Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Rutland Regional Medical Center Board Chair, Mark Foley, Jr announced today that president and CEO Claudio Fort has resigned his position and will leave the hospital at the end of December. Fort joined Rutland Regional in April 2018 and led the hospital and the Rutland community through the unprecedented response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In an internal email to staff, Claudio Fort said, “I have come to a personal decision that I need to make some definitive changes, which includes stepping down from my role as CEO to take some extended time off and focus on my health.”

Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger and University of Vermont (UVM) President Suresh Garimella announced and celebrated the completion of the University Place street improvements. The City of Burlington and UVM collaborated on the project to make the central location safer for all people including pedestrians, bicyclists, and other active transportation users. Total investment in the University Place project was $3.2 million, paid for by: $1.375 million in City Capital Funds; $225,000 in ARPA funds; $1.6 million in UVM Capital Funds.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Office of Racial Equity today promoted a new state initiative that encourages and supports municipalities across the state in their efforts to be more inclusive, equitable and welcoming. IDEAL Vermont, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action and Leadership, officially kicked off in October with its first fourteen member towns and cities: Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Essex, Fairfax, Hardwick, Hartford, Hinesburg, Orange, St. Albans, South Burlington, Richmond, Tinmouth and Winooski.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported November 16 that hospitalizations edged up from 47 to 53 last week, as overall COVID-19 cases fell again from 442 to 385. COVID-19 infections remain at a "Low" level for the fourth week, according to the VDH, after increasing hospitalizations had sent them to "Medium" a few weeks ago (from a low of 30). There were no COVID-related deaths in nearly two weeks, for 4 so far in November and a pandemic total of 763 (the VDH report could be updated as more data becomes available). There were 19 COVID-related fatalities in August, 11 in September and 30 in October. Vermont is second lowest COVID fatality rate in the nation, at 122 per 100,000 population.

Vermont Business Magazine Research conducted by online fitness resource Total Shape, analyzed data on key health indicators in America such as searches for gym memberships, how many gyms per 100,000 of the population, how many per 100,000 of the population, percentage of adult smokers and the obesity rates in each state. This data then gave an indication in to which state is the healthiest/unhealthiest. Vermont has 16 gyms per 100,000 people which is 4 above the national average of 12. Vermont has the fewest fast-food restaurants with 58 per 100,000 people. This may be the reason that they have a lower obesity rate at 26%. They also have a lower-than-average smoking rate (15%). California was ranked highest, while West Virginia was ranked the unhealthiest state.

Vermont Business Magazine On Monday, December 5, 2022, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) will conduct an in-person meeting in Rutland, VT. Board members will spend the morning meeting with community members throughout the Rutland region, including at an addiction recovery treatment center, a supportive transitional housing program, a federally qualified health center, and an emergency department. At 1:00 PM, the GMCB will convene for a public meeting to hear from local organizations, businesses, and members of the public.

by Mike Del Trecco, President & CEO of VAHHS Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s good food in abundance and, for me, a time to slow down and enjoy a restful time with family. As I enjoy the welcome pause, I am nevertheless mindful of all the health care workers are doing shifts at hospitals and clinics as we sit down to our bountiful meals. I hope you will join me in giving them a giant thank you.

Vermont Business Magazine On Thursday, December 1, Gifford Wellness presents: Diabetes. This free event at Gifford’s Conference Center in Randolph from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. will have educational presentations from our expert care team on a variety of topics related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gifford Wellness provides information to our community on a wide variety of health topics. From in-person events to educational and informative videos, blog posts, and social media, we aim to provide our patients and our community with the support you need to keep you healthy for life.

Vermont Business Magazine Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC), a member of Dartmouth Health, has named its Outpatient Therapies wing in honor of Richard I. Slusky, the late former CEO of MAHHC. Slusky served as CEO for 28 years from 1982 to 2010. A transformative figure in MAHHC’s history, Slusky was responsible for numerous expansions and improvements to the hospital’s outpatient therapies program.

Vermont Business Magazine With just weeks remaining in this year’s Medicare open enrollment season, the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation reminds Vermonters to educate themselves about the various types of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement (also known as “Medigap”) offerings. The Department’s recently developed “Medicare Open Enrollment-Protect Yourself” flyer is helping spread the word about enrollment options and the importance of being vigilant about scammers and other bad actors who may target Medicare participants during open enrollment.