AGP Executive Report

Heating Aid: Vermont’s rising fuel costs are adding pressure as winter approaches. Northeast Kingdom Community Action is fielding more than 20 calls a day for help, including from moderate-income households; Gov. Phil Scott says he’ll meet with lawmakers about boosting assistance. Rural Care: A Vermont lawmaker is urging the state to keep its $195 million first-year rural health grant, arguing the funds are vital as rural hospitals face rising costs and Medicaid cuts. Hospital Workforce: University of Vermont Medical Center support staff and technicians have reached a tentative contract agreement after authorizing a strike. Critical Care Research: UVM won up to $38 million to develop digital twins for ICU treatment, a project aimed at advancing personalized care. Vaccines: Vermont joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the removal of seven vaccines from federal universal childhood recommendations.

Blood Supply: The Red Cross is urging Vermonters to donate blood or platelets this fall, saying steady supplies help hospitals meet patient needs and respond to emergencies. Rural Care: A Vermont lawmaker is opposing calls to return the state’s $195 million rural health transformation award, arguing the funds are critical as hospitals face rising costs and Medicaid cuts. Cancer Research: UVM’s investigator-led trial has enrolled its first patient to test a targeted chemotherapy approach before surgery for borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. Hospital Workforce: UVM Medical Center unions representing support staff and technicians reached a tentative contract agreement after authorizing a strike. Heating Assistance: With fuel prices rising, Gov. Phil Scott plans to seek $6 million more for low-income heating aid, warning current assistance may not meet Vermonters’ needs this winter. Overdose Prevention: Burlington’s planned overdose-prevention center still faces hurdles, including finding a site and establishing zoning rules.

Hospital Leadership & Workforce: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital named David Sanville interim CEO, tapping a longtime hospital finance leader after a reported deficit and executive departures. Labor & Care Access: UVM Medical Center support staff and technical unions reached tentative two-year contract deals, averting a potential strike as members vote on ratification. Clinical Innovation: UVM won up to $38M to develop digital twins for ICU treatment, aiming to model individualized responses using immune and medical data. Public Health Guidance: Vermont health officials released updated seasonal flu and COVID vaccine recommendations, with RSV guidance for infants and older adults. Community Health & Housing: Groundworks opened Hope’s House, a 40-bed substance-free shelter with no set end date, pairing residents with case managers. Food Security: Community Harvest of Central Vermont highlighted gleaning efforts that turn farm surplus into nutritious food for people facing food insecurity. Local Health Services: CCV plans a statewide LNA Training Hub to strengthen Vermont’s nursing assistant pipeline, funded by a $790,000 grant. Vet & Safety Note: Vermont State Police updated a fatal Route 9 crash outcome, with the operator dying from injuries at Dartmouth Hitchcock.

UVM ICU research: UVM won up to $38 million from ARPA-H to build “digital twins” that could help clinicians test ICU treatments tailored to a patient’s immune and brain activity. Hospital labor: UVM Medical Center support staff and technical-professional unions reached tentative two-year contract deals, with ratification votes starting Wednesday and a strike now less likely. Workforce pipeline: CCV President Joyce Judy says enrollment is up 6% and a new statewide LNA Training Hub is planned, funded by a $790,000 grant to strengthen Vermont’s nursing assistant pipeline. Public health access: A Vermont-focused piece highlights how mental health care access varies widely, with cost and not knowing where to start keeping many people from getting help. COVID monitoring: Vermont reports COVID hospitalizations remain scarce, with rare outbreaks still showing up in long-term care. Broadband help: Vermont launched VT Speed Check, letting residents test internet speeds and see anonymous results on a map. Drug pricing accountability: A multistate coalition, including Vermont’s AG, sought court approval for a $400 million settlement tied to generic drug price-fixing allegations. Food security: Community Harvest of Central Vermont is turning farm surplus into food for people facing hunger through gleaning.

