Keys to the Valley Publishes Assessment of Homes

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The Public Health Council serves on the Keys to the Valley Steering Committee to advocate for housing as a public health issue. This newsletter is reposted with permission to spread the news of this tremendous new resource for our community. I hope you find it as helpful as I do. – Alice Ely

Keys to the Valley Publishes Assessment of Homes and Toolbox of Solutions on Interactive Website

We are excited and humbled to announce that the findings and resources from this initiative are now publicly available on the new Keys to the Valley website (www.keystothevalley.com). We are glad to share these resources for your contemplation, conversation, and active use when considering the many challenges facing our region’s homes.

The website includes 4 major sections:

  • Our Housing Challenge: A series of analyses on the current condition and need for homes – from affordability, equity, and impact of the pandemic to demographics, public opinion, and 2030 projections.
  • Toolbox: Strategies and policies to promote safe and affordable homes while strengthening our communities. Organized in six action areas, these tools are intended for a variety of community partners. To support these efforts, resources are provided to advance specific strategies – including those specific to land use regulations, visualizing new homes, housing models, and an open data portal.
  • Library: Definitions of terms and types of homes, suggested resources from other organizations, regional news, and more.
  • Get Involved: View a calendar of events and sign up for updates delivered to your email.

We look forward to discussing and planning together for the homes our region needs in the coming months and years. A sincere thank you to our volunteers, advisors and funders, without whom this initiative would not have been possible!

In a Nutshell

The Keys to the Valley project documents our need for homes across a bi-state, 67-town region, and presents a roadmap for tackling this crisis at the local, regional, and statewide level. The scale of this challenge calls for both immediate action as well as further study and conversations.

During this project, we have come to understand several critical concepts, or what we are calling Key Understandings:

  • First key understanding: Our region’s housing problem is a crisis.
  • Second key understanding: This is not just a private problem with a private solution.
  • Third key understanding: It is a tough problem that requires many different solutions in tandem that are fit to each place and its people.
  • Fourth key understanding: New solutions and approaches are needed.
  • Fifth key understanding: Solving housing needs must also solve other problems.

Chester, VT. Photo by Braxton Freeman.

With these understandings of our housing crisis in mind, our committee has identified a series of actions and related tools to address the challenges facing our region’s homes.

  • Action Area A: Spread knowledge of the region’s housing needs
  • Action Area B: Ensure access to a safe home
  • Action Area C: Sustain existing primary homes
  • Action Area D: Make it easier to build homes
  • Action Area E: Create the types of homes the region needs
  • Action Area F: Build smart for economic health

Join the Conversation – Spring 2021 Public Events

As part of the Initiative’s launch, we will be hosting a series of virtual public presentations and conversations. We hope you will join us!

Building Smart for Stronger Communities

Wednesday, May 5, Noon – 1PM: To address our region’s housing crisis, many new homes are needed. Through thoughtful planning, we can tackle this challenge in a way that strengthens community bonds, bolsters local tax bases, and ensures quality of life for residents. This workshop will cover a variety of planning tools available to communities, including strategies around land use, transportation, infrastructure, and conservation.

Land Use Regulations

Wednesday, May 12, Noon – 130PM: Land use regulations can help our communities provide the homes needed for resident health and economic vitality; however, they can also be barriers to a community’s ability to respond to specific needs and adapt to change. Come learn about how land use regulations impact our region’s homes and strategies to better provide the homes we need now and In the future.

Homes to Get or Stay out of Crisis and Homelessness

Wednesday, May 19, Noon – 1PM: Do we have adequate housing options for our homeless? How can we do better at providing the social supports many need to maintain a stable, safe home? Come learn, share, and hear directly from our region’s social service providers.

Employer Assisted Housing

Wednesday, May 26, Noon – 1PM: A shortage of affordable homes creates many challenges for employers seeking to attract a workforce. Some employers have responded to this challenge by developing new homes themselves or investing in new home creation. Learn about strategies that employers of all sizes have undertaken to address this challenge, and how your business or organization could get involved.

Housing Breakfast

Tuesday, June 11, 730 – 9AM: Are you ready to be part of the effort to improve home availability and affordability? Join residents, employers, officials, and other leaders … Learn about exciting housing approaches being used in the region … Help unveil “Keys to the Valley,” an online information tool for organizing and encouraging dozens of different strategies and tools that will help us meet this regional challenge! (Hosted by Vital Communities)

Event recordings will be made publicly on the Initiative’s YouTube.

