CEO Update 3 July

Dear Colleagues,

Even though it's a short week because of the Fourth of July holiday, it's been a busy one here at UConn Health.

We were honored today to welcome Governor Ned Lamont to UConn Health for the announcement of the new Neuromodulation Center of Excellence for Veterans. Joining the Governor were Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman John Larson, state and local leaders, and more than 30 distinguished disabled veterans. The center will expand access to innovative stroke rehabilitation care for veterans, including Vivistim, a breakthrough therapy that is helping stroke survivors regain function and independence.

For those not familiar with Vivistim it is an FDA-approved stroke rehabilitation technology designed to help people recover arm and hand function after a chronic ischemic stroke. It combines vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with occupational or physical therapy to enhance the brain's ability to relearn movement. In simple terms, a small device is surgically implanted under the skin of the chest wall. A wire connects the device to the left vagus nerve in the neck. The device then delivers mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve timed with specific movements. This helps the brain strengthen neural connections.

UConn Health neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher Conner has been a leader in bringing this technology to Connecticut and has seen remarkable results since launching the program more than a year ago. We are proud to lead this important initiative, made possible through $2 million in state funding included in the 2025 budget and championed by State Representative Henry Genga with support from the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force. We are deeply grateful to Governor Lamont, the legislature, and our many partners for their support in bringing this valuable resource to Connecticut's veterans.

Earlier this week, we honored Dr. Richard Simon and his extraordinary 50 years of service to UConn Health and academic medicine as he begins a well-earned retirement. As Chief of Medical Staff for the past 23 years, Dr. Simon has been a steadfast leader, championing the highest standards of quality, safety, professionalism, and patient care. He established UConn Health's first neurosurgery residency program in 1977 and played a key role in its re-establishment in 2019, helping shape generations of neurosurgeons who now practice across the country.

A gifted clinician, educator, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Simon leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to influence our institution for years to come. On behalf of UConn Health, thank you, Dr. Simon, for your remarkable leadership, dedication, and service. We wish you all the best in retirement.

One of the things I am most proud of at UConn Health is our commitment to serving our communities when they need us most. Earlier this week, as extreme heat impacted our region, volunteers from UConn Health Waterbury Hospital, UConn Waterbury, and American Medical Response Waterbury, joined forces to support a community hydration initiative, distributing more than 1,000 bottles of water throughout neighborhoods, gathering places, and areas of greatest need across the city. Their efforts reflect our mission beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics-working together to promote health, safety, and well-being for the communities we serve. My sincere thanks to everyone who participated in this important outreach effort and helped keep our neighbors safe during the heat wave.

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, I want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend spent with family, friends, and loved ones. As temperatures remain high, please remember to stay hydrated and take precautions in the heat. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to the many members of our UConn Health team who will be working throughout the holiday weekend to care for our patients and support our operations. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to those we serve are truly appreciated. Thank you for all that you do, and happy Fourth of July.

PATIENT LETTER

PATIENT LETTER/EXCERPT

BLOCK 3

Thank you, to everyone reading this, for all you do.

Andrew C. Agwunobi, MD, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

EVP for Health Affairs

UConn Health

Dear Dr. Andy

We used to have a 9/11 ceremony here, but we haven't had one for several years now. Are there plans to have one this year, seeing as it's the 25th anniversary?

Thank you for the question, which I have shared with our leaders in University Safety. in the spirit of coming together as one, the plan is to have a larger University-wide ceremony that will be livestreamed from the center of the Storrs campus to all campuses, including UConn Health and our satellite locations, as well as the regional campuses. 

I appreciate your foresight and thoughtfulness on this important milestone.

Have something you want to ask Dr. Andy? Submit your question on The Hub.

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