Congressman Impressed By “Effective and Efficient” Care at Community Health

Congressman Peter Welch Tours Community Health Castleton

Rutland – Community Health Chief Executive Officer Don Reuther gathered members of his leadership team on Friday, January 31st to guide Vermont Congressman Peter Welch through the health network’s primary care facility in Castleton, where he saw health care in action.

Dr. Julie Foster was using voice recognition software to transcribe patient notes when Welch stopped to observe time-saving software in use. Dr. Foster told Welch the technology was a “huge asset” to her work.  Castleton Practice Leader Cathy Cota explained the facility’s color-coded tracking system that ensures efficient and timely care of patients.

“Every area in the country has underserved people,” Welch said, “and this delivery model is effective and efficient.”

Welch and the Castleton providers discussed Community Health’s behavioral health and addiction services, telemedicine, care management and diabetes programs. They also addressed the challenges and difficulties associated with recruiting providers to the rural area served by Community Health.

“There is a lot of support for community health centers in Congress,” Welch said. “Bernie, Patrick and I are very supportive of this model,” he said.

While in Castleton, Congressman Welch met with Board of Directors Member Lenny Gibson, Community Health Medical Director Dr. Bradley Berryhill, CEO Don Reuther and the clinic leadership Supervisor Heather Hurlburt-Ducharme and Practice Leader Cathy Cota.

Welch told the group the clinic was comfortable and impressive. “I love seeing this,” he said.

According to his website, Welch “is a leading advocate for energy efficiency, cutting the price of prescription drugs, investing in infrastructure, and expanding broadband and telemedicine in rural America.”

Welch told the group the clinic was comfortable and impressive. “I love seeing this,” he said.

According to his website, Welch “is a leading advocate for energy efficiency, cutting the price of prescription drugs, investing in infrastructure, and expanding broadband and telemedicine in rural America.”

Community Health is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Vermont with seven primary care practices, along with dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services.

With administrative offices in Rutland, Community Health covers Rutland and southern Addison counties, and provides comprehensive primary care for people of all ages.

Congressman Peter Welch learns about the flag system for tracking patients from Community Health Castleton Practice Leader Cathy Cota.

Pictured in the Community Health Castleton lobby (left to right): Heather Hurlburt-Ducharme, Supervisor; Cathy Cota, Practice Leader; Donald Reuther, CEO; Congressman Peter Welch; Bradley Berryhill, MD, Medical Director.

Community Health is the largest network of primary care, pediatric and dental services in Rutland and southern Addison counties with offices in Rutland, Brandon, Castleton, West Pawlet and Shoreham. Community Dental offices are located in Rutland and Shoreham, Community Health Pediatrics is in Rutland and Community Health’s Express Care centers, open seven days a week, are located at the Rutland and Castleton Community Health Centers. Behavioral health providers are available at all Community Health locations.

The mission of the Community Health (Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region) is to improve the health and wellness of all people in the communities we serve by providing access to excellent medical and dental primary care regardless of any financial consideration.