See our Surprise Nomination Announcement!

Who We Are:
The past five years have clearly demonstrated a critical need for the free medical services of the Malta House of Care Mobile Clinic – over 17,000 free patient visits provided by more than 70 volunteer physicians and nurses…many spending their days off, caring for those who have nowhere else to go. A young woman comes to us, a single mother trying to keep her home, having a job offer, but cannot afford the required physical to be able to accept it. A grandmother comes to us accompanied by four grandchildren. She is their only means of support. Her diabetes is untreated and she fears she will not be able to care for the children. She cannot pay for the necessary medications. A man who cannot walk is carried onto the mobile van. He has asthma, diabetes and a weak heart. He wants to be able to walk again and be the pillar of his family…but cannot afford the treatment that can help him. These are but three of many who have come to us as a last resort. They are very sick. Many have foregone the medications they need so they can feed their families or save their home. Malta House of Care is here for them. Giving them care and treatment…making them feel whole again…giving them hope. The Malta House of Care Mobile Medical Clinic (MHC) is an innovative and unique community asset–a mobile health clinic for the delivery of free primary health care services to the uninsured of the Greater Hartford Region. Our unique approach of providing continuous comprehensive health services from a mobile van targets those communities which endure the heaviest burden of health disparities. What began as a project to address episodic unmet health needs has now, by necessity become a community resource linking area hospitals, clinics, private doctors’ practices with patients who seek medical care for chronic health problems and preventative care. This shift in focus, driven by the needs of our patients as members of the most vulnerable population groups, is reducing disparities in health access and outcomes. Our patients represent a wide cross-section of hardworking individuals who just cannot afford the cost of health insurance–70% are Hispanics who are almost twice as likely to die from diabetes and suffer from higher rates of high blood pressure and obesity than non-Hispanic whites–15% are African Americans. African American women have higher death rates from breast cancer, despite having a mammography screening rate that is nearly the same as that for white women. Heart disease death rates are more than 40% higher for African Americans than for whites. All of these medical conditions improve when people have access to a patient-centered medical home like the MHC, providing intervention and treatment through access to free, high quality primary health care services.

What we do:
Five years ago, a group of visionaries believed it was not acceptable that good hardworking individuals could not afford desperately needed medical care. Courageously, they did something about it. They founded and continue to operate the MHC Mobile Clinic providing free, high-quality primary health care services with dignity and respect believing that healthcare is a basic human need to which everyone is entitled without discrimination. We narrow the gap in racial and ethnic health disparities to achieve equity between those who have access to health care and those who do not. With a dedicated team of over 70 volunteer caregivers and a new custom built and fully equipped mobile medical vehicle, the MHC van rolls to four distinct neighborhood sites every Monday through Thursday in Hartford’s most challenged neighborhoods. Since 2006 we have succeeded in providing over 17,000 free patient visits as the safety- net for safety-nets, the provider of last resort. Hard working Americans without access to health care either receive episodic and fragmented medical attention or nothing, dying prematurely or suffering significant disability. Either of these scenarios is costly in economic and more importantly, human terms. Our current demographic profile reflects that of Hartford, CT where 15% of the populated are uninsured (the second poorest city in the US, behind Brownsville, TX). We provide free medical consultations, diagnostic testing, radiological imaging and free medications for those without the means to afford them providing ongoing care including diagnosis, treatment of chronic illnesses such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes. MHC is committed to delivering quality primary medical care through an approach of continuous comprehensive primary care, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion with guidance in lifestyle changes. Through a partnership with the Hartford Hospital Partnership for Breast Care Mobile Mammography Van, we are also delivering life-saving free mammograms for MHC patients We are bringing diabetes care for the uninsured into the 21st century with phase two of a program instituted in 2010 through early intervention, improved diagnosis, treatment, patient education and self-management with improved specialist referral networks for eye, feet and oral health care. We empower our patients through education with simple lifestyle and behavioral changes that will improve their chronic conditions and their lives. We provide a culturally appropriate care model recognizing the importance of language, cultural competency and health literacy in reducing health disparities as a significant portion of our patients do not speak English as a first language. Our staff and volunteers become certified medical interpreters providing culturally appropriate, sensitive and comprehensive care with improved communication between our patients and our volunteer health care providers. MHC is continuously innovating and learning utilizing patient feedback in order to improve the quality, value, and patient experience of our health care delivery. The long term result will be a healthier, working community with patients more aware of their medical needs, ready to be responsible for their on-going healthcare, and grateful that the Malta House of Care is available to meet their needs.

Our story:
Our story is the story of our patients.
“I am a diabetic, lost my job, no longer had medical insurance and could not afford it. I was an uncontrolled diabetic spiraling downward. I am self supporting and was living paycheck to paycheck. Then I found MHC. I was crying that day. One of the caregivers put her arms around me and said we are going to take care of you. She was right. It has been a rough time, but my sugar is almost where it should be. I take insulin and many other medications, all provided free to me from MHC. The doctors donate their time to see patients, they care about people. But they’re overwhelmed with patients and need money to keep providing free care. If you are going to give to a charity, please find it in your heart to give to them. Their presence is needed. They don't discriminate against anyone; they are here to help. They saved my life literally, and a lot of other people’s. Please find it in your heart to help.”

“I a resident of Hartford, CT, was born on the Island of St. Vincent and The Grenadines. I am also a two time breast Cancer survivor. My journey with MHC began when I had a second reoccurrence. During that time I lost just about everything except my life.

Prior to meeting the MHC team, I had a temporary job in hospice care. My patient died. I had no job, no insurance, little money and facing cancer again. I heard about a special group of people who are accepting folks just like me. I became one of them, on the outside looking in, where prior I was on the inside looking out. I felt so ashamed having to go to a place to accept charity, when I had worked my way up the ladder in life, now I find myself at the bottom of it and have to climb all over again, I was alone.

I went to MHC and met the most wonderful group of people. The doctor, she was kind, she saw past my situation and saw me. This was the first time I ever felt worthless and did not want to live. During the first cancer, I had resources, I was able to focus on my recovery and was able to get back on my feet. This time around was different, My journey took me through the hills, valleys, the storms, the rough seas. I am now cancer free and have created an organization that is a wellness and respite center for families with cancer to provide support and basic needs. I could not have done it without the help of MHC. I recommend with all my heart and soul that you give to such a worth while cause, they are here for us, please be there for them.”

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Our Contact info:

Malta House of Care Foundation
19 Woodland Street, Suite 37
Hartford, CT 06105
860-548-1593

Contact name:
Barbara Bartucca, Director of Philanthropy and Organizational Advancement

www.MaltaHouseofCare.org