VAHHS Update
End to national Covid-19 emergency order could affect Vermont’s tools to fight the disease
On Monday, President Joe Biden announced that the federal government plans to end the emergency declarations for Covid-19 on May 11, a move that could affect Vermonters’ ability to access vaccinations, testing and treatment for the disease.
Commentary: Health care in Upper Valley has improved
As the leaders of two of the largest Upper Valley health care organizations, both of which are members of Dartmouth Health, we want to share some important context missing from the Valley News’ Jan. 22 editorial “Are we now receiving better care?”
The answer to Sunday’s editorial question “Are we now receiving better care?” is, unequivocally, “yes.”
Vt. report outlines improvements to system for treating eating disorders
A new report out Tuesday details solutions to improve the treatment of eating disorders in Vermont. It’s a problem that was exacerbated by the pandemic, according to experts.
Vt. bill aims to protect health care workers from violence
A new Vermont law is aimed at deterring assaults against health care workers at health facilities.
NVRH Emergency Department receives prestigious award
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) has been named a 2022 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey for patient experience performance in the Emergency Department.
Vermont Considers Bills to Protect Health Workers for Reproductive Care
Vermont lawmakers are considering bills to protect health workers who provide reproductive and gender-affirming care from legal threats that originate in other states.
Rutland Area Medical Community announces 2023 scholarship program
The Rutland Area Medical Community Scholarship committee recently completed its 2022 fundraising in support of the annual scholarship program raising close to $27,000 thanks to the generosity of Rutland area physicians, retired physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
Legislative Update
Last week continued to be a mix of learning, introductions and policy initiatives, so let’s dive right in.
The Promise of Workplace Violence Legislation
With the legislators back in session, there are promises of Workplace Violence legislation on the docket. This session there will be proposed legislation to permit law enforcement to immediately remove those individuals that threaten or commit violence that impedes with providing medical care.
Childbirth Education Program starts back up with in-person classes
The Birth Center at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is partnering with local doulas Katie Baker and Diantha Jones from Empowered Birthing to offer the community free Childbirth Education classes.
Looking to cut $120M in its budget, Dartmouth Health plans hiring freeze, job reviews
Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire’s largest private employer, has implemented performance improvement plans and a “position review process” at some of its member organizations as it seeks to close a $120 million budget gap by the end of September, according to an email sent to employees.
New numbers highlight Covid-19's impact on inpatient mental health care and emergency departments
New numbers reported this week suggest that inpatient psychiatric care capacity in Vermont slowly started to rebound last year, but still remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels.
Grace Cottage emergency dept. expansion underway
Construction has started on a $650,000 expansion of the Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital emergency area to enhance patient comfort and privacy and improve patient flow and security.
Dousing Vt.'s 'village on fire'
Vermont’s health care system has been characterized by a legislator, not as a "house on fire," but as a whole village. Our hospitals are operating at maximum capacity. Nine of our 14 hospitals are operating at a deficit. Vacant positions at many of our hospitals are going unfilled. Patients are sent out-of-state for care. These challenges even apply to lower-level care facilities, including our home-health organizations.
High school partnership puts nursing degrees in adults’ hands
Vermont has needed nurses for years. Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the problem and now thanks to money secured in part by Sen. Sanders, the St. Johnsbury Academy and the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and other NEK organizations are partnering to get nurses in the classroom and into scrubs faster than ever.
M&T Bank foundation donates $25K toward Southwestern Vermont Medical Center project
The M&T Bank Charitable Foundation has donated $25,000 to the Southwestern Vermont Health Care Foundation.
BMH delivers urban health care in a rural setting, always with patients in mind
Living in a rural community can have its challenges when it comes to accessing a truly broad range of health care services. But, with the presence of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, you know you’re in the right hands.
Health Watch: Medication abortion the new front in reproductive health battle
In the wake of what would have been Roe v. Wade’s 50th anniversary, the Biden administration this week announced it was taking executive action to help protect medication abortions. It comes as some GOP lawmakers are pushing for a federal ban on all abortions.
ICYMI: From Our Latest Annual Meeting
At our last annual meeting, Tracy Dolan, who directs Vermont's State Refugee Office, described the path refugees take to come to Vermont and talked about specific challenges they face when accessing the health care system. She also gave information about what her office and other resources in Vermont are doing to help.
Legislative Update
Whether it’s the joy of being back in person, or the infusion of new members, or the sheer amount of work that needs to be done, there’s a new energy in the building.