Member Update – May 2025
In this update:
- Understanding Fertility Services at Yale Health
- “Cooking for Health” Classes
- New Parenting and Breastfeeding Support Groups
- Celebrating Art and Leadership at Yale Health
- Yale Health 2024 Annual Report
- Mobile Mammography Van Coming to Yale Health Center
- MyChart Tips: Accessing Images
Understanding Fertility Services at Yale Health
We are pleased to announce updates to the Fertility section of our Employee Coverage Booklet, designed to be more user-friendly and help members better understand the benefits and coverage available to them. Our goal is to support every unique path to parenthood with comprehensive programs tailored to meet your fertility treatment needs. The revised section outlines eligibility criteria, covered services, and detailed guidance on using your fertility benefits effectively.
We have also introduced a new topic page on our website Family Building Services: Supporting All Paths to Parenthood, highlighting our commitment to assisting members through their family-building journeys. This resource provides valuable information on the benefits and coverage available to you. It encourages ongoing consultation with the Yale Health Member Services and Claims departments to monitor your benefit usage.
At the bottom of the topic page, you can also find resources available to all Yale University employees.
Your journey to parenthood is important to us, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Join Our “Cooking for Health” Classes!
We are excited to introduce our new “Cooking for Health” classes, which combine nutrition research with practical food preparation techniques. Hosted by YHC dietitians Becky Purcell, MS, RD, CDN, and Alisa Scherban, MPH, RD, CDCES, as well as Kristin Biatowas, RN, these classes allow members to engage in hands-on learning that supports the advice given by their healthcare providers. Each session begins with a brief nutrition lesson, followed by an interactive cooking experience during which participants can share their creations and socialize with fellow classmates.
These classes are perfect for Yale Health members dealing with nutrition concerns such as diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease, or anyone who finds cooking healthy meals challenging. Our goal is to allow members to practice their cooking skills and learn how to prepare new recipes to inspire them on their health journey.
Classes are offered twice a month at 12 PM and 5 PM, held at a kitchen located on Central Campus. Each class can accommodate up to eight participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience. Feedback from our participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the hands-on approach, tangible information, and the camaraderie built during the sessions.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn new recipes, gain valuable nutritional insights, and connect with the Yale Health community. To join an upcoming class, ask your health care provider for a nutrition referral.
We can't wait to cook with you!
New Parenting and Breastfeeding Support Groups Starting July 2025
We are excited to announce the formation of three new support groups for our members, focusing on Parenting, Breastfeeding, and a Prenatal Breastfeeding class, starting in July 2025. These support groups are great for new parents on maternity or paternity leave, offering a space to receive guidance, share experiences, connect, and make new friends.
Parents of Babies Support Group: This support group meets on the first Tuesday of each month. It provides a supportive environment for new parents to discuss various aspects of parenting, share tips, and support each other through the early stages of parenthood. Whether you’re navigating sleep schedules, feeding routines, or developmental milestones, this group is all about meeting other parents, making friends, and getting the support you need.
Breastfeeding Connect: This support group meets on the third Tuesday of the month. It provides encouragement and practical advice to breastfeeding parents, including latch techniques, managing supply, and dealing with common challenges, all within a community that understands and supports your breastfeeding journey. This support group is a great opportunity to meet other breastfeeding parents and build a support network.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Essentials: This class meets on the fourth Monday of the month. It is designed for expecting parents who want to prepare for breastfeeding. Topics covered include the benefits of breastfeeding, how to establish a good latch, and what to expect in the early days postpartum. It’s a great way to build confidence and get answers to any questions you might have before your baby arrives
For more information, please contact Dee Osei-Agyeman.
Celebrating Art and Leadership at Yale Health: A Dual Event Marks New Beginnings
Yale Health Center hosted an event of creativity and recognition on Thursday, April 24. The evening was dedicated to the opening of The Arts at Yale Health 2025 exhibit and the unveiling of a recognition wall honoring the Better Together Service Excellence Awards recipients and past Yale Health Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
The new art exhibit, “Grow With Us,” features original works from more than 20 artists, including Yale employees, faculty, and students. The showcase aims to cultivate a visually and intellectually stimulating atmosphere that aligns with Yale’s health and wellness goals.
Briana Cuomo, Manager of Employee Relations for Yale Health and the event’s organizer, emphasized the dual nature of the celebration. “The theme ‘Grow With Us’ beautifully reflects both the creative spirit of this show and the ongoing evolution of Yale Health,” Cuomo said. “This event symbolizes our commitment to continuous growth—not just in our work but also in how we care for each other, learn from one another, and build community through creativity and connection.”
Jason Fish, MD, CEO of Yale Health, introduced the 2025 exhibit and unveiled the wall.
“This wall is a lasting tribute to the visionary leaders who have shaped Yale Health across the decades,” said Dr. Fish. “It tells part of our journey, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the values that define us.”
Former Yale Health leaders, including Stephanie Spangler, MD, Vice Provost for Health Affairs and Academic Integrity, reflected on their impactful tenures. She highlighted the transformation she experienced since arriving at Yale Health in 1986 as a provider and a patient. “The opportunity to care for the Yale community in partnership with Yale Health’s devoted providers and staff has been the privilege of a lifetime,” stated Dr. Spangler, echoing the collective sentiment of dedication and service.
Judith Lichtman, PhD, MPH, the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, was a special guest at the event. She is renowned for bridging the gap between research and real-life impact and for founding the HAPPY Initiative, which integrates the humanities, arts, and public health.
“Art is not only a reflection of health but also a tool to build it,” said Dr. Lichtman, describing the critical role of creativity in promoting well-being.
The event ended with a Meet the Artist moment, during which attendees could hear directly from featured artists. They shared the creative processes and inspiration behind their works, further enriching the communal experience.
This exhibit is open to all Yale Health members. We encourage you to explore our building and discover new artwork before or after your visit.
Yale Health 2024 Annual Report Now Available
We are excited to announce that the Yale Health 2024 Annual Report is now available on our website. This overview report highlights several notable achievements and milestones over the past year, including expanded enrollment, enhanced services, and initiatives to improve member and patient experiences while maintaining our fiduciary accountability to the university and our Yale Health members.
Our Annual Report reflects our dedication and strides in modernizing and strengthening our processes.
Moreover, this report sets the stage for the launch of our 2030 Strategic Plan, which will act as a roadmap for Yale Health over the next five years, guiding us as we continue to evolve and excel.
We appreciate our employees’ contributions to making Yale Health a great place to work and receive care. Their hard work and commitment are key to our collective success. We encourage you to browse the Annual Report and be inspired by the remarkable progress and exciting future ahead.
Mobile Mammography Van Coming to Yale Health Center
The Yale-New Haven Health (YNHH) Mobile Mammography van is coming to Yale Health to enhance access and convenience for our members. It will be parked at the corner of Sachem Street and Winchester Avenue, near the Yale Health Center.
How to Schedule
- Call 203-688-1010 and ask for the van. Ultrasounds** are also available.
- You can self-schedule a mammogram at covered locations: Mammograms | Yale Health.
- No referral needed.
Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations
- The US Preventive Services Taskforce advises starting screenings at age 40 and continuing to at least 74 every 1-2 years.
- Higher-risk individuals should consult their clinician.
For questions, contact your clinician via MyChart message, or at (203) 432-0222.
**Copays may apply to certain imaging services, such as ultrasounds.
Accessing Images in MyChart
MyChart allows you to access your medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic images, directly through your MyChart account. The following provides instructions for securely viewing, downloading, and sharing your images. If you encounter any issues with access, support contact details are also available.