Building a Healthier West Side

Fairgate Community Health Center, an affiliate of Optimus Health Care, Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center and the largest provider of primary care in southwestern Connecticut, is poised to serve a critical role in Stamford’s West End. The facility is the result of a partnership between Optimus Health Care, , and Charter Oak Communities.

As of its dedication on May 14, Fairgate Community Health Center can offer acute, non-urgent primary health care services, vaccinations, diagnostic tests and wellness programs for underserved populations.

"The way I tell people to think about it is like a Minute Clinic — coughs, colds, sore throats, physicals for work or school," Dr. Tess Kryspin, associate medical director at Fairgate Community Health Center, said.

Patients can also be referred to Optimus Health Care's other Stamford locations — on Atlantic Avenue or 1351 Washington Boulevard — where they can find a primary care physician or specialist.

"We're part of the process in providing them with a permanent medical home," Eric Stein, administrator at Fairgate Community Health Center said.

Three exam rooms line the back hall, tucked away from the street without windows to provide complete privacy. Brightly-colored murals cover the exterior windows, maintaining privacy for patients in the waiting room or conference spaces, while allowing people inside to see out onto the streets.

“As a provider, this place is fully equipped.” Kryspin said. “I don’t think there's anything more I could ask for.”

The Fairgate Community Health Center is part of the new Vita Health and Wellness District that will eventually stretch from West Main Street to West Avenue on Stillwater Avenue. This corridor will also soon become home to Fairgate Farm, a professionally coordinated communal farm. Set to open this summer, Fairgate Farm will be located just across the street and provide exciting possibilities for nutrition education, as well as a farmer’s market.

The staff of Fairgate Community Health Center is in the unique position of watching as the Vita Health and Wellness District takes shape around them, reporting back to each other on progress across the street.

“There were four houses there, the last one was demolished this morning,” Stein said. "Now they're testing the water and soil."

In the future, two empty spaces on each side of the Fairgate Community Health Center will house health and wellness-related businesses, perhaps a pharmacy or fitness facility to further enhance the area.

"Its a great beginning," Stein said. "You can see that potential."