- Warm Wishes from Yale Health
- Seasonal Health Reminders
- Access to Care During Winter Break
- Traveling for the Holidays?
- Yale Health Digital Tools
- Wellness & Prevention
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Warm Wishes from Yale Health
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As we near the end of 2025, we want to extend our warmest wishes for a healthy and joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year.
This year, our leadership team continued focusing on what matters most – your access to care and your experience as a Yale Health member. We’ve made significant progress in 2025, with more to come in 2026:
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- Outstanding Member Experience: Press Ganey surveys indicate a Likelihood to Recommend of 97.5% and Overall Satisfaction of 91.2%, demonstrating the trust and confidence our members have in us.
- Expanded Access: Since July, members have enjoyed access to Yale Medicine clinicians within Bridgeport Hospital and its campuses. We enhanced self-scheduling via MyChart, expanded our primary care clinical teams, and partnered with Yale-New Haven Hospital to offer mobile mammography on campus—making care more accessible and timelier.
- Innovation in Care Delivery: From AI-powered clinical documentation to significant Epic upgrades and investments in telehealth infrastructure, we are leveraging technology to improve efficiency and enhance the patient experience.
- Engaged and Empowered Staff: Our team remains the backbone of Yale Health. Through education, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, our staff ensures every interaction matters.
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As we look ahead, we remain focused on expanding access, embracing innovation, and strengthening the partnerships that make Yale Health a cornerstone of wellness at Yale.
We look forward to sharing more updates in January, including the introduction of new providers and our 2025 Annual Report, which highlights these milestones and more. We also anticipate sharing updates on our 2030 Strategic Plan. Our staff has been deeply engaged in creating department “roadmaps” to achieve our goals by 2030.
Warm regards, and best wishes for good health and happiness in the year ahead!
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Jason S. Fish, MD, MSHS, MS-MAS
Chief Executive Officer
Yale Health
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Flu & COVID Vaccination Clinics – Last Call
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If you haven’t received your flu and COVID vaccinations yet, now is the time. While our large clinic has closed for the season, you can still walk in or schedule an appointment with our Immunization Department, Monday-Friday, to receive flu and COVID vaccinations.
Why it matters: Seasonal viruses peak in late December and January – vaccination is your best defense.
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✈️ Traveling for the Holidays?
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Before you head out, make sure you’re prepared:
✅ Prescriptions: Refill medications early to avoid delays.
✅ MyChart Access: Secure messaging, test results, and refill requests at your fingertips.
✅ Nurse Triage Line: Save this number for urgent questions: 203-432-0123.
Tip: If you’re traveling internationally, check any health requirements for your destination and be sure to check out Yale’s International SOS website. If you register with ISOS (free and easy), you get access to an amazing resource that provides a wealth of knowledge (health, cultural, and otherwise) about any part of the world.
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🏥 Access to Care During Winter Recess
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We’re here for you throughout the holiday season.
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- Acute Care at 55 Lock Street: Open every day, including Christmas and New Year’s Day, for urgent needs, staffed by Emergency Department physicians for expert care in a calmer setting with shorter wait times. In-person hours 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. For urgent concerns, call our 24/7 nurse triage line, 203-432-0123.
- Pharmacy: Holiday hours vary – see our webpage before your trip.
- Primary Care and Specialty Services: Open for recess days: 12/26, 12/29, and 12/30. Call to schedule appointments. Closed Holidays: 12/24, 12/25, 12/31, 1/1.
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Wellness Tips for the Season
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The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also bring stress, changes in routine, and extra indulgences. Here are some ways to stay healthy and balanced:
Pause and Recharge
The holiday season can feel hectic. Schedule short breaks throughout your day to breathe deeply, stretch, or step away from screens. Even five minutes of quiet can help lower stress and improve focus.
Stay Active Indoors
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean inactivity. Try simple exercises like bodyweight squats, yoga stretches, or walking in place while watching TV. Aim for at least 20–30 minutes of movement most days to boost energy and mood.
Balanced Nutrition
Enjoy seasonal favorites but balance them with nutrient-rich foods. Pair holiday treats with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Staying hydrated is just as important. Drink water regularly and avoid overindulging in festive beverages.
Sleep Matters
Quality sleep supports your immune system and mental health. Aim for seven to eight hours each night. Create a calming bedtime routine: dim the lights, reduce screen time before bed, and keep your sleeping space cool and comfortable.
Manage Stress Mindfully
If holiday pressures feel overwhelming, try mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or guided meditation. Even a few minutes can help restore calm and clarity.
Tips for Parents
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- Keep Kids Active Indoors: Turn movement into fun — dance parties, indoor obstacle courses, or family yoga can help kids burn energy and stay healthy.
- Healthy Snacking: Offer colorful fruits and veggies alongside holiday treats to encourage balance.
- Maintain Routines: Try to keep regular meal and bedtime schedules, even during busy days, to help children feel secure and rested.
- Plan Quiet Time: Holidays can be overstimulating, especially if you’ve held an indoor dance party or obstacle course! Schedule calm activities, such as reading or puzzles, to help kids unwind.
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💻 Yale Health Digital Tools
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Ask Yale Health Chatbot – Available 24/7
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Need quick, non-clinical answers without picking up the phone? Our Ask Yale Health chatbot is here for you anytime, day or night.
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- Check hours for departments and services.
- Get guidance on common questions about benefits and coverage, making appointments, and more.
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Accessible directly on the Yale Health website, the chatbot is designed to make finding information simple and fast — whenever you need it.
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MyChart – Your Health at Your Fingertips
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MyChart is your secure, personalized health portal. With MyChart, you can:
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- Look up your health records and test results.
- Message your providers and clinical staff for non-urgent questions.
- Request prescription refills quickly and easily.
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And coming in 2026, we’re excited to introduce expanded self-scheduling options, giving you even more flexibility to book appointments at your convenience.
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We look forward to your active participation and feedback. Let us know what topics you'd like to see covered in future newsletters by sharing your ideas with us at yh_communications@yale.edu. Your input helps us better serve your needs and interests
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Yale Health
Acute Care: 203.432.0123
Internal Medicine: 203.432.0038
Member Services: 203.432.0246
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