Study suggests that Vermont is the healthiest state for women

The National Women's Law Center has released a report on their website that found Vermont to be the healthiest state for women to live in.  Each state was graded with a "satisfactory," "satisfactory minus," "unsatisfactory" or "failing" grade based on twenty-seven benchmarks.  Notably, Vermont earned a "satisfactory minus" grade.  The report, entitled "Making the Grade on Women's Health: A National and State-by-State Report Card" gave the United States an overall rating of "unsatisfactory" because only three out of twenty-seven benchmarks were met.  The full report can be read online.

Vermont quietly launches new health care program

The Times Argus reports that applications are now being accepted for Vermont's new Catamount Health program.  The Catamount program, which is designed to provide insurance to approximately 65,000 uninsured Vermonters, will allow the uninsured to buy coverage from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont or MVP Health Care.  Premiums will range from $60-$393 per month.  The coverage provided by Catamount includes preventative care, doctors' visits, prescription drugs, and hospitalization.  An advertising campaign will begin in November to promote the program.
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New pediatrician relieves shortage

According to the Bennington Banner, Dr. Martin Luloff will begin work mid-October at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.  The addition of Dr. Luloff to SVMC staff will help relieve the on-call pediatrician shortage that resulted from a staff dispute and the resignation of one of the Center's doctors.  After the resignation, several public meetings were convened to address safety concerns and the Center temporarily decided not to deliver babies on weekends.
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Central Vermont hospital to cut 17 jobs

According to the Burlington Free Press, Central Vermont Medical Center may eliminate up to seventeen administrative and management positions because of an expected $5 million operating loss.  In addition, raises will not be given to staff this year.  Hospital officials explained that the operating loss stems from an unexpected increase in Medicaid patients and a decrease in surgical revenue after three surgeons resigned.
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Moms rally for midwife program

The Burlington Free Press reports that one dozen women gathered at Fletcher Allen Health Care on Friday, September 28th,  to voice their support for the Claire Lintilhac Nurse-midwifery Service.  The Service, which currently employs five nurse-midwives, faces a merger with a four-doctor practice and a staff cut. The restructuring will occur in one month's time and is happening because of a drop in the number of deliveries by the Lintilhac practice.  Notably, negotiations are still underway.
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North Country Hospital is short on primary care physicians

The Caledonian Record reports that people are having difficulty seeing a doctor at North Country Hospital because of a shortage of primary care physicians.  The Hospital hopes to attract five new family practitioners by building a new family care center.  The hospital must also plan for growth in the upcoming years, especially as residents in Orleans county age.
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SWMC budget plan cut by 2.5%

The Bennington Banner reports that Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's rates will increase by 7-percent.  The hospital had requested a 9.5-percent increase from the department of Banking, Insurance, Securities, and Health Care Administration.  The 2.5-percent difference between the request and the approved increase means that the Center will have to reduce expenses by about $1.9 million.  Notably out of fourteen Vermont hospitals, nine had a rate reduction.
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Autism forums begin tonight

The Times Argus reports that Vermont schools and service providers are struggling to support those with autism.   In response, a series of Montpelier forums have been scheduled to address the the evolving needs of autistic people.  The forums are hosted by two state agencies and will emphasize the state's role in supporting autistic school children.
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Costs going up at Vermont hospitals

The Burlington Free Press reports that on Friday, September 14, 2007, the state department of Banking, Insurance, Securities, and Health Care Administration released the new rates for fourteen Vermont hospitals.  Starting October 1, 2007, services at Fletcher Allen Health Care will cost 5.5-percent more.
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Williston School District makes steps toward healtheir lunches

The Burlington Free Press reports that the Williston School District is shifting toward providing healthier foods for students.  The School District is serving fresh vegetables and snacks filled with high energy, such as Trix yogurt. At Williston Central School, extra vegetables from the student garden is available in the weekly salad bar.
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Vermont Children Might Lose Health Benefit

The Burlington Free Press reports that 2,100 Vermont children may lose their subsidized health coverage because of new federal guidelines issued by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  The new federal guidelines apply to programs that provide health coverage to children living in households with an income that is 250% or greater than the federal poverty level.  Currently, Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program provides coverage to middle-income families who make an annual household income that is up to 300% of the federal poverty level.  If Vermont does not meet the federal guidelines within twelve months, then the state will lose about $3.8 million that helps support programs like the Dr. Dynasaur program.
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Wellness Program Helps Town Employees

The Burlington Free Press reports that the Williston Wellness Program encourages fifty full-time town employees to lead healthier lives. The program, which recently won a bronze award from the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, provides monthly workshops on smoking cessation, nutrition, healthy eating, and the benefits of exercise. Program attendees are also rewarded with prizes for exercising and participating at community events.

Updating Immunizations in Vermont

WCAX News reports that for the first time in one decade the Vermont Health Department is proposing to change the immunization requirements for students entering school.  Proposed additions include requiring college students who live in dorm rooms to get vaccinations against meningitis; requiring students in grades 7 to 12 to get a booster shot of a new tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis vaccine; and requiring all students to get a chicken pox vaccine or show proof that they have had the illness.
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North County Hospital Board Explains Its Needs

The Caledonian Record reports that members of the North Country Hospital board of trustees anticipates that the hospital will need ten acres for growth because of Vermont's growing elderly population and health care industry.  As a result, the Board voted to purchase thirty acres of land from the Pine Bluffs Estate development.  If the hospital grows as predicted, hundreds of new jobs may become available.

Needle Exchange Program Going Up

The Caledonian Record reports that enrollment in the St. Johnsbury Vermont Cares needle exchange program is increasing.  There are forty-two clients currently enrolled in the program, including insulin and illicit-drug users.  Notably, all needle-exchange participants are referred to treatment when needles they exchange needles.
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