Heart Health Month

Learn how to keep your heart healthy this #HeartMonth. When we understand our risk factors for heart disease, we can take steps to keep #OurHearts healthy.

When we take action to protect #OurHearts, we can prevent heart disease. Small everyday activities can lead to heart health benefits. Start today by:

•         Drinking more water.

•         Taking a 10-minute stretch break.

•         Using herbs and spices instead of salt.

Check out You First to see what heart health screenings they will pay for.

You First helps Vermont women and anyone with breasts or a cervix in three ways:

1.      Covers the cost of breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic follow-up. 

2.      Connects you with a You First team member to help you navigate the health care system—from answering questions, to sending reminders, to scheduling appointments, to arranging transportation, to interpreting results.

3.      Covers healthy lifestyle perks for members 35-64. Members can get heart health screenings and receive benefits like one-on-one health coaching, fitness memberships, nutrition programs, passes to Vermont’s state parks, coupons for local farmers markets—and much more.

Black History Month

Since 1976, February has been recognized as Black History Month. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts.

Black History Month celebrates the rich contributions and triumphs of African Americans while honoring the sacrifices they made to create and shape America.

We can’t separate race from health equity. It’s important to note that heart disease, cancer, and stroke are the leading causes of death for African Americans.

While learning more about the history of Black History Month and why we celebrate each February, also consider the health disparities experienced by Black Americans. 

For more stories, visit Vermont Public for a series of Black History centered stories from past years.

Clemmons Family Farm

Clemmons Family Farm's Black History Month and Beyond Special Edition Curriculum for grades K-12 is available for free from February 1 until March 29, 2024. The curriculum is called Rights Right On! The Role of Freedom Songs in the Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s). 

Learn about the course and how to enroll on the Clemmons Family Farm website.

The Black Experience

The Black Experience 2024 (BX24) is a free holistic celebration of Vermont’s Black lived experience and a welcomed addition to Burlington’s observation of Black History Month.

The event takes place at The Flynn on February 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. and on February 25, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. 

Sunrise Family Resource Center

Two years ago, Sunrise Family Resource Center became more determined to find ways to address transportation barriers within our community. We heard from families, especially young mothers, what a difference owning a vehicle would make in their lives. We applied for grants through both the VT Women’s Fund and the Vermont Department of Health.

The positive energy and determination moved someone to purchase a car for one of our moms, who also happens to be a graduate of our Learning Together Program. She is currently an assistant teacher in our Early Care and Education Program. The car came from an Early Care and Education staff member who was moving to Florida.

Since then, we’ve purchased seven additional used cars for moms. We’ve been able to help people transition to car ownership with the support of our grants and the Families on the Move program. Sunrise is able to help cover registration, inspection and insurance costs.

Each recipient receives gas cards to help them with an affordable start. With our Families on the Move grant, we support these new car owners and others with car maintenance and tire purchase to keep them safely and legally on the road.

Others looking toward ownership in the future can request driver education courses and financial assistance for permits and licenses. Anyone in our community can submit an application to Families on the Move support.

Translated Mental Health Information

The Vermont Language Justice Project recently created a video in multiple languages to guide people through difficult situations.

The understanding and treatment of mental health can vary between communities and cultures. It's important to remember that uncomfortable to overwhelming feelings impact all of us.

The Vermont Professionals of Color Network

The mission of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network is to advance networking and career development opportunities for its members, to increase civic engagement, to grow generations of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders to join the ranks or leadership and management, and to economically empower BIPOC organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs in Vermont. 

View the business directory, job postings, events, and resources on their website. 

Vermont Center for Independent Living

The Vermont Center for Independent Living is pleased to announce a new partnership with the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists for both home and site-based vaccination! 

Through this partnership we are able to offer a larger variety of vaccinations. There is no cost for these visits thanks to a grant from USAging. However, insurance information will be collected and billed for the vaccines including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance.

