UConn Health Partners with Solnit Children's Center

CEO Dr. Agwunobi discusses plans to enhance care for vulnerable youth

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:52am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image of a child's brain, rendered in shades of blue and purple against a dark background, revealing the intricate neural structures and symbolizing the complex mental health needs of young patients.A cutting-edge X-ray visualization sheds light on the specialized care required for young psychiatric patients.Middletown Today

UConn Health CEO Dr. Andrew C. Agwunobi announced a new partnership with the state-run Albert J. Solnit Children's Center, a psychiatric hospital that provides essential care for Connecticut's youth. Under the agreement, Solnit's 50 inpatient beds will come under UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital's license, making Solnit a satellite location. Dr. Agwunobi communicated to Solnit employees that UConn Health aims to support their work and ensure the seamless continuation of quality care for this population.

Why it matters

The Solnit Children's Center plays a critical role in providing mental health services to vulnerable youth in Connecticut. By partnering with UConn Health, the state hopes to build on the excellent care Solnit already provides and enhance the resources and support available to this patient population.

The details

Under the new agreement, Solnit's 50 inpatient beds will come under the license of UConn Health's John Dempsey Hospital, making Solnit a satellite location. UConn Health leadership, including Chief Nursing Officer Caryl Ryan, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Scott Allen, and other senior clinicians, will take on leadership roles to support the transition and identify ways to enhance the care provided at Solnit.

  • On April 15, the partnership between UConn Health and Solnit Children's Center will take effect.
  • This week, Dr. Agwunobi attended a town hall to speak with Solnit employees and unions about the upcoming changes.

The players

Dr. Andrew C. Agwunobi

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at UConn Health.

Susan Hamilton

Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Joshua Wojcik

Secretary of the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM).

Caryl Ryan

Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at UConn Health.

Dr. Scott Allen

Chief Medical Officer at UConn Health.

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What they’re saying

“We therefore feel strongly that our approach as we partner with them is to find ways to support their work and to ensure the seamless continuation of quality care for this population.”

— Dr. Andrew C. Agwunobi, Chief Executive Officer, UConn Health

What’s next

UConn Health and state officials will continue discussions with Solnit employees, unions, providers, and other stakeholders to determine how to best enhance the care provided at the children's center.

The takeaway

This partnership between UConn Health and the Solnit Children's Center demonstrates the state's commitment to improving mental health services for vulnerable youth, leveraging the expertise and resources of a major academic health system to support the critical work already being done at Solnit.