Welch secures $2 million for rural Vermont health care

Where the funding will go

U.S. Sen. Peter Welch announced more than in federal funding for Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and the University of Vermont Health Network. The projects are intended to expand pharmacy access in rural communities and improve safety at medical facilities.

Welch nominated the recipients through the fiscal year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending process. He serves on the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care.

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital will receive to construct pharmacies in Caledonia County. The project is a response to recent pharmacy losses in towns across the county and is intended to give residents more local options for obtaining prescriptions and related care.

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital CEO Shawn Tester said rural communities need local access and choice. Northern Counties Health Care CEO Chris Towne said restoring pharmacy service in Hardwick would support the community’s health and well-being.

Hospital safety improvements

The UVM Health Network will receive for hospital safety work. The investment will support visitor-management measures and enhanced weapons-screening systems at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Stephen Leffler, president of the UVM Medical Center and chief executive of UVM Health, said health care organizations have faced violence against frontline workers. He said the planned systems are part of broader work to maintain a safe environment for patients, employees and visitors.

The two awards total about. Welch said the pharmacy funding would improve rural access to care and prescription drugs, while the UVM Health Network funding would strengthen safety at medical facilities.