Improving the Health of the Rutland Region

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Since its inception in 1996, the Bowse Health Trust has funded

54 programs. Over $4 million has been granted to programs

aimed at improving the health status of residents in the

Rutland Region. The programs vary greatly with regard to the

health issues targeted, populations served, and service areas.

However, each program has made a positive impact on the

health of program participants. This report summarizes this

year’s results of the funded programs.

The Bowse Health Trust was established in 1996 by Rutland Regional

Health Services. Its purpose is two-fold:

• Grant funds to projects that make a significant difference in health in one of the three priority areas:

1. Improving access and affordability of health and human services;

2. Increasing prevention efforts that lead to healthier lifestyles;

3. Reducing substance abuse

• Act as a catalyst for initiatives that are innovative, collaborative, and sustainable

Our Mission:To fund collaborative, community benefit programs that

measurably improves the health of the people in Rutland County.

Park RxHosted by Rutland Recreation Department

$158,059 over 3 years

Priority Area: Healthy Lifestyles

The Park Rx program is a national program led by the National Recreation Park Association. Park Rx programs are designed to strengthen the linkages between public parks and healthcare. Medical professionals will have a prescription pad and a map of parks in Rutland City to encourage patients to increase their physical activity and improve their mental health by getting outside and visiting local parks. A health coach will be hired to support patients by encouraging visits to parks, coordinating group walks, and providing access to discounted outdoor activities.The partners in this program include area providers, BCBSVT, Vermont State Parks, and Vermont Farm and Food Center’s Health Care Share program.

Year One Goals

• Hire a health coach

• Produce and distribute the map

• Offer three 12 week sessions

• Enroll 100 participants in the program

• Measure pre- and post-program activity levels and health impacts

Three Steps Forward for MenHosted by Rutland County Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

$99,998 over 3 years

Priority Focus: Healthy Lifestyles

The Three Steps Forward for Men builds off the success of the ongoing Three Steps Forward for Women Program. The goal is to support young men who are not economically self-sufficient in completing education programs, securing jobs, and obtaining housing. The program will engage a cohort of young men in a curriculum that will assist them in setting goals, building healthy relationships, and leading healthy lifestyles. Mentors will support the participants and provide positive male role models.Partners in the program include multiple state agencies, Vermont Adult Learning, public schools, Mentor Connector, Rutland Young Professionals, Serenity House, and Rutland Mental Health.

Year One Goals

• Hire program coordinator

• Recruit 25 young men

• Provide 16 week program

• Develop an Advisory Committee

• Track Program Completion

Southwestern Vermont Hoarding Task ForceHosted by BROC

$100,000 over 3 years – 1st year of funding completed

Priority Focus: Healthy Lifestyles

BROC developed a Hoarding Task Force that provides resource support, training, and education about hoarding. A national expert provided training to 50 area stakeholders. Presentations have been provided to multiple community organizations to increase the awareness of this health issue. The goal of the second year of the program is to recruit interns and volunteers to assist with de-cluttering. The task force will create a network of supports to address the causes and treatment of hoarding.Hoarding is both a health and property safety issue for those living in and around a cluttered residence. It is estimated that 1 in 50 adults has a serious hoarding problem. Partners in this program include Rutland Mental Health, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, Vermont Department of Health, Rutland Housing Authority, Housing Trust of Rutland County, and the Vermont Office of Opportunity Weatherization program.

Year One Outcomes

• Program Specialist hired

• Hoarding Task Force formed and holds bi-monthly meetings

• Training provided for service providers, interns, volunteers, and for the public

• 16 referrals received

• Case Management supports provided to four individuals

Marble Valley Grows Farm to School NetworkHosted by the College of St. Joseph and Come Alive Outside

$88,400 over 3 years – 1st year of funding completed

Priority Area: Healthy Lifestyles

Marble Valley Grows works with Rutland County schools to enhance education and access to healthy food choices. The activities include classroom curriculum integration, community events, gardening, and food services initiatives. The goal of the program is to impact knowledge and increase use of fresh nutritious local food. Partners include RAFFL, Food Service providers, Proctor Elementary School, Shrewsbury Institute for Agricultural Education, Northeast Primary School, Christ the King School, and Addison County Relocalization Network

Year One Outcomes

• Program Coordinator hired

• Advisory Committee established

• Program host transitioned from College of St. Joseph to Come Alive Outside

• VT Feed’s Farm to School Assessment started in three schools

• Coordination and support provided for the following program elements:

Harvest of the Month

On-site composting

On-site gardens

Healthy eating efforts in the classroom, cafeteria, and community

Summer programming

Community Impact ProgramHosted by Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum

$85,616 over 3 years – 1st year funding completed

Priority Area: Healthy Lifestyles

The Wonderfeet Museum provides outreach programs to nine organizations that serve young children. The activities promote nurturing parenting, father involvement, improved kindergarten readiness, exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), nutrition, and health related curriculum. The partners of this program include Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, WIC, Head Start, Rutland Free Library, Boys and Girls Club, and the Heritage Family Credit Union.

