We need to stand by Secretary French, the Vermont Agency of Education, and our local school boards when they decide to protect students, and acknowledge the harms of masking.
Hornblas: Masks in schools…again?
Vets 3x, inmates 6x more likely to commit suicide: report
Veterans are three times more likely, and released inmates six times more likely, to commit suicide, a recent state report shows.
Meet Meryl Nass, the doctor who’s fighting the COVID Oppression Machine
A medical degree is not required to know the vital importance of free thought. Meryl Nass, the mouse that roared, roars for us all.
Maine hospital fired nurses for refusing COVID shots—now it’s begging them to come back
Some of those workers were even slapped with misconduct charges for refusing to comply with the mandate, many were later denied unemployment benefits, and no requests for religious exemptions honored
Roper: Let health insurance be insurance again
Since 2014 and the passage of the so-called “Affordable Care Act,” healthcare premiums have nearly doubled in cost. Don’t blame the insurance companies, blame the politicians.
UVM researcher paves way for revolutionary RSV treatment
Nirsevimab, owned and distributed by AstroZeneca, is a passive immunization that allows the immune system to develop its own protective responses to RSV.
UVM pioneering research unveils intricacies of child brain development
The HBCD Study’s commitment to publicly sharing data revolutionizes the research landscape, enabling researchers to access vital information without financial barriers.
UVM pill cuts cancer blood clot risk
The trial demonstrated conclusively that an orally administered pill (a DOAC, or direct oral anticoagulant) was as effective in preventing the recurrence of blood clots as injected heparin.
Double-digit increase proposed for small business health insurance rates
A business advocacy group hopes hard-strapped health insurance consumers will contact the Green Mountain Care Board about projected double-digit rate increases.
Nightly news anchor shares struggle with COVID-related depression
“Rock bottom is such a lonely place,” the WCAX co-anchor said. A mental health advocate, she decided that “if I’m going to talk the talk, I’ve got to walk the walk.”
Interstate compact bills signed
Legislation signed by Gov. Scott should make it easier for out of state health care workers to treat Vermont patients.
Vermont has second-highest per-capita rate of new melanoma cases in U.S.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Vermont, and the state has the second-highest per-capita rate of new melanoma cases in the nation, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Deml, Levine: Deaths in prison show Vermont’s hidden healthcare crisis
Even as total inmate population declines,Vermont’s correctional system continues to grapple with the aftershocks of the pandemic.
VT opioid overdose deaths have doubled since 2019, Health Dept. says
Fatal drug overdoses are up 500% since 2010. And Narcan may not work as well in reversing overdoses when other drugs are added to opioids.
Babesiosis, tick-borne disease now endemic in Vermont
A disease first reported in Nantucket in 1969 is now endemic to Vermont.
First-year med students told to call women ‘People With Cervices’
“The entire biomedical profession has been conquered by this aggressive ideology that inculcates a certain worldview,” a professor said.
Bird flu human spillover could signal next big pandemic, vet says
Bird flu spillover to people has already happened. The only question is: will an avian pandemic become a human one?
VIOLENCE IN THE ER: staff suffer threats, assault
After hitting a woman staff member with a urinal, an ER patient taunted, “this is Vermont. What are they going to do?”
Hospital wants $130 million outpatient surgery center in South Burlington
More surgical capacity is needed because by 2030 Vermont’s 65-plus population will grow by 30 to 60 percent, UVMMC officials said.
Empty positions strain mental health services in VT
Hundreds of Vermonters are seeking mental health support that just isn’t there.
Vermont’s long-term care in crisis now
They’ve warned about the coming crisis at Vermont’s long-term care facilities for years. It’s here. Now.
Nine-year-old girl suffers cardiac event at Jay Peak resort
The cause of the nine-year-old girl’s cardiac event was unknown. She was taken to a local hospital, then to the pediatric unit at UVMMC in Burlington.
Is Dartmouth Health Pediatric Clinic destroying kids’ sexual future?
Delaying “exploding” puberty can have tragic, irreversible results.
