Vermont Business Magazine Community Health's medical professionals began receiving the COVID vaccination this weekend, with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bradley Berryhill as one of the first providers to get the Pfizer vaccine. As the process of immunizing against the coronavirus has just begun, Dr. Berryhill shared his thoughts, concerns and advice to friends, family and patients in a letter to the community. Cautioning that this is just the beginning of a process that will last for months Dr. Berryhill underscores the importance of staying informed and vigilant.
Dear Friends,
This is a historic moment in time for our world and no less true for everyone who lives here in central Vermont. There exists a level of stress and anxiety which is uniquely representative of this moment in time.
Even in these trying times, our mission at Community Health remains unchanged. We are here to care for you and your family in the most equitable, highest quality and safest manner possible. The coronavirus pandemic confronts us all with new and significant challenges. To accommodate and meet these challenges, Community Health will be implementing new processes in order to meet the health care needs of our patients and our community.
Dr. Bradley Berryhill, Community Health Chief Medical Officer, and Medical Team Receive COVID Vaccine
We want you to know that we remain open and ready to assist you. If you do come into the office, you will be screened for the coronavirus in a safe and confidential manner. Coronavirus has now reached every country in the world. It has a demonstrated prevalence here in central Vermont. You and your family should have that understanding. Most patients who have contracted the coronavirus have mild disease. Also, most do not have a known travel or exposure history.
So, please be aware of the importance for social distancing, practicing cough etiquette and hand hygiene, restricting nonessential travel and avoiding groups of people. These public health practices will be critical to modifying our health burden over the coming weeks.
In order to accommodate your health care needs in a manner that is safe for all, Community Health will be changing our delivery of services. Each of our facilities will be setting a workflow that is both sensitive to your needs and sensible for their resources.
For our patients with chronic and nonurgent conditions, we still want to care for your needs. This may occur over the telephone, may occur via a video Telehealth encounter (using your home computer or mobile device) or possibly you will need to be seen in the office. Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) staff will be reaching out to you and together we will decide how best to meet your needs. If you have an acute or urgent health concern, then we will work with you and direct you to the most appropriate care environment. If possible, please try to call ahead. This will give us the best opportunity to ensure that your experience is both safe and satisfying.
While physically at your provider’s office, your safety is a priority. We will need your cooperation and understanding for implementing new processes to meet our mutual goals.
Our goals remain the same - to provide the quality care in a manner that is meaningful and helpful to you, while protecting your safety and the health and safety of our staff. Don’t put off your health care, and don’t hesitate to call with a question.
Wishing you a healthy and safe New Year,
Dr. Brad Berryhill
Chief Medical Officer
Community Health
All Community Health locations are open and accepting patients. For more information about Community Health and updates on COVID and the vaccination, check our website (www.chcrr.org).
Community Health is Vermont’s largest FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center), a network of primary care, pediatric, behavioral health, dental and pharmacy services with offices in Rutland, Brandon, Castleton, West Pawlet and Shoreham. Community Dental offices are located in Rutland and Shoreham, Community Health Pediatrics is in Rutland and Behavioral Health services are available at all of our locations. Community Health Express Care centers, open 7 days-a-week, are located at the Rutland and Castleton Community Health Centers.
Source: Rutland - Community Health Rutland 12.29.2020