Vermont Public Health Association

12/12/2025

There is still time to add your voice to the chorus of Americans asking for an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.

Use this link from the American Public Health Association to send a note to your legislators. The form comes pre-populated with talking points, but can also be customized to reflect your unique experience.

https://www.votervoice.net/PublicHealth/Campaigns/132062/Respond

12/11/2025

With access to care being a question for so many rural communities, VTDigger exploration of the potential closure of pediatric beds at Rutland Regional Medical Center is much appreciated.

A particularly important point is made in this article by Green Mountain Care Board's Chair, Owen Foster. "...hospitals are beginning an “unintentional transformation,” cutting services before the state has a chance to intervene and direct those decisions to maintain access."

The Green Mountain Care Board is weighing whether to prevent the service reduction, in a first-ever instance of its new authority.

12/10/2025

Upcoming discussion on rent control and health.

Half of all renters face unaffordable rents, driving displacement and health effects like hypertension, poor birth outcomes, depression and even higher risk of death. Across the country, tenants are organizing for rent control — a proven solution that strengthens hope, builds community and improves health.

Join our partners at the American Public Health Association on Monday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET for the release of "The Health Benefits of Rent Control," a new paper co-authored by leading public health organizations. Learn more about this new resource and participate in a strategy conversation on how to plug into the growing health movement for rent control.

Register for the webinar here:

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The Health Movement for Rent Control . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

12/10/2025

As Vermont begins to ramp up for the start of the 2026 legislative session, I am reminded of a fantastic research project VtPHA undertook with Elham Malik and Emily Levonas from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth's Masters in Public Health program.

As the state wrestles with major challenges regarding access to, and affordability of, care - a situation made worse by hospital closures and increasing system costs - how could an investment in public health programs help meet Vermonters where they live with more cost-efficient and effective services?

Other states have asked this question, and two in particular utilized Public Health Commissions to find answers.

If you're interested to learn more about what a Public Health Commission is or can be - check out our blog that details the findings of this collaborative research project.

Could Vermont benefit from a similar commission?

https://vtpha.org/june-lunch-learn-recap-strengthening-public-health-systems-learning-from-state-commission-models-and-their-impact/

12/09/2025

Advocacy Partner Spotlight: (DPH)

Defend Public Health is a new and growing national voice for public health advocacy with a founding board member, Jonathan Shaffer, Ph.D., based right here in Vermont.

DPH’s Mission: Defend Public Health is an all-volunteer network of public health researchers, healthcare workers, advocates and allies fighting to protect the health of all from the Trump administration’s cruel attacks on proven, science-based public health policies. We believe that everyone has the right to what they need for a healthy life, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.

Join DPH’s VT email list here!
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-up-defend-public-health-vermont/

12/08/2025

VtPHA is an active member in APHA’s state-affiliate network. Though the state contexts in which affiliates work can be starkly different, our goals are the same, and we are always on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate.

Enter our friends at the (MPHA). Earlier this fall, MPHA created the Healthy States Collaborative. As a member of this collaborative, VtPHA is in active coordination with 15 other states to bring strategic and directed power to bear on specific congressional delegations to impact federal policy decisions. Learn more about the Collaborative here:
https://www.mainepublichealth.org/news/introducing-the-healthy-states-collaborative

The Collaborative In Action
During a recent Collaborative coordinating call, one topic discussed was a new threat to federal student loans for advanced degree programs in nursing and public health. More background on this issue can be found on the websites of the of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and the (AACN).

VtPHA will let members know when the public comment period opens for this incredibly ill-conceived proposal.

12/05/2025

VtPHA was recently awarded a grant by the Department of Health to stand up a statewide Coalition.

This Coalition will include representatives from every link in the vaccine chain – from the organizations making and distributing vaccines to the clinicians and pharmacists administering shots and everyone in-between.

In an era of incredible backsliding on vaccination policies and public perception, the Coalition’s goal is to support public health by fostering informed decision-making, combating misinformation, and advocating for the accessibility and efficacy of immunizations.

If your organization plays a role in vaccine education or administration and would like to learn more about the Coalition, please reach out in the comments or message us.

12/04/2025

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting today and tomorrow. Under the current leadership of RFK Jr., what has historically been the most trusted resource for vaccine protocol guidance is now anything but.

Importantly - the committee is poised to vote on the universal birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Tomorrow, the entire schedule of childhood vaccines will be discussed, but no vote will be taken.

Given the complexity of this topic, one of our go-to resources for all things vaccine-related is Your Local Epidemiologist. Here is their take on what to expect this week...
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/what-to-expect-from-this-weeks-us

12/04/2025

Interested in Vermont-focused development? VtPHA’s Policy Committee is looking for volunteers.

Our Policy Committee is comprised of VtPHA members that work with the Board and Executive Director to create Policy Briefs that support our annual policy priorities.

If you're interested in learning more, let us know in the comments or send us a direct message.

12/04/2025

If you have not been following the newly proposed federal loan caps on public health and advanced degrees - please watch this video from the PBS Newshour. It provides a concise overview of what is being proposed - and what is at risk.

New limits on federal student loans could reshape how the U.S. trains nurses and doctors. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, medical students would be cap...

12/03/2025

In 2025, the Vermont Department of Health released its 2025-2030 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). A direct response to findings from the 2024 State Health Assessment, the SHIP is a five-year roadmap for ensuring that all people and communities in Vermont have inclusive, equitable, and sustainable access to opportunities for health and well-being.

Join VtPHA’s January Lunch and Learn to discuss the quantitative and qualitative data that led to the development of the Plan, how the state is implementing the Plan, and how you can use it to guide and support your work.

Date: January 14th, 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Virtual

Thanks in advance to our presenters: Katie Stetler (Vermont Department of Health), Amanda Froeschle (UVM Health - Porter Medical Center) and Amanda Jordan Smith (Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center).

Speakers bios and a link to registration can be found here:

In 2025, the Vermont Department of Health released its 2025-2030 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). A direct response to findings from the 2024 State Health Assessment, the SHIP is a five-year roadmap for ensuring that all people and communities in Vermont have inclusive, equitable, and sustainab...

11/30/2025

Today's the Day! Sunday is your last day to get a 33% discount on a Vermont Public Health Association (VtPHA) membership.

VtPHA has been thanking all of our dedicated Public Health champions with a special offer this Thanksgiving Week.

🙏 🙏 Now through the end-of-day Sunday, November 30, VtPHA is offering a 33% discount on all of our membership levels. At checkout – use Coupon Code 🙏 🙏

This discount means that a General Membership will cost just $32.34; a Retiree Membership $16.50, and a Student Membership only $9.90. This discount also applies to our Young Professional, 3-year, and Lifetime Memberships.

The past year has been a trying one for public health champions. We hope you have found some enjoyment on this week of Thanks Giving, and please come join us at the Vermont Public Health Association. We are stronger together.

Join VtPHA Now: https://vtpha.app.neoncrm.com/forms/membership