Give your hippocampus a bubble bath
Exercise gives the hippocampus a “bubble bath” which results in noticeable improved function.
Medicaid won’t pay for cavity treatment? Cheaper solution proposed
Approval of new procedure would make cavity treatment affordable under Medicaid.
Dental services funded by federal earmark stalled due to hygienist shortage
Despite federal funding, a South Royalton dental clinic can’t offer services because it lacks dental hygienists.
On the road with the Mitzvah Fund
Four-legged patients get loving, expert healthcare inside Baby Huey, the rolling veterinary clinic operated by the Mitzvah Fund.
Tell Steve Kirsch your Blood Clot Story (but only if you really have one)
Just the latest Internet Fear Fest? Or is there something to all of the online stories about rubbery blood clots being pulled from bodies alive and dead? Steve Kirsch is curious.
Pandemic-era Medicaid benefit extension likely, officials say
The pandemic may be (almost) over, but federal Public Health Emergency Medicaid benefits appear likely to continue, at least into 2023.
RSV surge, result of pandemic masking and social distancing, seen in Vermont
Young children who as infants weren’t exposed to RSV due to social distancing and masking are more vulnerable to it now.
Fed pandemic $$ goes to Connecticut River Valley hospitals
Health care facilities in Springfield, Brattleboro and Wells River will benefit from almost $3 million combined in federal pandemic relief funding.
When families of substance abusers can give no more
The conference is dedicated to Patty, who lovingly cared for her family member with use disorder and schizophrenia for decades, before she was overcome by anxiety and unrelenting depression.
Healthcare fraud prosecutor named chair of Green Mountain Care Board
The lawyer who pursued Big Pharma for the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been named chair of the State of Vermont’s health care industry regulator.
Hearing aids to by insured by 2024
Vermont insurers will cover hearing aids by 2024 – good news for the hard-of-hearing at increased risk of dementia, falls, and depression.
Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Alburgh
West Nile virus has shown up in Vermont mosquitoes for the first time this year.
BC/BS of Vermont sues Big Pharma for MS drug price-gouging ($70,000/year)
A Vermont health insurance provider is suing Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals for taking illegal kickbacks on its multiple schlerosis treatment.
Geriatric emergency medicine accredited at VT hospital
The second-oldest state in the nation now has at least one hospital with an accredited Geriatric Emergency Department.
Del Trecco: Understaffed VT hospitals struggling with inflation, patient placement, violence
“I have been working in health care for my entire career and I have never seen a set of circumstances so complex and severe,” the VAHHS Prez said. “This is not normal.”
‘Inflation Reduction Act’ cuts Medicare costs of prescription drugs, insurance premiums, Scott says
Spend less on prescription drugs, spend more spent on other necessities of life – that’s how the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ may affect Vermonters.
With baby formula still in short supply, VT Dept. of Health observes World Breastfeeding Week
As Vermont observes World Breastfeeding Week, local pharmacies are still short on infant baby formula.
Vermonter recovering at home from state’s first monkeypox infection
Vermont and 47 other states have at least a single monkeypox infection. New York leads the way with 1,345.
Northfield home invasion victim urges troubled veterans find help
After a man with a knife invaded his Northfield home Tuesday night, Dept. of Labor chief Michael Harrington wants veterans to know that mental health treatment is available.
UVMMC, nurses agree to 20% pay hike over 20 months – plus retention bonus
In addition to base wage increases totaling 20% over 20 months, the new contract includes ratification and retention bonuses, increased on-call pay and differential pay, and other important measures.
Vax freedom news: condolences to Kitzmiller family / school mask lawsuit update / RFK group starts New England chapter
The family of a Lowell girl forced to wear a mask in school needs support, says a leader in Health Choice Vermont and a new chapter of Children’s Health Defense, a vaccine freedom organization founded by Robert Kennedy Jr..
Pandemic Generation in mental health crisis – call 988
Vermont’s Pandemic Generation is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
During pandemic, Walgreens failed to perform scheduled Covid vax and testing, closed unexpectedly, State of VT says
A national pharmacy chain with 32 Vermont stores failed to deliver scheduled Covid-19 vaccinations and testing due to staffing problems, Vermont regulators say.