Interested? Find out more on our website and Register for those you would like to attend.

Interested in a topic not listed? We are considering additional events for June 2021 and would like your opinion on topics. Please take this quick survey to share your interests with us.

Lead poisons people - especially children

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Web Page Launched

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Did you know it only takes this much lead to poison a child - a pin headThe Public Health Council recently launched a new web page with childhood lead poisoning prevention resources. The page contains information for parents, caregivers, property owners, and landlords. It provides links to the best state, regional, and national resources to learn about childhood lead poisoning prevention.

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. However, nearly 1 million children living in the United States have blood levels high enough to impair their ability to think, learn, and concentrate. In 2019, 10 children (0 − 72 months old) in the Upper Valley Region of New Hampshire were identified with elevated blood lead levels of 5 ug/dL or higher.

The Public Health Council has conducted childhood lead poisoning prevention in the Upper Valley since September 2019. Then, we hosted an educational session with over 25 local partners. Our efforts are supported by a grant from the NH Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Upper Valley Goals

One of our goals has been to expand training and certification opportunities for local homeowners, contractors, landlords, property managers and town building inspectors on lead-safe practices. We trained nearly 30 people in the EPA’s Renovate, Repair, and Paint program. Training was provided by Lead-Edu. We are pleased that online training opportunities will continue to be available to people in our region. Contact Lead-Edu to learn more about their training calendar and programs.

Our second goal was to collaborate with the Mascoma Valley Regional School District (MVRSD). We planned to provide education to the community and school personnel, promote lead screening, and adopt school policy to make identifying children with lead exposure easier. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s impact on our local schools made this a significant challenge at this time. Instead, we shifted gears to provide more community education about childhood lead poisoning prevention

Mascoma Bank sponsored a bank statement stuffer in March 2021 that went out in over 40,000 bank statements. In April, we launched a new website to provide resources and information to community members. Throughout the past 18 months, we have created strong relationships with individuals and organizations interested in continuing to address this complex problem. We expect to pursue additional funding with some of these partners to support more work to protect our region’s vulnerable children.

Please reach out to Alice Ely (alice.ely@uvpublichealth.org) at the Public Health Council is you are interested in joining our Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Working Group.

Upper Valley Medical Reserve Corps Has Been Busy in Vermont

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MRC Volunteer, Alice W., prepares to vaccinate a client in Randolph, VT

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers, organized into local units to improve the health and safety of their communities, especially in times of natural disasters and other emergencies. The MRC network comprises more than 190,000 volunteers in roughly 800 units located throughout the United States and its territories. Now in its 13th year, the Upper Valley MRC (Unit 1776) is one of only a handful of bi-state units in the U.S. and currently has 156 active members.

MRCs Respond to COVID Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed our volunteers to take a particularly visible and active role in the response to the virus. From April to December 2020, Upper Valley MRC members supported weekly district COVID-19 testing clinics in White River Junction and Springfield (VT) helping to triage clients at the sites, assisting with computer-based intake functions, and even performing tests. Our members contributed more than 1,000 hours of volunteer support in these positions.

Now as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout focuses on the immunization of older adults, Upper Valley MRC clinicians are assisting with vaccine administration and clinic support duties as part of weekly district clinics in White River Junction and Randolph. Below, intake worker and MRC volunteer Jed G. sanitizes clipboards for client use.

Volunteers Value Being of Service

MRC volunteer, Jed G., helps sanitize clip boards to keep clients safe,

Richard W., an MRC member who has helped with triage and intake roles, says this about being compelled to volunteer after reading about the MRC in an area newspaper: “I felt a burning desire to use some of my free time to be of service to our state and community to help in any way that I could. I signed up and the experience has been great, and so rewarding.” With similar sentiments, Deborah P. says she has volunteered at the vaccine clinics “to support my fellow Vermonters and my community.”

Kristin B., a clinician serving as a volunteer vaccinator shares, “It’s a privilege and a joy to be able to do something tangible to overcome the pain and suffering caused by COVID-19 infection. It is so satisfying to meet each patient and now that [once fully vaccinated] they’ll be on the road to protection.”

MRC volunteer, Susan M,, helps register clients for vaccine.

Another clinician, Susan M. who is a retired physician’s assistant, offers that she volunteers with the MRC because, “It feels good to utilize my medical skills and engage with my community in this worthwhile and gratifying way.”