Vaccine Access Fight: New York and Vermont have joined a 16-state lawsuit asking a federal judge to reverse HHS’s January move that removed seven vaccines from universal childhood recommendations, shifting them to shared clinical decision-making—an outcome that could affect what insurers cover and what pediatric offices treat as routine. Local Care & Community Support: Vermont health leaders at a VAHHS meeting helped stock a North Country Career Center personal care closet and community fridge for students. Hospital Tech Upgrade: Rutland Regional Medical Center will host a public Oct. 10 event to debut its new da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system. Home Healthcare Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Adult Home Healthcare amid Medicare reimbursement cuts. Mental Health & Recovery Trends: Floatation therapy is now available to UVM student-athletes through a new partnership with Float Away Wellness Spa. Health Policy Pulse: A KFF poll finds most Americans support “Medicare for all” and broader healthcare redesign ahead of midterms. Food Safety Reminder: Stewart’s Shops recalled two ice cream flavors sold in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire after a metal object was found; no illnesses reported. Older-Adult Care Research: Dartmouth Health in New Hampshire will lead a major $44M trial on how older patients with serious illness make care decisions, with a rural focus. Universal Health Coverage Debate: A separate Reuters report highlights growing public support for government-paid health insurance.

Vermont Health & Care Partnerships: Float Away Wellness Spa says it’s now partnering with UVM Athletics to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy for student-athletes, aiming to support recovery and mental focus. Rural Access & Home Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support its Adult Home Healthcare program, which serves more than 1,700 people annually—at a time when Medicare reimbursement cuts are squeezing home health budgets. Hospital Tech Upgrade: Rutland Regional Medical Center will host a public demo of the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system on Oct. 10, highlighting claims of faster recovery and smaller incisions. Community Health Support: At VAHHS’s annual meeting, Vermont hospital leaders helped stock North Country Career Center’s personal care closet and community fridge with hygiene and food items for students. Food Safety: Stewart’s Shops recalled two half-gallon ice cream flavors sold in Vermont (and NY/NH) after a customer found metal in a carton; no illnesses reported. Mental Health Rights Debate: A national group is using Mental Health Awareness Week to argue that forced detention and treatment should be dismantled, urging people to sign a psychiatric living will. PFAS Research in Vermont: A nearly $8 million NSF-funded, four-year project will study how PFAS move through Vermont’s water, wildlife, and food supply, involving Middlebury, Bennington, Landmark, and UVM. Sleep Myth Check: Doctors say “sleep before midnight is better” is a misconception—what matters is your sleep cycle and consistent bedtime.

PFAS Research: Vermont colleges are teaming up on a nearly $8M, four-year NSF-funded project to study how “forever chemicals” move through the state’s water, wildlife, and food supply—Bennington, Middlebury, Landmark, and UVM are all involved. Medicare Costs & Coverage: The Trump administration says it will send $90 premium rebate payments to more than 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B, with details on who qualifies and who doesn’t. Medicare Advantage Debate: A new report highlights that Medicare Advantage enrollment is poised to rise as premiums fall, while critics warn coverage limits and overpayment concerns. Caregiving & Dementia: A New Hampshire caregiver story underscores how families shoulder dementia care, often without support, as more Vermonters face aging-related health needs. Home Heating Pressure: Heating oil prices are expected to jump about 50% this winter, adding roughly $900 to average household bills—an affordability hit with clear health and safety stakes. Community Health Support: Vermont health leaders and partners backed a North Country Career Center “personal care closet” and community fridge project through VAHHS. Sports Recovery Innovation: Float Away Wellness Spa partnered with UVM Athletics to bring floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to student-athletes for recovery and mental performance. Election & Health Policy: Vermont and North Country voters are focusing on affordability, housing, health care, taxes, and energy costs ahead of November.

Medicare Costs & Elections: The Trump administration says it will send one-time $90 premium rebate payments to more than 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B in October, funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund, with eligibility exclusions including many Medicaid-paid premiums. Medicare Advantage Watch: Open enrollment begins Oct. 15, as Medicare Advantage enrollment is poised to rise with projected 16% premium declines—while critics warn about tighter coverage and taxpayer overpayments. Vermont Care Access & Workforce: Community College of Vermont received a $790,000 grant to expand a statewide licensed nursing assistant training hub, aiming to close workforce gaps alongside UVM Health and Dartmouth Health. Home Health Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice got a $7,200 grant to support adult home healthcare for more than 1,700 Central Vermonters annually, amid ongoing Medicare reimbursement pressure. Pediatric Sleep Disparities: A landmark Medicaid study finds children’s sleep testing access varies dramatically by location and neighborhood demographics, with some states seeing rates up to four times higher. Data Privacy: Hawaiʻi settled a multistate Labcorp-related data breach case tied to a debt-collection vendor, reinforcing that HIPAA-covered organizations can’t “pass the buck” on security. Wellness in Vermont: Float Away Wellness Spa announced a partnership with UVM Athletics to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy for student-athletes’ recovery and mental performance.