97% of Vermonters have health insurance
Although only three % of Vermonters lack health insurance, there’s room for improvement in affordability and preventative care, state officials say.
VT eating disorders up 700% since March 2020, State can’t cope
Vermont teenage eating disorders are way up over the last two years. So far, the State of Vermont can’t meet their treatment needs.
UVM: “Everywhere chemical” linked to childhood cancers
You may not be able to pronounce phthalates, but it’s everywhere and UVM researchers now link it to childhood cancers.
Out-of-state nurses no longer face red tape to work here
Vermont has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses from out of state to practice in Vermont without additional licensing.
National Guard helps keep hospital clean
The Vermont National Guard is pitching in during the Omicron-related staffing shortage at Vermont’s largest hospital.
Memo: Omicron causes “emergency staffing situation” among UVMMC nurses
The state’s largest hospital is going into emergency staffing mode as Omicron depletes workers and adds patients, an internal memo shows.
BS cries BS on $56K pricetag for new Alzheimer’s drug
Sanders says the feds shouldn’t let Biogen get away with charging $56K for a new Alzheimer’s drug.
Colchester PT named to GM Care Board
A Colchester health care policy expert and physical therapist has been named to the Green Mountain Care Board.
Mar-Anon: helping families of marijuana abusers since 1993
Mar-Anon will help Vermont families struggling with a loved one’s marijuana abuse.
Biden restores Planned Parenthood funding – will Scott cut replacement $$?
The Biden administration is restoring federal family planning funding to Planned Parenthood. Now will Phil Scott stop the replacement funding his administration authorized in 2019?
$7 mil grant to UVM could reduce chemo nerve pain, need for painkillers
A $7 million grant to the UVM School of Medicine could lead to breakthroughs in reducing nerve pain and opioid dependence for people receiving chemotherapy.
State investigates long wait times to see doctors
Thanks to pandemic measures, some Vermonters are still waiting months to see doctors.
Covid aside, how healthy is Vermont?
For a state often called “the healthiest in the nation,” Vermont has some troubling health risk indicators.
Paying Vermonters $1300/year to stay sober
Alcohol addiction is part of the dark underbelly of Vermont’s largely rural lifestyle. According to several studies, Vermonters are more likely to drink alcohol and binge drink than residents of most other U.S. states.
No fetal tissue experiments at UVMMC, spox says
Last Thursday Vermont Right to Life Executive Director Mary Beerworth asked the trustees of the University of Vermont Medical Center to disclose whether it conducts research on aborted fetuses or fetal tissue. Yesterday, a spokesman for the state’s largest hospital and employer denied any such research.
Rural Vermont opioid addiction, domestic violence related
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Rebecca Stone began researching a pair of different epidemics plaguing rural Vermont: opioid addiction and domestic violence.
Biden revokes Medicaid work requirement in two more states
The Biden administration has rescinded permissions for Michigan and Wisconsin to require Medicaid beneficiaries to either work or attend school or job training in order to enroll in the public health program for lower-income Americans. The Trump administration embraced the idea of requiring Medicaid beneficiaries to work, prompting a number of Republican-leaning states to apply for permission to impose such requirements in their Medicaid programs.
Teen addiction twice as likely for pot than any other drug
An explosive study published March 29 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics and conducted by prominent researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, found that teenage marijuana users (aged 12-17) have double the prevalence of a use disorder (addiction) than nicotine, alcohol, and, in most categories of users, even prescription drug misusers.
Pandemic, cyberattack contribute to $21.3 million loss for hospital network
March 11 will mark one year since the first patient diagnosed with COVID-19 received care from the UVM Health Network. Combined with the cyberattack and the suspension of surgery at Fanny Allen, it’s been a tough financial year for Vermont’s largest health care provider and employer.
Bill to broaden vaccine exemptions proposed
A bill to broaden school vaccine exemptions has been introduced in the Vermont House of Representatives. H.322 proposes to add conscientious and personal belief vaccine exemptions, and to remove coercive language from state vaccine exemption forms.
No deaths so far this flu season
Three months into the flu season, Vermont has yet to record a single death by traditional influenza, the Vermont Health Department confirmed Monday, January 4.
UVM Medical Center blocks incoming email, patient portal still down
by Guy Page – Below are 10 takeaways the press statement and other information available today at 2:30 pm by the University of Vermont Medical Center about last week’s “cyberattack event.” The […]
FBI warned hospitals of ‘ransomware’ attacks
Timing of UVM Medical Center patient portal shutdown linked to costly “Ryuk” ransomware attacks by Guy Page October 29, 2020 – The U.S. government yesteday issued an alert about ransomware attacks on […]
Psychiatric survivors object to police oversight of crisis response workers
Embedding mental health workers in police won’t create necessary culture change, survivors and experts tell lawmakers – to no avail This news article was first published in the most recent edition of […]
Pediatrician Dr. Lewis First, other docs urge Scott to ‘follow the science,’ veto commercial cannabis
Editor’s note: Today Gov. Phil Scott said he will decide next week what action he will take on S54, the commercial cannabis bill approved by the Legislature last month. His options are […]
Son diagnosed with severe THC abuse leaps from 6-story building
“Johnny’s Ambassadors’” founder explains son’s suicide By Laura Stack The evidence-based negative effects of cannabis on adolescents are many and varied, especially for young people, and we’ve covered them numerous times in previous […]
Governor ready to take the wheel if Driver Ed cancelled
Also reveals reliance on Health Commissioner Levine for Covid decision-making By Guy Page July 31, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott will do “whatever it takes” to ensure teens get driver education, he […]
Really affordable health care
For clean arteries at 1.6 cents on the dollar, go to southwest Asia John McClaughry In this election season almost every candidate is promising to deliver “more affordable health care!” Most of […]
Vermont sees third-slowest virus case growth rate in nation
Vermonters are used to reading news about our state’s slow growth rate. In the matter of Covid-19 positive cases, everyone can agree that growth is NOT a good thing. Now, how will […]
Next wave: Lockdown or selective quarantine?
Amnon Sashua, Sachs Professor of Computer Science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel, proposes a promising alternative to a pandemic lockdown: risk-based selective quarantine. The column below has been edited for brevity, […]
Just Now: Gov Scott hints at drive-in churches
Gov. Phil Scott just hinted that Vermont may soon allow drive-in church services. Moments ago at his press conference today, he noted that as the State “reopens the spigot a quarter turn […]
Waiting for DOL
Another Vermont Daily Off The Cuff Editorial This morning a former lawmaker from the Islands asked me about the status of unemployment payments. In a VPR interview today, acting labor commissioner Michael […]
Public transit drivers, ridership down due to covid-19
34 public transit drivers out, three test positive; ridership down 75%; Burlington riders less likely to wear masks By Guy Page April 16, 2020 – The House Transportation Committee Wednesday discussed several […]
Covid-19 order: disinfect water supplies
State orders disinfecting of all public water supplies to reduce threat to immuno-suppressed Vermonters By Guy Page April 15, 2020 – The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation [DEC] last month ordered Vermont […]
Vermont hospitals can handle virus peak, models show
By Guy Page April 13, 2020 – The State of Vermont’s latest computer modeling now shows Vermont hospitals will have enough beds to handle the hundreds of expected Covid-19 cases at its […]
No ‘straight talk’ for big box shoppers
by Guy Page April 3, 2020 – The coronavirus this week hit Vermonters where they live – again – after the Berlin Walmart roped off access to the Straight Talk phone cards, […]
SEnate worries laid-off workers will stay idle to get $600 fed payment
PHOTO – Senate caucus this morning held on Zoom, uploaded to YouTube By Guy Page March 31, 2020 – A Senate committee will meet Thursday morning to address the looming problem of […]
vt Travel ban has teeth
STAY AWAY – Police are warning New Yorkers and the Vermont lodging industry not to make non-essential lodging bookings. They’re asking for voluntary compliance – now. But repeated non-compliance could lead to […]
Latest vital statistics on Vermont pandemic
Click here to read the latest vital stats from the Vermont Department of Health page on the Coronavirus pandemic, which includes cases, deaths, and more.
