Events
March 26, 2026
Now Recruiting for the Social Innovation Accelerator!
The center is launching the Social Innovation Accelerator, a program designed to support high school students in developing and implementing well-being projects in Hartford. We are inviting guidance counselors to submit an application on behalf of student teams of 3-4 students. Selected teams will receive mentorship, structured programming, and funding, including a $1,000 stipend per student and $4,000 per team for project implementation.
What It Is?
The Social Innovation Accelerator is a youth-centered program developed by Hartford Hospital’s Center for Research on Racial Trauma and Community Healing. The program equips high school students across Hartford with the skills, mentorship, and funding to design and launch community wellbeing projects. We are seeking teams of 3 to 4 rising high school juniors (Class of 2028) who are ready to take the lead in shaping healthier, more connected communities. Teams may be affiliated with a high school, community organization, or agency that serves high school students. Three teams will be selected in total.
What Students Will Do?
Selected teams will design and implement a community wellbeing project and participate in an eight-session program focused on leadership, innovation, and mental health. Four sessions will take place during the summer and will focus on: 1) Mindfulness and Innovation, 2) Understanding Wellbeing, 3) Community Engagement, and 4) Designing a Project. Teams will work closely with at least one community mentor and at least one content expert. Each student will receive a $1,000 stipend and each team will receive $4,000 to support project implementation.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for rising high school juniors (Class of 2028) who attend school in Hartford County or are part of a Hartford-based community organization or agency that serves high school students.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by an adult on behalf of the student team, such as a school guidance counselor or organization lead. The application includes individual reflections from each student and a letter of support from each student’s parent or legal guardian
Timeline and Key Dates
April 2026 – Deadline for applications
June 2026 – Accepted applicants are notified
July 2026 – June 2027 – Accelerator Curriculum
July – December 2027 – Project Implementation
December 2027 – Community Showcase
Applications are due midnight on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Application form
If you are interested in attending an information session, please complete the interest form.
Interest form
If you have any questions, please contact Gayathry Sunil.
gayathry.sunil@hhchealth.org
June 13, 2024
IOL 200th Anniversary Celebration Block Party unites community
The Institute of Living recently celebrated the conclusion of its 200th Anniversary with a fun-filled block party attended by over 400 colleagues, past and current clients, family, and friends from the community. Attendees enjoyed swag bags, music, dancing, info tables, food from local restaurants, a photo booth, and marching performances by the Hartford Magic Soul Drumline team.
The founding and construction of the IOL, then known as the Hartford Retreat for the Insane, began in 1822 as one of the first mental health centers in the United States and the first hospital of any kind in Connecticut. The first patient was admitted in April 1924.
Thanks to the IOL Family Resource Center team, interns and committee members and all who organized, volunteered and attended the event. It was a wonderful time to celebrate the past, honor the present, and look ahead to providing a future of patient-centered care fueled and supported by the healing power of our communities.
The IOL reached a 200-year milestone in 2022 and initiated a wide-ranging, multiyear celebration and awareness campaign to commemorate and educate about its longevity and groundbreaking history, promote current services and recognition as a leader in mental health and research, and showcase the next chapter of recovery services and care.
The founding and construction of the IOL, then known as the Hartford Retreat for the Insane, began in 1822 as one of the first mental health centers in the United States and the first hospital of any kind in Connecticut. The first patient was admitted in April 1924.
Thanks to the IOL Family resource Center team, interns and committee members and all who organized, volunteered and attended the event. It was a wonderful time to celebrate the past, honor the present, and look ahead to providing a future of patient-centered care fueled and supported by the healing power of our communities
April 23, 2024
It was a beautiful spring day, and the well-anticipated launch of the Center for Research on Racial Trauma and Community Healing. The announcement came in a community conversation at the Artists Collective in Hartford, and featured representatives of Hartford Healthcare, local community and civic organizations, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, and residents.
Dr. Javeed Sukhera, founding director of the new center, describes the center as an opportunity to “take the legacy of our scientific knowledge and invest it into the communities we serve.” Dr. Sukhera’s remarks, community guest speakers, and an insightful panel discussion highlighted the importance of community healing and the role healthcare has in facilitating this process.
January 18, 2024
Community Conversation on Racial Trauma and Community Healing
Community members had the opportunity to converse with Dr. Javeed Sukhera, Chair of Psychiatry at the Institute of Living, and Chief of Psychiatry at Hartford Hospital on topics of racial trauma and community healing. Moderated by Greg Jones, Vice President of Community Health and Engagement, and sponsored by Mother’s United Against Violence, the gathering brought together over 60 people and used personal experiences to foster insightful conversations, while encouraging opportunities for change.