
Randall L. Hatfield Jr. – Air Force
Luis Lu
Kevin L. McNary – Army
Sarah Davis – Navy
Deanna Wolff – Army
Cayden Lantz – Army
Joshua DeBan – Air Force
Leon Mitchell Garcia – Marines

11/11/2025

Angels Heard on High!

Griffin Health invites the community to a free concert of traditional and contemporary gospel and holiday music on Tues., Dec. 9 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 135 Mountain Road, Seymour.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the free concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow the concert.

The event is free and open to all. No reservations needed. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis. Donations to TEAM, Inc., the Valley Community Action Agency, are appreciated at the event.

The Griffin Health Annual Holiday Concert is a cherished community tradition that brings voices together from all walks of life, backgrounds, personal circumstances and life experiences in a collaboration that builds understanding, trust, mutual respect and beautiful music to bring joy to the holiday season.

Under the direction of recording artist and music industry veteran Angela Clemmons, the Valley Soul Gospel Choir of volunteer singers will be the main attraction for an energizing and uplifting concert of traditional and contemporary gospel and ‘gospelized’ holiday songs.