Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health has named Kelly–Anne Klein, MD, as the new medical director. Klein, a board-certified psychiatrist, comes to the department from Rochester Regional Health in New York where she served as Medical Director. Her experience also includes a full-time clinical appointment at the University of Vermont where she provides outpatient, inpatient, and emergency psychiatric services.

by Fred Kenney The Regional Development Corporations of Vermont have been chosen by the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) to participate in the new Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP). CNPP will deliver technical assistance service contracts to aid Vermont business recovery. This program was launched as part of a national initiative introduced by President Biden and Vice President Harris whereby the VtSBDC was chosen as one of fifty-one (51) grantees nationwide to be part of the Small Business Administration’s CNPP.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging today announced its schedule of free, virtual Medicare informational sessions to be held throughout 2022. Offered through SVCOA’s SHIP (Statewide Health Insurance Assistance Program) department and hosted by Elizabeth Greaney, SVCOA SHIP Coordinator, each Medicare class will cover a range of topics including Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Medicare Part D - prescription drug coverage. Educational sessions will also cover Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap), enrollment periods, and coming off of employer-based insurance.

by Devon Green, VP of Government Relations, VAHHS Late last week, the House overwhelmingly voted to return in person today with exemptions for those who request it. The Senate will continue to work remotely. How will this hybrid legislating work? What will happen to all of the non-legislator denizens? Will this allow more or less transparency and access? Stay tuned!

by Katie Keszey, Community College of Vermont The next group of College to Career Program students will begin classes later this month, launching their accelerated journey to becoming medical assistants at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. The program, developed in 2016, pairs classroom learning at CCV-Brattleboro with clinical training at the Hospital. In just one semester, students get the education and training they need to begin a career in healthcare.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s (SVHC) Medical Matters Weekly with Dr. Trey Dobson welcomes Lynda Monk, RSW, at noon on January 19. Monk is a registered social worker, an expert in journaling for health and director of the International Association for Journal Writing.

Vermont Business Magazine In a ceremony held January 12, 2021, an outstanding early career physician-scientist in the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine, Diego Adrianzen Herrera, M.D., was invested as the inaugural holder of the Early Career Green and Gold Professor of Medicine. Adrianzen Herrera, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, member of the UVM Cancer Center, and pipeline investigator of the Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health, was selected for this two-year appointment by a Department of Medicine committee headed by Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc., professor and vice chair for emerging researchers.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Medical Society Education & Research Foundation (VMSERF) has announced the 2022 cohort of the Physician Executive Leadership Institute Foundational Course, which commences remotely this January. The VMSERF leadership course is offered in partnership with the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Lumunos Clinician Well-Being Services. Perhaps more than ever before, physicians and PAs are being asked to step up and skillfully lead rapid change throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Every clinician is being called upon to bring their leadership skills and management styles to the forefront to ensure the best outcomes for Vermont patients.

Vermont Business Magazine More than 400 highly-trained volunteer instructors make Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ mission of empowering individuals with disabilities possible. Out of a dedicated pool of volunteers, Vermont Adaptive program coordinators recognized this year’s three Volunteers of the Year at off-snow trainings this fall, which were held virtually due to the pandemic. Julie Kaye, of Hinesburg, Kevin Maichen, of Killington, and Rob Galloway, of Richmond, were named 2021 Volunteers of the Year.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Land Trust and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation have conserved more than 6,500 acres of working forest in central Vermont. With funding from the USDA Forest Service through the Forest Legacy Program, the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation has purchased conservation easements for two large parcels of forestland from the land trust, which currently owns the properties. The large expanse of forestland is known as “Worcester Woods” and spans both sides of Route 12 in Worcester and Elmore.

by Jeff Tieman, CEO, Vermont Association of Hospitals & Health Systems There is no other state that regulates hospitals as completely as the Green Mountain Care Board does in Vermont. Accountability and oversight matter, so effective regulation can protect consumers and health care providers. Unfortunately, our regulator has lost its connection to reality and reason.

Vermont State Police On January 16, 2022, at approximately 8:00 AM the Sheldon Fire Department was dispatched to 718 Sweet Hollow Road for a reported structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they discovered heavy fire coming from the building located to the east of the residence. During the overhaul of the fire scene, firefighters discovered human remains within the structure. The investigation determined the victim of the fire was the property owner, 69-year-old Larry Gregoire of Sheldon.