Evaluating the Impact of Wellness Days on Enrollment of Underserved Women in the Connecticut Early Detection and Prevention Program

Abstract

Women in underserved communities are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The Connecticut Early Detection and Prevention Program (CEDPP) has taken a streamlined approach to improve access to comprehensive preventive health services for minority women and those with incomes below the federal poverty threshold. The CEDPP has implemented Wellness Days to improve outreach in the community and offer opportunities for health assessments, screenings, and education around chronic disease prevention and management. CEDPP contractors coordinated 47 Wellness Days in 2019, reaching 2,509 women and successfully enrolling 107 (4.3%) in the CEDPP. While the majority of Wellness Day events offered health education to participants, only 10.6% offered mammograms and 6.4% offered Papanicolaou (Pap) tests onsite. Through ongoing evaluation efforts, the CEDPP and its contractors have identified opportunities to enhance the success of Wellness Days to connect women with essential preventive services. By expanding its reach, the CEDPP will have a more widespread impact on women’s health across Connecticut.