Help Save the Mad River Valley Health Center!
Posted on 11/26/2024 by Erik H. Reisner
Help Save the Mad River Valley Health Center!
Is Healthcare a Priority?
We are deeply concerned regarding the recent news about the planned closure of the Mad River Valley Health Center and nearby physical therapy practice. This decision, while a response to significant financial challenges faced by the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) and Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC), will have far-reaching consequences for the health and well-being of our community and the sustainability of local businesses.
A Negative Ripple Effect
The Mad River Valley Health Center is not merely a facility; it is a cornerstone of our community, providing vital care to residents and visitors alike. Its loss would create severe hardships for many, particularly our most vulnerable neighbors who depend on local access for managing preventative care, chronic conditions, and urgent medical needs. For businesses in the Mad River Valley, the closure would create additional strain. Employees needing to travel greater distances for medical care will face increased absenteeism and lost productivity, adding pressure to an already stretched workforce. These ripple effects will only exacerbate the challenges we face as we work to sustain our local economy and attract workers and families to the area. The proposed closures also raise concerns about transparency. The community has not been provided with clear details on the financial savings expected from these closures or any exploration of alternatives. This lack of communication undermines trust and leaves many feeling unheard.
Geography and an Aging Population
The suggestion that patients can simply switch to using a facility in Waterbury that is “only 12 miles away” is extremely short sited. That 12 miles includes traversing the Duxbury Gap on RT 100 which can be a treacherous drive in inclement weather. Also, many of the 3,000+ currently served by the Mad River Valley Health Center are elderly and some no longer drive making it exponentially more difficult to get to appointments, and there is no public transportation unlike some other communities with UVMMC/CVMC-Staffed primary care facilities.
In Summary
UVMMC/CVMMC were told to cut costs, not programs. Closing a primary care facility that serves over 3,000 patients with an additional 650 on a waiting list should be the absolute last resort for our healthcare system. To believe that the Waterbury and other primary care facilities can simply absorb this additional volume is laughable. If you are a Vermont Resident, we encourage you to reach out to your representatives to express your concern:
Senator Ann Cummings (802) 223-6043, acummings@leg.state.vt.us
Senator Andrew Perchlik (802) 279-0471, aperchlik@leg.state.vt.us
Senator Anne Watson (802) 828-2228, awatson@leg.state.vt.us
Representative Dara Torre (802) 828-2228, dtorre@leg.state.vt.us
Representative Candice White, (802) 828-2228,cwhite@leg.state.vt.us.