Happy Holidays from VAHHS!
Mike Del Trecco,
President and CEO
Happy holidays from VAHHS! In this issue of VAHHS Update, we bring you some cheer from our members. Hospital staff members can’t generally take lots of time off time during the holidays. Many health care workers need to pick up extra shifts during this time of year, which can be a busy one at home. Nevertheless, health care employees are very adept at enjoying the spirit of the season at work—and at sharing their generosity with their communities. Here are just a few examples of the myriad ways hospital co-workers celebrate together and give to their neighbors.
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center nurses gather festive holiday meal ingredients to share with foster families in Bennington. Nine boxes packed with hams, turkeys, stuffing mix, canned vegetables, breakfast items, pie-making ingredients, and much more will go to nine families through the Department of Children and Families.
Springfield Hospital collects carloads of gifts for the Santa Claus Club, which distributes them to families and seniors in need. Also, each year, Springfield Hospital honors and remembers loved ones through a Hearts of Hope event. Each handmade heart on the tree represents a $15 donation in memory or honor of someone, by a member of the Springfield Hospital community. Names of each are read aloud at the event, followed by food, fun and a holiday sing along!
Medical staff at UVM Health Network—CVMC sponsor an annual employee turkey giveaway. Volunteers deliver them They also donated 250 turkeys this year to community members in need through partnerships with the VYCC’s Health Care Share program and the Vermont Foodbank.
Employees at Grace Cottage donate daily to the Townshend Food Shelf—this haul was from just one day! The hospital also hosts a monthly Veggie Van Go for the Vermont Foodbank and a Giving Mantle each year to help local families.
Employees at Rutland Regional Medical Center's utilization, social, and case management team solicited donations from employees, then shopped for and wrapped gifts for two foster children through "Tatem’s Totes" and a family of five through the Department for Children and Families.
At Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, staff members are “Making Spirits Bright by donating gifts to six local organizations.
We’re proud of the generosity of Vermont’s hospital staff—the photos here show just one more way they take care of Vermonters and support each other, too!
Happy holidays to you and your family!