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CEO Message to the Community – October 2025

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Flu Vaccine Clinic THIS Saturday, October 4th

With so much talk about vaccines in the news today, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. Vaccines remain one of the most effective public health interventions, significantly reducing serious outcomes from infectious diseases.

Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital is hosting the first of two Saturday flu vaccine clinics from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday (the next one is on November 8). During the clinics, Grace Cottage will also collect donations for the Townshend Food Shelf. If you wish to support the Food Shelf in this way, you can bring a non-perishable food item to the clinic.

Most insurance covers flu shots; please bring an ID and insurance card. If you are not insured, payment for your flu shot is expected at the time of service. (If you need insurance, Grace Cottage has a resource advocate who can help.) You do not have to be an established patient at Grace Cottage to get a flu shot at the clinics. Pre-registration is recommended (call 802-365-4331); walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18.

Honoring Extraordinary Nurses at Grace Cottage

The DAISY Foundation-LogoWe receive many letters and notes from our patients praising the care they receive at Grace Cottage, and these messages mean so much to us. To shine a light on our nurses, I am proud to announce that  Grace Cottage is now  participating in the DAISY Award program, an international recognition program for nurses who go above and beyond in delivering compassionate, skillful care.

The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, whose family was deeply moved by the exceptional nursing care he received during his illness. Today, the award celebrates nurses who demonstrate clinical excellence and heartfelt dedication—those who make a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families.

Do you know a nurse at Grace Cottage who deserves to be recognized? We invite patients, their families, and colleagues to share their stories and nominate a nurse who exemplifies the spirit of The DAISY Award. Nominations may be made using the forms found in the waiting rooms at Grace Cottage or this online form.

Thank you for helping shine a light on our extraordinary nurses!

Messenger Valley Pharmacy’s New App

If you fill your prescription at Messenger Valley Pharmacy, you may have noticed some changes. A few months ago, they overhauled their software, which has led to greater efficiency and productivity. This year, our pharmacists have filled almost 66,000 prescriptions, a 22% increase compared to just three years ago!

Over 750 patients have registered to use the RxLocal App or receive text message notifications about their Messenger Valley Pharmacy prescriptions, and the feedback has been very positive. You may download the RxLocal App from Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Registering takes a few minutes, but it will save you time later.

Messenger Pharmacy App

A Successful and Delicious Evening at American Flatbread

Thank you to the many folks who turned out for Tuesday night at American Flatbread in Dover for their Benefit Bake for Grace Cottage. American Flatbread in Dover will donate a portion of all pizza sales from last night to our primary care clinic project.

We plan to break ground on this transformational project in 2026. You can find out more about it on our website, gracecottage.org/future.

Grace Cottage Family Health Clinic

 

Community Health & Wellness Fair THIS Saturday

Community Health Wellness FairPlease join us for the Community Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 4, at Brattleboro Union High School. Grace Cottage is participating in this free event, along with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Senior Solutions, Brattleboro Youth Council, The Vermont Department of Health, The Brattleboro Retreat, and the Town of Brattleboro, and other organizations to present information about services and programs that support healthy living. Parking is free, and there will be activities, demonstrations, and prizes. Local food trucks will be selling delicious meals and treats, too!

Olivia Sweetnam CEOI hope you’re enjoying this beautiful fall weather. As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, or comments – please feel free to reach out!

With thanks and gratitude,
Olivia