UVM Athletics Partnership: Float Away Wellness Spa says it’s now offering floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to University of Vermont student-athletes, marking the first time float therapy has been available to UVM players. Workforce & Training: Community College of Vermont won a $790,000 grant to launch a statewide Licensed Nursing Assistant Training Hub, aiming to expand access to LNA education and strengthen the healthcare pipeline. Home Health Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support its Adult Home Healthcare program for more than 1,700 Central Vermonters annually. Care Access in the Community: Vermont hospital leaders partnered with North Country Career Center for a personal care closet and community fridge project at VAHHS’s annual meeting. Medicaid & Coverage Costs: A new analysis finds ACA marketplace plan selections fell 4.9% in 2026 while premiums rose 19.7%, signaling tougher choices for Vermonters shopping for coverage. Voting Access for Long-Term Care: Vermont officials and advocates are pushing guidance to improve voting assistance in nursing homes, following federal reminders to avoid coercion while preserving residents’ rights. Public Health Research: A national Medicaid study reports pediatric sleep testing access varies dramatically by location, with some children up to four times more likely to get testing than others.

Workforce & training: Community College of Vermont won a $790,000 grant to launch a statewide Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Training Hub, partnering with UVM Health and Dartmouth Health to close gaps and expand instructor and trainee opportunities. Home health access: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support its Adult Home Healthcare program for more than 1,700 Central Vermonters, amid ongoing Medicare reimbursement pressure. Community health support: Vermont health leaders at VAHHS’s annual meeting helped stock North Country Career Center’s personal care closet and community fridge with students’ needs like hygiene items and food during breaks. Wellness partnerships: Float Away Wellness Spa announced a partnership with UVM Athletics to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy for student-athletes’ recovery and mental performance routines. Care affordability & coverage: A new look at ACA Marketplace enrollment shows plan selections down 4.9% nationwide and premiums up 19.7% for 2026, with more shoppers gravitating to cheaper tiers. Public health policy debate: An opinion piece argues the U.S. should support preparedness for future pandemics, criticizing the federal stance on the UN Declaration on Preparing for Future Pandemics. Local access & safety: A car fire closed Berlin’s Hospital Hill Road (Berlin State Highway) Saturday morning, with detours routed to reach Central Vermont Medical Center.

Hospital & Care Access: UVMMC support staff and technical professionals authorized a strike after contract talks stalled, citing staffing levels and “safe staffing” protections as key demands. Public Health & Safety: Berlin’s Hospital Hill Road (Berlin State Highway) closed due to a car fire, with detours to reach Central Vermont Medical Center. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: A safer, structurally updated Quechee Gorge Bridge is reopening after major construction, aiming to reduce the long-running tragedy of suicides at the canyon. Health Tech & Research: UVM is advancing AI “digital twins” for critically ill patients, with major funding to build tools that could help clinicians choose better ICU care. Wellness Partnerships: Float Away Wellness Spa partnered with UVM Athletics to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy for student-athlete recovery and mental focus. Community Health Support: VAHHS volunteers helped stock North Country Career Center’s personal care closet and community fridge, targeting students’ food and hygiene needs. Drug Pricing & Accountability: Iowa joined a coalition seeking court approval of a $400M Sandoz/Fougera settlement over alleged generic drug price manipulation. Data Privacy: A class action investigation is underway after Millstone Medical Outsourcing reported a data breach to Vermont’s attorney general.

UVM Medical Center labor: Support and technical staff unions voted to authorize a strike, citing unsafe staffing and job security concerns as negotiations continue. Medicaid squeeze for immigrants: A new federal round will strip full Medicaid coverage from thousands across New England, including about 8,000 in Vermont, with major ripple effects for hospitals and clinics. Measles alert: CDC reports 3,887 measles cases nationwide as of Oct. 1, with Vermont among reporting jurisdictions—prompting renewed focus on vaccination gaps. Climate-health fight: States and cities, including Vermont, sued over Trump EPA moves rolling back power-plant emissions limits, arguing public health harm and higher pollution. Local health support: VAHHS volunteers helped stock a North Country Career Center personal care closet and community fridge, boosting access to hygiene and food during breaks. Wellness partnerships: Float Away Wellness Spa partnered with UVM Athletics to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy for recovery and mental focus.