Year One Outcomes

• Education Coordinator hired

• 452 children and families served

• 68 therapy visits provided

• 16 youth attended a 6-week STEM program

• 6 Museum on the Go events held, serving 48 families

• 52 free and reduced passes used

Outdoor Adventure SeriesHosted by Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports (VASS)

$50,000 over 3 years – 2nd year of funding completed

Priority Area: Healthy Lifestyles

The Outdoor Adventure Series offers children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience a variety of activities during the summer weekly sessions. Activities include cycling, paddling, swimming, hiking and fitness tracking. The program targets individuals who can benefit from wellness coaching and engagement in adaptive physical activity. Partners include volunteers, area schools, Rutland Mental Health, Vermont Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Fitness Made Fun.In the second year of the program a winter session was added during February break. Eight individuals experienced winter activities such as alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing and yoga. Year round weekly sessions at a local fitness center serve up to 25 individuals.

Year Two Outcomes

• Program expanded to a winter week-long session and weekly one-hour sessions

• Held three five day sessions that provided a variety of activities for the 40 participants

• Partnered with local fitness club to provide ongoing physical activity sessions

• Participant evlauation tool developed and tested

Rutland Health Care ShareHosted by Vermont Farmers Food Center

$100,000 over 3 years – 2nd year funding completed

Priority Area: Healthy Lifestyles

The Health Care Share is a twelve week nutrition program that provides local produce and nutrition education to patients who are in need of nutrition supports to improve their health. The program is modeled after a program that exists in Chittenden County and Central Vermont. Health care providers identify the patients who qualify for the program. During the growing season, these patients receive weekly supplies of local produce, participate in cooking classes and attend grocery store tours. Partners in this program include health care providers, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, Hunger Free Vermont, area farmers, and a host of volunteer groups.

Year Two Outcomes

• Health Care Share provided to 125 patients serving 354 individuals

• Cooking skills education and recipes offered to all participants

• 160 volunteers supported the program

• Program supported 4 developing farms by securing a customer base

• Three monthly shares were added in the fall of Year 2

Cooking and Nutrition Education ProgramHosted by Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL) $89,600 over 3 years - 2nd year of funding completed

Priority Area: Promoting Healthier Lifestyle

Cooking classes are now offered throughout Rutland County. The classes target both the patients who received the Health Care Share and lower income populations who want to learn hands on cooking skills. Equipment has been purchased to provide mobile cooking classes. Topics focus on planning, budgeting, shopping, and preparing healthy meals for one. Partners in the program include many referring organizations, the Rutland Nutrition Coalition, area colleges, and Vermont Farmers Food Center. Host sites include kitchens at Stafford Technical Center, Serenity House, Rutland Recreation Department, and College of St. Joseph.

Year Two Outcomes

• Cooking class curriculum defined

• 56 workshops held

• 725 people attended the workshops

• Partnerships expanded to Vermont Department of Health, VAC, BROC, and Boys and Girls Club

Primary Care for the Severely Mentally Ill (SMI)Hosted by Rutland Mental Health

$92,360 - 3rd year of funding completed

Priority Area: Increase Access to Health and Human Services

This program coordinates and integrates medical health and mental health services for an underserved population. A primary care provider serves patients at a site where the Severely Mentally Ill already go for case management services. By removing physical and emotional barriers for access to medical healthcare, this population has increased access to medical care.The Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region primary care provider provides medical care at Rutland Mental Health’s Court Square office. This is an office that is familiar and routinely visited by SMI clients. A RN case manager/educator was hired to provide support to existing Rutland Mental Health case managers concerning medical issues of the SMI clients. The RN assists the primary care provider in assuring that patients are referred to appropriate community resources.In spite of the fact that reverse integration of health care services have been successful, multiple barriers influenced the end of the program. These included limited provider time, lack of access to electronic medical records, and lack of sustainable funding.

Year Three Outcomes

• Clinic appointments decreased to once a month

• 70 patients have been serviced in 3 years

• Chronic disease management education has been provided to Case Managers

• Many patients have had chronic diseases diagnosed and treated

Growing a Sustainable HarvestHosted by Foxcroft Farm Harvest Program $80,000 – 3rd year of funding completed

Priority Area: Promoting Healthier Lifestyle

This program expands agriculturally-based education opportunities for youth, in grades 5-12 in the Northwestern Supervisory Union. Three programs, Growing to Know, Growing Roots, and Growing to Work provide exposure to growing local produce and distributing it to the community. The students gain a sense of accomplishment and community connectedness while developing vocational skills. Partners in the effort include local schools, volunteers, and local businesses.

Year Three Outcomes

• Serving 29 fifth and sixth graders in the after school programs

• Serving 22 seventh and eighth graders during the day

• Serving 7 high school students 3 days a week

• 125 low income seniors received fresh produce from the students

• Secured funding support from area schools and foundations

Dismas Residential Outreach Coordinator (ROC)Hosted by Rutland Dismas House

$74,900 – 3rd year of funding complete

Priority Area: Prevention of Substance Abuse

Dismas House of Rutland hired a Residential Outreach Coordinator (ROC) to support the 11 residents of this community living facility for newly released prisoners. The ROC lives in the house and is on-site during the late evening hours to support the residents in adhering to a safe, drug-free and alcohol-free environment. On weekends, the ROC assists in organizing healthy activities for resident participation. This exposes residents to activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to have the residents involved in a way of life that they can embrace and avoid returning to a culture that promoted criminal activity. Partners in this program include local gyms, sport shops, area resorts, Vermont Department of Corrections, local residents, and Rutland Police Department’s Project VISION.

Year Three Outcomes

• ROC added making hourly evening rounds on all residents

• The length of stay for 30 residents increased from 90 days in 2014 to 115 days in 2016

• New ROC hired and is now an integral part of the Dismas House staff

2016 Bowse Health Trust Committee Members

Larry Jensen, Chair, Interim President of College of St. Joseph

Vicky Young, Vice Chair and Past Chair, Rutland Regional Medical Center Board

Joanne Calvi, RN, Vermont Department of Health

Thomas W. Huebner, President, Rutland Regional Medical Center/ Rutland Regional Health Services

Ed Ogorzalek, Treasurer, Rutland Regional Medical Center/ Rutland Regional Health Services

Jeff McKee, PhD, Rutland Regional Medical Center

Nancy Gordon, College of St. Joseph

Jo Ann Riley, Castleton Community Center

Joan Gamble, Past RRMC Board Member

Rick Lovett, MD, Rutland Regional Medical Center

Pam Reed, Rutland City Schools

Sarah Narkewicz, RN, MS, CDE, Director, Bowse Health Trust

2016 Rutland County Partnership for Health Steering Committee

Joanne Calvi, RN, Chair, Vermont Department of Health

Ardy Wolynec, RN, RAVNAH

Marlee Mason, RAVNAH

Brennan Duffy, Rutland Redevelopment Authority

Anne Bannister, RN Retired School Nurse

Melanie Gaiotti, Vermont Department of Liquor Control

Martha Coulter, Castleton State College

Brian Nolan, Vermont Hard Cider Company

Sarah Roy, ADAP, Vermont Department of Health

Amy Dobson, RN, Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region

Doug Norford, Rutland Mental Health

Ann Warrell, Vermont Country Store

Scott Tucker, Rutland City Police

Beth Diamond, Vermont 2-1-1

Lynne Klamm, Vermont Agency of Human Services

Peggy Young, RN, Retired Nurse

Phil Fernandez, Vermont Department of Corrections

The Steering Committee advises and assists the Bowse Health Trust proposals, evaluation of funded programs, and prioritizing the health needs of the community.

A resolution by the Rutland Regional Health Services Board of Directors renamed this initiative in memory of James T. Bowse, President/CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center and RRHS. Jim died unexpectedly on June 17, 1997. He came to Rutland Regional in 1989 and, during his tenure, maintained an active interest in the health and wellness of the community. Jim was instrumental in establishing the Trust in the fall of 1996 to fund programs aimed at creating a healthier community. In naming the Trust after Jim, we recognize the contributions he made to our community. The Bowse Health Trust is working to achieve the goals of the Department of Health’s Healthy Vermonters 2020 program.

To learn more about the Bowse Health Trust and how it is working to create a healthier community, call or write:

Sarah Narkewicz, RN, MS, Director, The Bowse Health Trust

Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701

802.747.3770 • www.RRMC.org • snarkewicz@rrmc.org

Rutland Regional complies with Federal and State civil rights laws and does not discriminate or treat people differently on the basis of race, color, marital status, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Rutland Regional provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as: (1) qualified sign language interpreters; (2) written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats); and (3) free language services through qualified interpreters to people whose primary language is not English. If you need these services, contact the Social Work Department or the Switchboard. If you believe that Rutland Regional has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way you can file a grievance with the Risk Manager.