On the Road with Vermont Seniors, Jenna's Promise, EMS, Law Enforcement, and Community Health Centers

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

Last week, I had an opportunity to do what I love doing: Travel around the state and talk with Vermonters who are on the front lines of some of the major challenges we face. These Vermonters, who are almost always modest and unassuming, work every day to make life a little bit better for their communities and state, and all of us should be grateful for their efforts.

In the morning, I spoke with a number of older Vermonters, meal providers, volunteers, and Area Agency on Aging staff at the Waterbury Senior Center. We discussed the Older Americans Act and other issues of importance to Vermont seniors.

Senator Sanders at the Waterbury Senior Center to discuss the Older Americans Act.

What I learned was distressing, but not surprising. Too many Vermont seniors are struggling to find assisted-living and affordable housing, are not getting the help they need with mental health and loneliness issues, and are finding it hard to afford prescription drugs. I also learned about the wonderful work that many hundreds of volunteers do for the Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritious lunches for older Vermonters all across the state. As Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I will do all I can to improve funding for the Older Americans Act and other senior programs.

At the Waterbury Senior Center, the conversation covered a number of issues facing Vermont seniors today.

In the afternoon, we visited with the staff of Jenna’s Promise in Johnson. Jenna’s Promise does outstanding and innovative work in addressing the terrible crisis that Vermont and the nation face with drug addiction. Drug addiction is a very tough disease to cure, and the recidivism rate is extremely high. What makes Jenna’s Promise unusual is their very holistic and comprehensive approach. They provide housing, mental health counseling, wellness training, and job opportunities for the people who are in their care. I learned a lot from my visit with their dedicated staff.

Senator Sanders visited Jenna's Promise in Johnson, Vermont to discuss their work to address the addiction crisis.

At Jenna's Promise, the discussion touched on many issues, including the importance of housing, mental health counseling, wellness training, and job opportunities – all of which Jenna's Promise offers.

After leaving Jenna’s Promise, my staff and I traveled a few miles down the road to meet with Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux and his deputies. Rural law enforcement in today’s world is not an easy task, especially when many police departments are understaffed and some of the communities they serve lack adequate cell phone service. The Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, like other rural departments, is addressing challenges like homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, and the scourge of drugs. It’s not easy work. They put their lives on the line every day and they deserve our support. I enjoyed my visit there very much. 

Senator Sanders meets with Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux and his deputies.

I then sat down with Morristown EMS Chief Bill Mapes and his crew to hear about what it is like to be an EMS provider in rural Vermont. When we call 911, we expect that a well-trained EMS provider will show up quickly to give us the often lifesaving care we need. However, EMS agencies across the state face serious staffing and funding issues. And while critical to our health care system, this sector does not always get the recognition it deserves. We have got to do more to support EMS, and ensure that people have access to the best training and are compensated for this very important work. I thank Bill and his dedicated crew for all they do to serve their community, despite the challenges.   

Senator Sanders sitting down with Morristown EMS Chief Bill Mapes and his crew.

Senator Sanders joined Morristown EMS Chief Bill Mapes and his crew for a tour of their facility and equipment, as well as a discussion about their experiences and the challenges that they face as EMS providers in rural Vermont. 

Lastly, my staff and I visited Lamoille Health Partners, one of 11 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Vermont. There, I met with CEO Stuart May and his team – including nurses, doctors, and social workers – to get an update on their work. In partnership with five other FQHCs, they are doing something pretty unique: They are starting a medical residency program that will allow doctors to train right at these community health centers. Not only will this give them valuable experience in rural medicine, but it will also help the FQHCs attract and retain more doctors. It is visits like this that remind me how innovative FQHCs are. It is no surprise that nearly one in three Vermonters chooses to get their care at these health centers – including quality primary and dental care – no matter your income.

Senator Sanders joined CEO Stuart May and his team of nurses, doctors, and social workers at Lamoille Health Partners to hear about their work. One in three Vermonters choose to get their care at community health centers like Lamoille.

Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion throughout this day on the road. And thank you for all the incredible work you do for your communities.

Sincerely,