Community Center of Excellence in Women's Health
NORTHEAST KINGDOM CCOE 2001-2007
In September 2001, Northeastern Vermont AHEC was awarded a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish the Northeast Kingdom Community Center of Excellence in Women’s Health (CCOE), one of only 5 locations across the United States to receive the coveted designation that year. In September 2006, Northeastern Vermont AHEC received a one year follow-up grant and was designated a CCOE Ambassador for Change.
During the six years of CCOE designation, the Northeastern Vermont AHEC was proud to be involved in providing the following services to the women and health care providers in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont:
- Ensured access to quality healthcare for all women in the Northeast Kingdom
- Empowered women to make healthy choices
- Connected women with the resources and services they need
- Promoted leadership and health career opportunities for women
- Provided community health education programs and information for women and professionals
The CCOE also provided support and planning for health care provider continuing education programs on women’s health topics.
The Northeast Kingdom CCOE and NEVAHEC partnered to support health career summer camps (MedQuest) for 9th and 10th graders. One week was dedicated to a “girls only” camp that focused on leadership skills, self-esteem, and women’s health issues. MedQuest provided job shadow opportunities, CPR training and certification, and presentations/discussions on a variety of traditional and alternative health care issues.
Even though CCOE funding has ended, MedQuest camps continue to be presented and are supported by other NEVAHEC grants.
Women's Resource Network
With support from the Northeast Kingdom CCOE, The Women’s Resource Network (WRN) was established. The Women’s Resource Network provided trained Community Health Workers to help women access needed services and resources in the community. Women who became part of the CCOE not only had access to the Women’s Resource Network, but also were provided with current health information and recommendations, and invited to participate in health education programs in the community.
The WRN has since evolved into a very successful program entitled “Community Connections” at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury.
Northeast Kingdom CCOE Community Partners included:
- Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
- Northern Counties Health Care, Inc.
- Northeast Kingdom Area Agency on Aging
- Northeast Kingdom Human Services
- Caledonia Home Health and Hospice
- Vermont Department of Health
- Primary Care Provider Practices
- Planned Parenthood
- Umbrella, Inc.
The Northeast Kingdom Community Center of Excellence in Women’s Health was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
This page updated 14 August 2008
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