Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging in Vermont
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Community Health Needs Assessment Survey Underway

Mel Reis • May 31, 2024

Your Voice is Our Future! Please take this important survey by June 30th. All answers are anonymous. Click here to access the survey.

PUBLIC INPUT NEEDED FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY

Several Northeast Kingdom health and social service organizations are joining forces to understand local community health needs and priorities, a collaboration coined the NEK Coordinated Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The NEK Coordinated CHNA conversations began in 2022, resulting in the formation of a regional Steering Committee in January 2024. The Steering Committee includes North Country Hospital, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH), VT Department of Health, NEK Council on Aging, NEK Community Action, NEK Human Services, and Northern Counties Health Care.

“The formalization of the NEK Coordinated CHNA Steering Committee exemplifies the local commitment to a greater level of engagement and alignment across partner organizations,” shared Diana Gibbs, NVRH VP of Community Health Improvement. “The ability to leverage capacity and resources to support a collective vision for this assessment process will be foundational for other collaborative opportunities ahead.”

Let your voice be heard! Take the survey!

Together, we are introducing a community survey for NEK residents ages 18 and older who live, work, or spend a majority of their time here. We encourage all residents to provide feedback on current health needs and social program and service opportunities. Reponses to the survey will help inform how participating organizations can support programs, services, and activities that will improve the health of Northeast Kingdom communities. The community survey will be distributed to the public starting May 30 and will close on June 30. Survey topics will include opportunities to offer feedback on a diverse range of subjects that include, but are not limited to: children and family health, adult and elder health, mental health and substance use, housing, nutrition, employment, healthcare facilities, transportation, health insurance, and recreation.

“When we describe healthcare, we understand that there are many things that influence health,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEK Council on Aging. “This survey will help us to know where resources should be directed to improve health and wellness.”

The survey will be available in paper and electronic formats. Responses to the survey are private and anonymous. The survey does not ask for names or contact information. To take the 15-minutes online survey, please visit: https://bit.ly/nekchna2024. To get a paper version of the survey, or to obtain support to fill it out, please contact NVRH Community Connections at (802) 748-7526, NEK Council on Aging at (800) 642-5119, or Northern Counties Health Care at (802) 748-9405 ext. 1518 and ask for the "2024 Community Health Needs Assessment Survey." Paper surveys will also be available at each partner organization located in the main lobby. Please plan to return your survey to the location in which you received it. All responses to the survey are due by June 30, 2024.

What’s next?

Over the summer, the Steering Committee and respective sub-committees will analyze data and develop assessment summary reports for both the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and North Country Hospital health service areas. An NEK-wide report will be made available in early 2025. CHNA reports will be publicly available, including on participating organization websites. Please look for additional communication and information regarding this effort and ways for your voice to be included.


By Melinda Martin 11 Oct, 2024
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: We’re Here to Help! Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply reviewing your current plan, understanding your options and choosing the right coverage can be a daunting task. That’s where the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging comes in. We want to make sure you have all the support and information you need to make the best choices for your health and budget. What Is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. This includes switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, changing Part D (prescription drug) plans, or even switching between Medicare Advantage Plans. With so many options and updates to plans each year, it’s crucial to review your coverage and see if your plan still meets your needs. Why It’s Important to Review Your Plan Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, changes to your plan’s premiums, co-pays, covered medications, and provider networks can have a big impact on your out-of-pocket costs. That’s why reviewing your options annually is so important. Making the right changes now can save you money and ensure you have the coverage you need. We’re Here to Help You Make the Best Choice The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging is offering two walk-in Medicare Open Enrollment Clinics to assist you in navigating your options and making informed decisions. Our certified Medicare counselors are trained to provide unbiased, honest guidance and will work with you one-on-one to find the best plan for your situation. Here’s where you can find us: 📅 Monday, November 4th from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM Goodrich Memorial Library 202 Main Street, Newport, VT 📅 Wednesday, November 20th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM NVRH Conference Room 127 1315 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT What to Bring To make the most of your visit, be sure to bring: Your red, white, and blue Medicare card. A list of your current medications and dosages. Any notices you’ve received from your current plan. No appointment is needed, and all our services are free. Our counselors will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. We’re here to help you feel confident in your Medicare choices. If You Can’t Make It In Person… If attending one of our clinics isn’t convenient, don’t worry! You can call us at (802) 748-5182 or reach our helpline at (800) 642-5119 to speak with a Medicare counselor over the phone. We want to ensure every older Vermonter has access to the support and resources they need. Your Health, Your Choice Choosing a Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your health. Let us help you find the right fit and feel good about your coverage for the coming year. Join us at one of our walk-in clinics, or give us a call. We’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. For more information, visit our website or stop by one of our walk-in clinics in November. We look forward to seeing you!
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