THRIVE Collaborative Recognized as Public Health Champion by VPHA: Celebrating Impact and Innovation

The THRIVE collaborative, a multi-agency partnership, has recently received the Public Health Champion Award from the Vermont Public Health Association. This coalition aims to boost public health in Washington and northern Orange Counties through various initiatives, including tackling food insecurity and enhancing digital equity. The University of Vermont – Central Vermont Medical Center plays a key role in coordinating the group’s efforts.

Presented last month, the award recognizes THRIVE’s rapid response to community crises, particularly its effective support during severe flooding in 2024. Anna Tempesta Noonan, CVMC’s President and COO, expressed pride in the recognition. She highlighted THRIVE’s critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, social service emergencies, and disasters like the recent floods. The collaborative aims to build on its past achievements to respond even better to future challenges.

THRIVE operates as central Vermont’s Accountable Community for Health, focusing on improving the well-being of local residents. The initiative has enlisted 16 partner organizations committed to finding innovative solutions based on community needs, as identified in the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment.

Support for various initiatives sets THRIVE apart. These include addressing homelessness and providing resources to single mothers living in poverty. The collaborative also seeks input from the community to better understand their health and wellness needs. Noonan emphasized that CVMC will continue fostering these initiatives to integrate health care and prevention efforts for the entire community.

Interestingly, health disparities remain a major concern globally. According to the CDC, social determinants of health—like income, education, and access to healthcare—can have a significant impact. In Vermont, similar challenges persist. Recent data highlights that many families still struggle to meet basic needs, underlining the importance of collaborative efforts like THRIVE.

As we look to the future, collaborative health initiatives like THRIVE could offer a model for other regions. Improving health care access and promoting community involvement can pave the way for healthier, more resilient communities.

For more details on community health initiatives, you can visit the Central Vermont Medical Center and the University of Vermont Health Network.

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