Golisano Children's Hospital at UVM Health

04/12/2026

Thank you, Dr. First!

A gifted teacher, compassionate physician, influential academic and tireless advocate, Dr. Lewis First has shaped generations of pediatricians and strengthened care for countless families – here and across the nation.

On Friday night, there were tears, laughter, stories, songs and puns as hundreds of colleagues, current and former students, friends and family gathered to celebrate Dr. First and wish him well in retirement.

After more than 30 years, Dr. First will retire as of July 1 from the roles of Chief of Pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital at University of Vermont Health, and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and UVM Health.

“I’m proudest of the fact that, for 32 years, it’s been you who makes this place so special,” Dr. First told the crowd. “And it will continue to be, because of you.”


The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont

04/01/2026

Pinwheels, spinning with purpose.

Today, we planted a Pinwheel Garden outside UVM Medical Center to mark the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month – a symbol of hope, playfulness and the happy, safe childhood every kid deserves.

As Dr. James Metz from the Child Safe Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital shared:
“Unfortunately, child abuse is something we deal with day in and day out – here in the hospital and in the community. The pinwheels represent an opportunity for all of us to get involved.”

This month’s message is clear: Protecting kids is everyone’s job. Help prevent child abuse by learning the signs, speaking up and supporting families and children.

Thank you to our health care workers, public health and safety partners, community advocates and everyone across Vermont and northern New York who plays a role in keeping kids safe.

UVM Health - UVM Medical Center
The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont

03/31/2026

As we wrap up Social Work Month, we’re proud to join communities across Vermont in recognizing the essential work of social workers. We are grateful for the critical role social workers play in advocating for patients, supporting families, and strengthening our communities. Thank you for all that you do!

03/30/2026

Is there a doctor who made a difference for you or someone you love?

💬 Share a message of thanks in the comments.

Today, we’re celebrating our physicians. Their work shows up in big moments and small ones - through expertise, compassion and simply being there when it matters most.

Thank you to our doctors for the difference you make in the lives of patients and the communities we serve.

The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont

03/27/2026

The Northern New England Poison Center, in partnership with the Vermont Language Justice Project, has created short, easy‑to‑understand videos in 13 languages to help people know when and how to contact the Poison Center.

These resources are designed to support New Americans and multilingual community members by improving access to timely, trusted poison information.

✅ Watch the videos here: Poison Prevention in Other Languages | Northern New England Poison Center

03/18/2026

Sharing warmth and kindness!

Inspired by her own 100-day stay in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as an infant, Genevieve Handy and three fellow students from Rice Memorial High School’s Female Athletic Leadership Club created blankets for infants who are “graduating” from the NICU.

It’s a gesture filled with warmth and hope for families who are beginning their own journeys home.

🫶 Thank you, Genevieve, for bringing compassion full circle — from one NICU graduate to the next.

03/13/2026

The Big Change Roundup for Kids is underway!

Your support helps ensure that children throughout our region have access to high quality, child-friendly, family centered care at Golisano Children’s Hospital at UVM Health.

Thank you to Maplefields for being incredible partners in this effort every year — and for rounding up at the pump and inside their stores.

Look for our video message the next time you fuel up!

03/02/2026

🌈 March is Child Life Month! 🌈

Medical care can feel overwhelming for kids, but our Child Life specialists work every day to make hospital experiences less scary and more supportive.

They are advocates for children and families, helping young patients understand their care in age-appropriate ways, build coping strategies and find moments of comfort.

🎉 This month, and every month, we celebrate our skilled, dedicated and compassionate Child Life specialists. Thank you for all you do to help children and families feel safe, empowered and understood.

02/16/2026

“Few moments are as joyful — or as nerve-wracking — as holding your newborn baby and realizing you’re expected to know how to feed this tiny human,” says board certified lactation consultant, Courtney Walker-Borch. "We’re here to help calm some of that anxiety and build healthy feeding habits from the get-go,”

Walker-Borch and her colleague, Gabriella Bernier, are part of the 15-strong team that provides around-the-clock lactation support for families at UVM Medical Center – assessing their child’s feeding needs and supporting the family’s overall health.

Some are first-time parents; others are welcoming another child to their growing family. Regardless of their prior experiences, most encounter challenges feeding their newborn for the first time.

“You’re tired…your baby is hungry and having trouble latching - it can be a lot,” says Bernier. “All of these things are so normal, and often times people just need a little reassurance and the right tools to help them find their healthy feeding rhythm.”

Learn more via the link in the comments!

02/11/2026

01/29/2026

“Recent national events have caused fear, anger and uncertainty for many in our community. Our commitment to being a safe, welcoming place is unwavering. Please know that we will continue to prioritize and uphold the rights and well‑being of all who seek care here and work here.”

Stephen Leffler, MD
UVM Health CEO