Learn About Us
What is HAVEN?
HAVEN is the health assistance program authorized by state law to serve virtually all healthcare professionals licensed or eligible for license in the State of Connecticut. HAVEN offers a confidential alternative to "public disciplinary action for professionals suffering from chemical dependency, emotional or behavioral disorder, or physical or mental illness."
HAVEN provides a safe environment to coordinate evaluation, treatment, education, rehabilitation, monitoring, and supportive services for healthcare professionals.
We are an independent non-profit corporation founded by the Connecticut State Medical Society, Connecticut Nurses Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, Connecticut Veterinary Medicine Association, and Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants that provides confidential consultation and support to healthcare professionals facing health concerns related to alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral or mental health issues and/or physical illness.
Annually, HAVEN provides to the Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Consumer Protection- Drug Control Division (DCP), licensing boards, and the Public Health Committee and General Law Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly the number of professionals in our program and represents that all professionals allowed to return to practice are considered capable of practicing with skill and safety assuming ongoing compliance with their health and wellness contracts. HAVEN also undergoes program audits to ensure transparency and quality in our processes.
HAVEN is dedicated to serving healthcare professionals through accountability, support and earned advocacy with dignity, respect, and confidentiality as allowed by law.
Our Mission
At HAVEN, our mission is to enhance patient safety in Connecticut by promoting the health and wellness of healthcare professionals. We achieve this through education and prevention, early detection and intervention, referral for evaluation and treatment, and ongoing support and accountability. Our commitment to the well-being of healthcare professionals helps ensure that they can provide high-quality care to their patients. Please note that while we support the health needs of healthcare professionals, we do not provide medical or mental healthcare services ourselves.
Our vision is to be the leader in promoting both the well-being of healthcare professionals and patient safety in the State of Connecticut through intervention, monitoring, advocacy, and education.
Our History
Public Act 07-103, signed by Governor Jodi M. Rell on June 12, 2007, enabled the establishment of a confidential assistance program for healthcare professionals licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and suffering from physical or mental illness, emotional disorder or chemical dependency. Following the passage of this important legislation, the Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants, the Connecticut Nurses' Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Connecticut Veterinary Medicine Association, as a coalition of healthcare professionals, created the Health Assistance InterVention Education Network for Connecticut Health Professionals (HAVEN). This initiative represents a model in our state and the country for the teamwork so essential in today's healthcare environment.