Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he’s appointed 85 Vermonters to state boards and commissions since April. Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters numerous opportunities to serve their state and communities. The Governor’s office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations.

Vermont Business Magazine On July 1, 2019 David Roberts was on the back end of a 16-mile walk when he began the climb up Hartford, Vermont’s VA Cutoff Road. Staff and Veterans alike waited outside the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in White River Junction with flags and gratitude. David Roberts, a Marine Veteran set out to walk 90 miles to raise funds for the families left behind after fellow Marines and their loved ones were tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on June 21, 2019.

Vermont Business Magazine Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) and Flek Inc. received two awards this past May for their 2018 Annual Report: a silver award from the Aster Awards Program and a bronze award from the 36th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards. The Aster Awards Program recognizes healthcare marketing professionals for excellence in advertising, marketing and communications. Winning entries are judged by a panel of industry experts and are published in the Marketing Healthcare Today magazine.

Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) has been named by Becker's Healthcare—publisher of Becker’s Hospital Review, one of the industry’s most influential sources of news for hospital leaders—to the 2019 list of "150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” for the fourth year running. It is the only Vermont company on the list.

Vermont Business Magazine A new vital records law that goes into effect July 1 will enhance the safety and security of certified birth and death certificates, better protect against misuse of these documents and reduce the potential for identity theft. The law, which was passed by the Vermont legislature in 2017, also streamlines the process to create, store, issue and track birth and death certificates through a new electronic Statewide Vital Records System.

Vermont Works for Women It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Jen Oldham’s departure as Executive Director of Vermont Works for Women (VWW), at the end of 2019. For the past two years, Jen has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, and we will miss her and her inspiring leadership. Thanks to her dedication and accomplishments, VWW is on solid ground for the future.

City of Burlington, Department of Public Works, July 2, 2019 Due to an unplanned depressurization of a significant section of the Burlington distribution system as the result of a broken valve and other system valve closures there is a possibility that your drinking water supply may become contaminated on the way to the tap. This situation may present a health risk to City of Burlington water users in parts of the South End of Burlington (on Shelburne Road south of Clymer and cross streets south that intersection and users on Flynn Ave and all parts of the system south of Flynn Ave). Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Burlington is issuing a Boil Water Notice for those affected users, effective immediately.

Vermont Business Magazine The Prouty – named in memory of patient Audrey Prouty – is the biggest charity challenge north of Boston. This long-standing event takes place in Hanover, New Hampshire, and raises money for groundbreaking cancer research and important patient supportive services at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC). Over its life of 37 years, the event has raised more than $36 million for this NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the few serving a rural population. Serving, this year, as honorary co-chairs are Greg Tsongalis, PhD, and Carin Reynolds, JD.

by Amy Fela, Director of Operations at United Counseling Service, Bennington As a Designated Agency for the State of Vermont and a Certified Center of Excellence, UCS strives to attain the value of Easy Access, which is simply defined as providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place with the right provider. Access to mental health care services is a priority focus area of UCS’ strategic planning. Individuals who are seeking mental health treatment are often waiting six to eight weeks for an intake appointment, followed by an extended wait time for clinical services.

Emergency Departments across the State of Vermont have seen an increase in utilization rates by people experiencing a mental health crisis, both children and adults, including our very own Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC). Often patients who are seen in the Emergency Department are discharged back into the community to receive community-based supports. 

by John McClaughry On June 21 the US Supreme Court issued its opinion on a case with enormous consequences for landowners facing takings of their property by government. In doing so the conservative majority overrode both the liberal Justices and the Trump Administration. Rose Mary Knick’s Pennsylvania property included a small private cemetery, allegedly the last resting place of generations of her ancestors. Scott Township adopted an ordinance to enforce a state law that cemeteries on private land shall be open to the public during reasonable hours. Rose Mary objected that by creating a public thoroughfare to her family property, the township and state had taken her property rights.

The position of the township and the State, backed by the Trump Justice Department, was that an actual “taking” of her property did not occur until after the plaintiff had litigated or settled the required payment of compensation in a process under state law.

Vermont Business Magazine The Cancer Center Community Crusaders, known as the 4Cs, hosted their 6th Annual Day of Celebration in coordination with Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s National Cancer Survivors Day on Saturday, June 1 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Campus in Bennington.  Eight crews and more than 400 attendees at the event helped the group raise a total of $54,158 for the year. This amount contributes to nearly $300,000 in support the group has raised for local cancer patients in its 6-year existence.

Vermont Business Magazine Following months of tile art creation by local students, glazing, kiln firing, and installation, Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) in Woodstock has unveiled a large mosaic mural on the wall facing Pleasant Street. The unveiling took place at a brief public ceremony on May 20 held outside of OHC, which is part of Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC).