Health care institutions strive to have their most successful programs designated as a Patient Centered Specialty Program (PCSP). PCSP is the gold standard in the health industry and is recognized by state and federal governments as a high-profile accredidation.

The PCSP program recognizes specialty practices that successfully coordinate patient care and communicate with their primary care colleagues, other specialists, and patients. The PCSP program is designed to improve quality and reduce waste and poor patient experiences that result from poorly coordinated care. The program focuses on coordinating and sharing information among primary care clinicians and specialists. It requires clinicians to organize care around patients - across all clinicians seen by a patient - and to include patients and their families or other caregivers in planning care and as partners in managing conditions.

The Hospital for Special Care (HSC), a New Britain-based not-for-profit health center, has successfully achieved PCSP recognition for their Autism Center, becoming the first in the State of Connecticut and the nation to do so. This program has set the standard for other HSC specialty programs, and the Hospital has their sights set on a PCSP designation for their successful COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Disease Management Program.

Nearly 16 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic lower respiratory disease, primarily COPD. One in fifteen Americans are being impacted by chronic pulmonary disease - our nation's #3 killer.

To help boost HSC's work towards PCSP recognition, the Gawlicki Family Foundation awarded a $250,000 grant to the Hospital. The grant will help HSC better track and coordinate referrals of care, strengthen access and communication to patients, and better plan and manage patient-centered care.

"We are grateful for these funds and fully appreciate the magnitude of this commitment from the Gawlicki Family Foundation," said Lynn Ricci, president and CEO, Hospital for Special Care. "We are proud to announce that we will be using these funds to expand the Gawlicki Family COPD Disease Management Program to help the community and those affected by COPD."

The Hospital for Special Care (HSC) is the fourth largest, free-standing long-term acute care hospital in the U.S. and the only one in the nation serving adults and children. HSC is recognized for advanced care and rehabilitation in pulmonary care, acquired brain injury, medically-complex pediatrics, neuromuscular disorders including ALS research, spinal cord injury, comprehensive heart failure and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Located in New Britain and Hartford, Connecticut, HSC operates inpatient and outpatient facilities serving Southern New England and the Tri-State area on a not-for-profit basis.

To learn more about HSC and the Gawlicki Family COPD Disease Management Program please visit www.hfsc.org.