Northern Counties Health Care (NCHC) is marking its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1976, it was Vermont's first Federally Qualified Health Center and has grown from a small community effort into one of the largest health care providers in the Northeast Kingdom.
The organization began with physician practices in Greensboro and Island Pond and one of the nation's earliest community dental clinics. Today, NCHC operates a network of primary care offices, dental practices, Express Care locations, home health and hospice services, behavioral health programs, and community-based support services. It employs more than 300 people and serves over 20,000 patients each year across Caledonia, Orleans, and Essex counties.
NCHC provides integrated care that extends beyond medical and dental services, including behavioral health, community health workers, recovery support, and programs addressing social factors such as food insecurity, housing, insurance enrollment, and medication access. The organization says it focuses on caring for the whole person.
Looking ahead, NCHC is expanding community partnerships, investing in workforce development, and launching initiatives like a teaching kitchen. Recruiting the next generation of health care professionals is also a priority.
Founder David Reynolds and CEO Chris Towne reflected on the organization's first 50 years in a video accompanying the announcement.
Originally reported by WCAX.
Photo: Ahmed Slimene via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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