Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center is proud to join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day on Nov. 16. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and rural-focused organizations throughout the United States set aside the third Thursday of November to recognize this important day. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.
A talented, qualified, engaged and diverse workforce is at the heart of Vermont’s health care infrastructure. We honor the many health professionals caring for the more than 400,000 people living, working and playing in our vibrant rural communities. From the expert care delivered in our critical access hospitals, rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers, to the essential home and community-based health services, these talented and dedicated professionals are practicing where their services are truly needed and in places where they can expand their skills, work with different populations, and be deeply appreciated and well-regarded by their patients. They are our friends, family members and neighbors, and their contributions make it possible for us to live better, healthier lives.
Southern Vermont AHEC’s mission is to enhance community efforts to grow and sustain the health workforce in southern Vermont. We improve the health and well-being of our communities by fostering educational excellence and bridging the gap between health care providers and the unique needs of the people they serve. We equip students and health professionals with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to succeed in a dynamically evolving health care landscape. Through partnerships with educational institutions, health care facilities and community organizations, we create an interdisciplinary network that enhances the readiness and the receipt of health care across southern Vermont.
We invite current, new and aspiring health professionals to join our quest to build an inclusive Vermont health workforce — a system of care where health teams reflect the rich diversity of humanity, bring the kind of knowledge gained only from lived experience, and ensure safe and compassionate spaces for our most vulnerable moments. For more information about Southern Vermont AHEC programs and projects, visit www.svtahec.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. Also, check out www.powerofrural.org and additional AHEC resources at www.vthealthcareers.org and www.nationalahec.org online.
It is of vital importance that all Vermonters be healthy and have access to affordable, quality health care regardless of who they are and where they live. Southern Vermont AHEC is proud to recognize the incredible work of health professionals and volunteers in our communities on National Rural Health Day and throughout the year.
This week’s Health Talk was written by Dr. Jennifer L Scott, executive director of Southern Vermont AHEC.