Scott addresses School year cancellation, plastic bag ban
In-person school year cancelled to slow feared ramp-up of Covid-19 Out-of-state students should stay there Comcast still mailing cutoff notices Deaths blamed on senior home “outbreak” Only Legislature can postpone 7/1 plastic […]
What “stay home, stay safe” means to shoppers and church-goers
By Guy Page March 26, 2020 – Vermonters are eager to learn how Governor Phil Scott’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Covid-19 policy applies to their lives. Are they still permitted to walk […]
covid-19 likely to mean more domestic abuse in vt; funding needed
Photo: Caledonia County Courthouse. Victims of domestic abuse face more challenges to getting relief-from-abuse orders and other services due to Covid-19 measures, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard today.. By Guy Page March […]
ASHE REPORT: 5 VTers dead from Covid-19; 75 positives; colleges on hook for dormitory refunds; GUV TO ISSUE STAY HOME ORDER
Details from Tim Ashe 5:30 Daily Briefing on Facebook: As of today: 75 Vermonters have tested positive for Covid-19 5 Vermonters have died of Covid-19 Vermont has 82,000 surgical masks and 78,000 […]
senate may soon meet, vote remotely
PHOTO: screenshot from Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe Sunday night Facebook message. Senate to vote Tuesday on meeting and voting remotely, expanding unemployment insurance and telemedicine, extending DMV renewal deadline By Guy […]
Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus leaders discuss Covid-19 pandemic impact on climate change legislation
Many Vermont Daily readers have been asking how the pandemic has impacted Vermont climate change legislation. The short answer is that I have asked that question of at least one climate change-leading […]
As pandemic grows, vermonters wonder about plastic bag ban, public transit, paid family leave
Graphic credit: Fox News By Guy Page March 19, 2020 – Some recent environmental and fiscal decisions made by Vermont State Government are being rethought, or at least second-guessed, due to the […]
The History of Pandemics Pan·dem·ic /panˈdemik/ (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world. As humans have spread across the world, so have infectious diseases. Even in this modern […]
VT House-Senate leaders discuss C-19 unemployment today
Covid-19 Teleconference Report Editor’s note: Rep. Anne Donahue reports on the takeaway from the Vermont House – Senate teleconference today. Reprinted from Berlin Front Porch Forum. ANNE DONAHUE, ADONAHUE@LEG.STATE.VT.US STATE REPRESENTATIVE, WASHINGTON-1 DISCUSSION CORONAVIRUS Today’s […]
C-19 brings eerie, unexpected Quiet to Main Street
by Guy Page MARCH 16, 2020 – It’s a quiet afternoon on Main Street in Montpelier. There are fewer people, cars, and places open for business, thanks to Covid-19. From a shortage […]
bill would give gov’t special powers during coronavirus crisis
If approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott, H742 would: Prepay insurance claims to keep clinics from closing / reimburse for empty nursing home beds / waive […]
Legislative leaders set to recess Legislature next week
By Guy Page March 13, 2020 – The Legislative Joint Rules Committee voted unanimously this morning to prepare a resolution to recess for all of next week, due to coronavirus concerns. The […]
Legislative leaders ponder week-long recess of Legislature
by Guy Page March 12, 2020 – The Vermont Legislature Joint Rules Committee decided late this afternoon to ask staffers to prepare a resolution for its review tomorrow to recess the Legislature […]
Non-essential gatherings to cease at Vermont State House
By Guy Page 6:07 pm, March 11, 2020 – Beginning Friday, all non-essential meetings at the Vermont State House will be cancelled due to the coronavirus, Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe told […]
VT health insurers will cover C-19 costs – but will needy workers call out sick?
UVM, Champlain to go to remote learning classes only – only medical school will continue onsite Guy Page March 11, 2020 – To reduce Covid-19 transmission, state health officials more than ever […]