Medicaid Accountability: Vermont’s Washington County Mental Health Services will pay $60,661 to settle claims it billed Medicaid for case management hours not provided, raising concerns for families who rely on consistent check-ins and coordination. Home Health Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Adult Home Healthcare for 1,700 Central Vermonters yearly, as Medicare reimbursement cuts widen the gap. Public Safety & Health: Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace Commission urged Gov. Phil Scott to expand state help, including more police patrols, a year-round low-barrier emergency shelter, mental health services, and the return of a Community Accountability Court. Drug Pricing & Oversight: Vermont’s AG joined a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million nationwide settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Climate & Health Link: Vermont joined multi-state legal action challenging the EPA’s repeal of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing it will worsen extreme weather and public health impacts. Campus Safety: UVM students demanded stronger accountability after a police alert about multiple drink-spiking incidents off campus.

Drug Prices & Antitrust: Vermont’s AGs are part of a sweeping, court-seeking $400M settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug conspiracies that inflated prices and limited competition, with eligible consumers able to file claims. PFAS Accountability: AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan lawsuit aimed at blocking DuPont’s “forever chemical” cleanup liability from being dodged through asset-shuffling into a new shell entity. Climate & Public Health: Multiple state and city coalitions—including Vermont-linked AG actions—are suing to overturn EPA rollbacks of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing the changes will worsen extreme heat, storms, flooding, and wildfire smoke. Rural Care Funding: Rutland Regional Medical Center received $3.15M in Vermont Rural Transformation grants to expand rural healthcare capacity, including women’s health clinic growth. Home Health Access: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) got a $7,200 grant to support Adult Home Healthcare for more than 1,700 Central Vermonters annually. Maternal Mental Health: CLIMB Team Rutland is hosting a free public walk fundraiser for postpartum mood and anxiety support in Rutland. Neurodiversity Support: A Q&A highlights the growing gap between diagnoses and real school accommodations, pointing to staffing and access challenges for families.

Home Health Support: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to sustain its Adult Home Healthcare program, serving 1,700 Central Vermonters yearly with nurse-led, therapy-based care at home—at a time when Medicare reimbursement cuts are squeezing services. Veterans Wellness Partnership: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as its exclusive nonprofit partner, directing a share of sales to expand veterans and military-family wellness and education. Data Privacy Watch: Saber Healthcare is facing a reported data breach tied to class-action investigations, with Vermont regulators among those notified; affected residents and others can request free case evaluations. COVID Vaccine Access: Vermont’s U.S. senators are pressing CDC/HHS over a nearly four-week delay in ordering free COVID shots for low-income children under the Vaccines for Children program. Health Workforce & Access: Vermont Medicaid is set to roll out new rules affecting nearly 50,000 Vermonters, while CVHHH also launched a six-month nurse residency program to grow home health capacity. Public Health Environment: Vermont DEC is urging lakefront owners to remove docks and skip dock-side bubblers/aerators that can create unsafe open water, requiring permits if aeration devices are used.

Medicaid Shake-Up: Vermont’s Medicaid changes begin Oct. 1, with about 235 people losing coverage tied to immigration status, followed by broader eligibility rules in January that could affect nearly 50,000 Vermonters. Vaccines for Fall: The Vermont Department of Health released 2026-27 flu, COVID, and RSV vaccine recommendations, urging shots for eligible children and adults starting at age six months. Digital Twins for Critical Care: UVM won up to $38M to build AI “digital twins” that model a patient’s immune response so clinicians can test treatments before using them in real life. Hepatitis B Gap in Transplants: New research reports only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B, leaving many at risk. Heat in Custody: As extreme heat worsens, inmates face growing danger from prisons’ limited cooling and older facilities. Local Health Access: Central Vermont home health and hospice received a $7,200 grant to support adult home healthcare, serving 1,700 people yearly. Community Care Events: Legislators announced a free senior health fair in Quincy on Oct. 6 with screenings and provider connections. EMS Planning: Public meetings will start on an EMS regionalization study for Southshire rescue squads to address rising emergency service costs. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach highlights ongoing fallout from medical data security failures. UVM Safety: Fire crews responded to a lab equipment fire at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center; no injuries reported.