Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

10/23/2025

Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 25. A great time to clean out your cabinets of expired or unused medications.

SVMC has a secure drop box in our main lobby. You can also scan the QR code for other locations in the area.

National DEA Takeback day is this Saturday, October 25th. Bring in your unused or expired medication to the Bennington Police Department for proper disposal.

10/22/2025

SVMC and the SVHC Foundation made a special delivery to the Bennington Police Department this week, as a small token of thanks for the department’s partnership and support.

SVMC is fortunate to work closely with the local police, whether it’s training drills, promoting campus safety initiatives, and even getting their help at our recent Summer Gala fundraising event, hosted on the SVMC campus.

Thank you, Bennington P.D., for all you do for SVMC and our community!

10/22/2025

Join us Thursday, Oct. 23 for this free community event at Milne Public Library Williamstown. Hear from Polly MacPherson, retired patient navigator and cancer survivor/thriver, Susan Stephenson, Clinical Research RN and Rebecca Hewson-Steller, Oncology Nurse Navigator.

This is for anyone diagnosed with cancer or any loved one caring for someone with cancer.

10/17/2025

Preparing for your first screening mammogram, like any medical appointment, can be intimidating, according to Melissa Spiezio, breast health navigator at SVMC’s Breast Health & Imaging Center.

Melissa walks us through a few ways you can prepare, prior to your appointment, and explains what to expect during and after your first screening mammogram.

Get the details here: https://svmc.org/news-events/article/mammograms-101-first-timers-guide-what-expect

Not sure if you're due for a screening? Speak with your primary care provider (P*P) or OB-GYN office. The article also highlights resources available to VT residents.

SVMC's breast health navigator explains what you can expect and how to prepare

10/15/2025

A cancer diagnosis changes everything, but you don’t have to face it alone. 💛

Join us for an informative and supportive presentation on how to navigate a cancer diagnosis, build your care and support teams, access clinical trials, and connect with local and regional resources available to patients and caregivers.

This program is open to anyone living with cancer or caring for someone who is.

📅 Thursday, October 16, 5:30 pm
📍 Manchester Community Library

Come learn, share, and find strength in community.

10/10/2025

Happy Emergency Nurses Week to SVMC’s exceptional team!

Emergency Nurses Week is an annual event established by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) to recognize and honor the dedication, skill, and bravery of emergency room nurses. This week highlights the critical role that emergency nurses play in healthcare, especially as they are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing trauma or critical conditions.

Pictured is our Kendall Emergency Department Nursing team in summer 2024, after earning national recognition for excellence with the ENA Lantern Award. This team supports roughly 25,000 patients a year. Thank you for all you do!

10/10/2025

Shoutout to our amazing Julie Case, who was featured by WNYT NewsChannel 13 this week.

Julie works in SVMC's Finance Department and has been undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer at the Dartmouth Cancer Center Bennington. After her diagnosis, Julie found a love for skydiving and has since completed over 50 jumps.

All of us at SVMC experience Julie's awesome attitude and kindness on a daily basis. We're excited that others can find inspiration from her story and her fearlessness in the sky!

Watch Julie's story here: https://bit.ly/4h4Dgec

Dartmouth Cancer Center

A woman from Hoosick Falls, battling cancer, is finding catharsis in the clouds. She started going skydiving, and found her stress level has dropped dramatically as she continues treatments for the disease. NewsChannel 13 was there for her 50th dive at Skydive Saratoga in Gansevoort.Julie Case and h...

10/08/2025

A free community event in Manchester, Oct. 16: Navigating Your Cancer Journey

Join SVMC at the Manchester Community Library next Thursday for a discussion on how to navigate a cancer diagnosis, pull together your support teams, access clinical trials and find available resources.

Learn more: https://events.dartmouth-health.org/event/navigating-your-cancer-journey/

Please share with anyone who may benefit, whether they have been diagnosed with cancer or are caring for someone who has been diagnosed.

Event: Navigating your cancer journey, October 16, 2025 at 5:30 pm

10/08/2025

A Reminder to Patients: Stay Cyber Safe!

SVMC patients are reporting more frequent and more sophisticated phishing texts and emails, that claim to be from our medical practices or hospital. SVMC's Information Services team has a few tips on how to stay safe and aware of these scams.

Keep in mind:
▶️ If it feels off, it probably is
▶️ Don’t click suspicious links
▶️ Don’t share personal info
▶️ Always verify with your provider directly

Quick Tip: If you opted in to receive text messages or emails from your SVMC medical practice, you may be receiving legitimate follow-up messages and reminders. If you’re ever unsure, contact the practice directly.
Better to be safe than sorry! Remember: Hospitals won’t ask for sensitive info via unsecured text or email.

Stay cyber smart. Protect your health and your data.

Read more tips from our team at the link: https://svmc.org/news-events/article/public-advisory-patients-cybersecurity-awareness

SVMC patients are reporting more frequent and more sophisticated phishing texts and emails

10/07/2025

It’s October and that means Breast Cancer Awareness is top of mind for many, including us at SVMC.

We recently received this great feedback (pictured) from a patient who received her first mammogram at our Breast Health & Imaging Center. Our team strives to provide a caring and comfortable environment for all patients.

Are you due for your mammogram? Women with an average risk of breast cancer should start screening at age 40 (looking at you, 1985 babies!) but those with family history may start earlier. Talk to your primary care provider about your risk. Vermont residents can also qualify for free screening services through the You First state program.

Pictured: A testimonial from a patient who received care from SVMC’s Breast Health & Imaging Center. She wrote: “The technologist was fantastic. This was my first mammogram, so I didn't know what to expect. She explained everything to me, answered my questions and even made me laugh.”

SVMC is sharing direct patient feedback every Tuesday. SVMC and its practice sites always strive to enhance the experience of our patients and families. If you need to discuss your patient experience, contact SVMC's patient advocate. That contact information can be found here: https://svmc.org/about/contact

#