NVRH

11/14/2025

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month! Whether you're wondering how to prevent Type 2 diabetes or finding ways to manage your diabetes to prevent complications, talk to your health care provider or visit https://www.myhealthyvt.org/workshop to find online workshops that can help.

Did you know NVRH has two certified diabetes care and education specialists who can help you improve your blood sugar levels, make healthy food choices, and manage other chronic conditions with diet. Ask your health care provider for a referral and start making a difference with your diet.

11/13/2025

NVRH was so pleased to get a friendly letter from Lowell Joerg of Stockton, California along with a century-old postcard showing the old St. Johnsbury Hospital on Prospect St.! The postcard was written in French by a woman traveling through St. Johnsbury on her way to Arthabaska, Quebec. Lowell, 97, makes a hobby of collecting antique postcards and then mailing them back to their place of origin. "I hope it brightens your day," he says in his letter--and it did! NVRH CEO Shawn Tester sent Lowell a thank you and some fun souvenirs. https://news.usps.com/2024/01/26/this-california-retiree-collects-and-returns-old-postcards/

11/12/2025

Northern Express Care has a new page! Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582331173430 for information on hours, changes in schedule, and more!

11/11/2025

Veteran's Day brought the first real snow of the year here in St. Johnsbury--started early this morning and it's still coming down. Drive safe, everyone!

11/11/2025

Honoring and thanking our veterans, today and every day.

11/10/2025

IMPORTANT MEDICARE UPDATE! If you or someone you care about has a Medicare Managed Care Plan (like BCBS Medicare Advantage), your plan will end after December 31, 2025. To avoid penalties or delays in your prescriptions and care, you must enroll in Medicare Part D by December 7, 2025.
To enroll:

✅ Have your list of prescriptions ready
✅ Call 1-800-MEDICARE (available 24/7 - best to call outside business hours) OR go online: https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment
✅ Once you have a Part D plan, reach out to Community Connections at NVRH to learn if you qualify for programs like VPHARM to save on medication costs.

⏰ Don't wait - make your Medicare plan changes before December 7th!

11/07/2025

NVRH is seeking a board-certified/board-eligible Neurologist to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for both experienced neurologists and new graduates to establish a rewarding practice in the beautiful rural setting of Vermont.

You’ll be working in a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with a dedicated staff and personalized patient care. And you’ll enjoy an outpatient schedule with no call, allowing you to maintain a remarkable work-life balance. As a not-for-profit, independent hospital, we’re committed to delivering comprehensive primary and preventive care, as well as surgical and specialty services, inpatient and outpatient care, and 24-hour emergency services staffed by board-certified physicians.

In addition to a competitive salary, NVRH offers a comprehensive compensation package designed to support your professional and personal growth. Come be part of our NVRH team and contribute to patient-centered health in Vermont's beautiful Northeast Kingdom! To learn more, visit nvrh.org and click on Careers.

11/07/2025

We're very excited about this educational collaboration with the Lyndon Institute, helping students gain hands-on experience and understanding of the health care field.

Lyndon Institute is proud to grow our partnership with Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital to expand opportunities in health care education for students. Britta Hensel, RN, who leads the LNA program at LI, now serves as NVRH’s Director of Nursing Education, helping strengthen the connection between classroom learning and clinical experience. Together, LI and NVRH are building pathways for students to gain real-world skills, professional confidence, and a deeper understanding of the health care field.

11/06/2025

NVRH has received a $5,000 grant from The Vermont Community Foundation to support its 2026 Health Care Share Program—a partnership with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC).

Through this initiative, NVRH staff identify patients experiencing food insecurity and diet-related illness to receive a weekly share of fresh produce, along with recipes, cooking tutorials, and healthy eating tips. The food is grown by The Farm at VYCC by youth crew members who gain valuable work experience, job skills, and education in agriculture and nutrition.

Families participating in the program consistently report eating more fruits and vegetables, feeling more confident preparing nutritious meals, and rediscovering the joy of cooking. Many describe the program as “life-changing” and “a blessing.”

The grant from Northeast Kingdom Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation will help offset program cost increases and ensure the continued success of this important community health initiative.🩵

📷 :

11/06/2025

NVRH has received a $5,000 grant from The Vermont Community Foundation to support its 2026 Health Care Share Program—a partnership with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC).

Through this initiative, NVRH staff identify patients experiencing food insecurity or diet-related illness to receive a weekly share of fresh produce, along with recipes, cooking tutorials, and healthy eating tips. The food is grown by The Farm at VYCC by youth crew members who gain valuable work experience, job skills, and education in agriculture and nutrition.

Families participating in the program consistently report eating more fruits and vegetables, feeling more confident preparing nutritious meals, and rediscovering the joy of cooking. Many describe the program as “life-changing” and “a blessing.”

The grant from VCF’s Northeast Kingdom Fund will help offset program cost increases and ensure the continued success of this important community health initiative.🩵

📷 :

11/06/2025

We were greatful to present a certificate of appreciation today to NEK Proper’s Mentally Healthy Collaborative Action Network in recognition of their continuous support and sponsorships of the Newport and St Johnsbury Out of the Darkness Walks. Their grassroot efforts and support to break down stigma around mental health in our communities is a vital part of the wellbeing for all those who live work and play in the Northeast Kingdom. AFSP VT is proud to recognize the vital role they hold in supporting all!

Check out what they do at https://nekprosper.org/outcomes/mentally-healthy/how-are-you-today/

11/06/2025

Hugh Cofrancesco started visiting the NVRH Palliative Care Clinic after being diagnosed with a serious illness. At first he wasn’t happy to be going, but regular meetings with Nurse Practitioner Kelly Lemieux and Laura Mason, RN changed everything.

“Kelly is the most honest and compassionate person to ever help me,” he says. “She really listens. She got me to realize that I can still do things to make life happier. And Laura is an awesome person—so friendly and kind. I try to schedule my appointments when she’s there!”

Before going to Palliative Care, Hugh was afraid to leave his home. Now he has his own car and loves to help his wife with errands and groceries. Last year he even went to Florida to spend Thanksgiving with his daughter and family. And, after 50 years of smoking, Kelly finally helped him quit.

“I really thought my life was over,” Hugh says. “And now I know I can still have a great life for whatever time I have left.”

November is Palliative Care and Hospice Month—if you or someone you love has questions about managing a life-limiting illness, call the NVRH Palliative Care Clinic today at 802-748-7390 and learn how we can help.