Entire households and facilities -including caregivers, friends, residents, and staff- can be vaccinated at once for:

• COVID for ages 3+ (Pfizer and Moderna)
• Flu for all ages (Flucelvax and Fluad 65+)
• Shingles for all 50+ and 19+ who are immunodeficient/immunosuppressed (Shingrix)
• Pneumonia for all 65+ and others 18+ with chronic health conditions/immunocompromised (Prevnar-20)
• RSV for 60+ or people who are 32-36 weeks of pregnancy (Abryvo)
• Tetanus/pertussis for anyone who has not has a booster in past 10 years (Boostrix)

Vermont State Youth Council

The Vermont State Youth Council (VSYC) is a diverse group of 28 Vermont youth from each county responsible for annually advising the Governor and the Vermont General Assembly on the policies that impact young people today.

The council and its five subcommittees (Climate Change, Education; Equity and

Anti-Racism; Youth Mental Health; and Youth Voice) meet monthly, may gather

input from Vermont youth through surveys and polls, and may hold up to four

public hearings annually in order to take testimony on issues affecting Vermont

youth.

The VSYC recently presented a set of recommendations to House and Senate Government Operations.

Translating Identity Conference

The Translating Identity Conference (TIC) returns on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the University of Vermont with a renewed focus on trans joy and community building for students.

The 2024 conference will focus on trans and queer joy and all the ways we can create, nurture, amplify, share and celebrate it.

The primary audience for TIC 2024 is trans and queer students from UVM and surrounding colleges & universities. This is a change from past TICs, and we truly value the wide reach of our community.

The call for presentations is open now. 

The Health Department began to say goodbye to our downtown Burlington location starting January 27, 2024.

We're moving our central office to a new home in the Waterbury State Office Complex at 280 State Drive, Waterbury. The move will happen in three phases and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

Contact information, including new mailing addresses for all divisions and programs, can be found at HealthVermont.gov/Contact-Us.

Burlington Local Health Office, which provides WIC and other public health services throughout Chittenden County, will remain open at 108 Cherry Street until March 8.

After that date, the local health office is scheduled to move to 128 Lakeside Avenue in Burlington’s south end. The new location is on the GMT bus route and offers plenty of free parking.  

Department for Children and Families – Economic Services will move from 108 Cherry Street to 128 Lakeside Avenue on March 9.

Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living & Department of Vermont Health Access – Vermont Chronic Care Initiative offices at 110 Cherry Street will move to 128 Lakeside Avenue on March 2.

We do not expect any changes in services during this time, but please reach out if you have any questions.



The locations of the Public Health Laboratory and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will not change. 

Equity Tip: Disability Inclusion

One in four people living in Vermont have a disability. This is also the statistic for people living in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more life activities, such as eating, breathing, walking, working, or taking care of one’s self.

Not all disabilities are physical or visible. Some people have neurological disabilities or chronic pain that others can’t see. Unfortunately, sometimes the biggest barriers that impact a person living with a disability are stigma, systems, and a person’s environment.

This is why a focus on disability inclusion is necessary. When we make learning, working, and living environments more accessible, we can increase independence and quality of life for everyone, but especially those living with a disability.

Here are a few ways to make spaces more inclusive:

• Be an advocate for inclusivity. Educate yourselves and others on what it means to have an inclusive space.
• Listen. Listen to the experiences of others and help amplify their voices so that their needs are met.
• Eliminate physical barriers. Narrow doorways, uneven spaces, and doors that don’t open automatically can make it impossible for people to get the care and services they need.
• Provide clear signs and directions. Signage is crucial for people with disabilities to navigate space independently. Large, high-contrast letters and symbols are necessary.
• Provide seating. Benches, chairs, or other places where people can rest are essential.
• Consider sensory needs. Lighting, sounds, or texture of materials can be factors that distract and derail a person’s ability to get the care they deserve.
• Consult with experts. Be willing to get input from disability advocates, architects, and engineers who can provide insight into designing accessible spaces.
• Make the changes. Make sure you budget for the time and money necessary to meet the needs of all users.

Learn more about health inequities experienced by people with disabilities and how the intersection of other identities can impact health.