Northern Counties Health Care, Inc.

08/07/2025

No matter who you are or where you live, Community Health Centers are here to serve, with or without insurance, and regardless of the ability to pay. In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, NCHC provides care to over 20,000 people—more than a third of the region—through 64,000+ visits each year.

Our team based care approach allows us to support our friends and neighbors who might include the following:
The dairy farmer in Derby who needs care before dawn
The single mom in Island Pond juggling work and childcare
The veteran in St. Johnsbury managing chronic pain
The teenager in school who needs a safe space to talk

That’s the power of Community Health Centers—trusted primary care providers serving 32.5 million people across the U.S.

08/06/2025

Community Health Centers are at the heart of preventing and managing chronic disease.

In 2024, Northern Counties reported the following quality measures:
▪️ Patients receiving diabetes care — 86% reached A1c control
▪️ Patients treated for high blood pressure — 80% achieved blood pressure control
▪️ Patients 18 and over — 77% screened for to***co use and received cessation counseling

How do we do it?
➡️ Integrated behavioral health and peer support
➡️ Chronic care teams, diabetes educators & community health workers
➡️ Local community health initiatives including self-management programs, walking groups and our Teaching Kitchen program

That’s prevention in action. That’s the power of Community Health Centers.

08/05/2025

Food access resources for the summer months!

08/05/2025

At Community Health Centers, patients aren’t just receiving care, they’re helping lead it.

Every CHC board is made up of at least 51% patients, meaning major decisions about services, priorities, and programs are made by the people who rely on them most.
This unique model keeps health centers grounded in the real needs of their communities — and it works.

On Patient Appreciation Day, we celebrate the voices, experiences, and leadership of the patients who power our mission. We’re pleased to announce the addition of the following individuals to our Board: Buffie Hegarty, Rita Laferriere, Otto Wurzburg, Stacey Henderson and Shari-Lee Ryan.

08/04/2025

Community Health Centers couldn’t do this work without the talented and dedicated people who make it all happen.

“As President of the NCHC Board of Directors, I am continually impressed and moved to hear stories of the lengths our staff goes in service to our patients, community, and the organization. On behalf of the Board, I want to acknowledge how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated staff.” — Louisa Driscoll, President, NCHC Board of Directors

To the more than 300 employees that make up Northern Counties Health Care, we couldn't do it without you! Whether you’re providing care, managing schedules, keeping buildings running, or supporting patients in a hundred other ways, you are the heart of the health center mission.

08/04/2025

08/03/2025

National Health Center Week 2025 marks 60 years of community health centers (FQHCs) delivering accessible, high-quality care to communities across the country.

Here in Vermont, Northern Counties Health Centers Board of Directors was formed in 1976 and established Northern Counties as the first federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Vermont. 49 years later, we remain committed to serving the rural communities within the Northeast Kingdom through our network of seven community health centers – including two walk-in primary care locations, three dental practices, and a certified home health care and hospice division. During National Health Center Week, we’re celebrating the incredible impact community health centers have in the communities they serve.

Watch this brief story to learn more about the history of community health centers.

08/01/2025

Northern Counties Health Care is proud to announce Rylee Strohm as the 2025 recipient of the Future Health Care Leaders Scholarship!

A graduating senior from St. Johnsbury Academy, Rylee stood out for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to community. She’ll attend Western Kentucky University this fall to pursue nursing—a path inspired by her own challenges and her desire to help others.

This inaugural $1,000 scholarship is awarded in memory of Kim Wood, PTA, a beloved NCHC team member whose legacy of care continues to inspire. As Director Treny Burgess shared, “When I read Rylee’s application, I was reminded so much of Kim—the compassion, the leadership, and the quiet determination to make a difference.”

We’re honored to support Rylee as she begins her journey in health care. 💙

Read the full announcement: https://www.nchcvt.org/2025-future-health-care-leader-scholarship/

07/30/2025

The Northern Counties Board of Directors regularly recognizes those who show outstanding dedication to our organization and communities. This month, our Board of Directors is proud to recognize Amanda McFarland for her outstanding service and leadership.

In addition to her role as a dedicated medical social worker, Amanda has taken the lead of our Hospice Volunteer Program—bringing compassion, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving to every interaction with patients and families.

Most recently, Amanda went above and beyond to help arrange a private charter flight so a hospice patient’s loved one could access necessary medical care. Her unwavering commitment ensures each person’s needs are met with dignity and care.

Thank you, Amanda, for the incredible impact you make each day and for the heart you bring to our mission.

07/28/2025

Over the past month, we fired up the grills at each of our sites to celebrate our amazing teams!

These staff barbecues (and breakfasts!) were a chance to step away from our daily routines, share a meal, and recognize the hard work and commitment that drive our mission forward.

Thank you for all you do—you make this a fantastic place to work, and we’re lucky to have you!

07/26/2025

Our team had a blast connecting with neighbors, sharing resources, and soaking up the summer fun at St. Johnsbury’s Final Fridays event last evening.

From live music and delicious food vendors to great conversations and community spirit— events such as Final Fridays are what makes our region so special.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that comes together to celebrate, support, and inspire.