MRC Volunteers Still Needed

There is still a need to grow the Upper Valley MRC’s membership to continue in the COVID-19 response, as well as prepare for future emergencies. To learn more about joining the Upper Valley Medical Reserve Corps, please email uppervalleyMRC@gmail.com. Information is also available on our webpage.

Caregivers May Face Isolation This Winter

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Sunday Seniors: This winter may be tough for caregivers

By Liz Sauchelli
Valley News Staff Writer
Published: 11/14/2020

In the spring and summer, there was a bit of a reprieve. The warmer weather made it easier for many older adults — and their caregivers — to spend time outside and socialize.

But as the temperatures drop, senior service providers worry about the impact of “going into winter, when isolation becomes more acute,” said Alice Ely, director of the Public Council of the Upper Valley. She spoke during the Aging in Community Quarterly Forum & Town Welfare Officers Symposium, which was held via Zoom last Tuesday.

Melissa Grenier, regional manager for New Hampshire with the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized that isolation impacts caregivers. READ MORE

PHC Hosts Meeting for Aging in Community Groups and Town Welfare Officers

Numerous towns across the Upper Valley host groups of volunteers dedicated to supporting older adults living in their communities. Some of these towns even have Community or Parish Nurses. According to the Upper Valley Community Nursing Project, the goal of community nursing is to “add a health professional to the informal network of volunteers already providing care for elders, and to facilitate the placement of a nurse in a community to address non-acute needs of elders at home.” These community groups host local events to bring people together, such as monthly luncheons, educational events, and social gatherings. They also work hard to connect people to resources available across the region, such as at Senior Centers and the Aging Resource Center at Dartmouth.

The Public Health Council (PHC) has hosted a quarterly forum for these groups for several years now, with the goal of sharing good ideas, learning about new resources, and building a network.

PHC also hosts periodic meetings for the Town Welfare or Service Officers in our towns who carry out a Town’s mission to support residents in their times of need. These Town Welfare and Service Officers may provide temporary assistance to residents. They also connect people with resources available in the region. Because the issue of isolation for older adults, and especially for people living with, or caring for someone with , dementia is pervasive, our recent Forum, Accessing Dementia Friendly Communities Through Understanding, included these Town Welfare and Service Officers, too.

During the coronavirus pandemic, many older adults are heeding the warnings to stay home and avoid gatherings. This is a wise choice on their part, however, it comes at a cost. The lack of social interaction increases the risk of depression. And when we are not being seen by family members, friends, health care providers, changes in our health status may go unnoticed for too long, as a form of self-neglect sets in. The purpose for the November 10th Forum was to explore the impact of dementia and the needs of caregivers, especially during the pandemic. Over 45 people people from our the region joined the conversation and a number of resources were shared. Several of these resources are listed below.

Understanding Dementia and Supporting Caregivers During the Pandemic

 

Alzheimer’s Association

To find your local (state) chapter or find resources: alz.org
24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900

Aging Resource Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock

For a list of VIRTUAL programs and resources: PROGRAMS
To join the mailing list: SIGN UP  or email AgingCenter@hitchcock.org

Upper Valley Community Nursing Project

To learn more about community and parish nurses — or to find one in your community: uvcnp.org

Senior Centers Adapt to Pandemic

Grafton County Senior Citizens Council
Upper Valley Senior Center (Lebanon)
Mascoma Senior Center
Orford Area Senior Center

Bugbee Senior Center
White River Junction, VT

Thompson Senior Center
Woodstock, VT

Senior Solutions

Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont

Upper Valley Strong Provides List of Resources for Many Needs

Upper Valley Strong Website
Maintaining Older Adult Health
Food Access
Transportation

October Was Flu Vaccine Month in the Upper Valley

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Medical students from the Geisel School of Medicine provide free flu vaccines in Bradford, VT.

This fall in the Upper Valley there have been many opportunities for residents to get seasonal flu vaccine. This year, getting vaccinated against the flu is more important than ever. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot afford to overburden the health care system with flu-related hospitalizations. Also, because the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it is difficult to distinguish the two infections and health care providers may use scarce resources assuming cases are COVID-19 when they are not.

Fortunately, it appears many Upper Valley residents have heeded the warning and gotten their vaccine. Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Vermont Department of Health both report higher numbers of vaccines given this year over recent years. The Public Health Council is proud to have been part of this effort, providing over 1,350 free flu vaccines in five community drive-thru clinics during the month of October.

This was a true collaborative effort and we want to thank the partners who made these clinics possible. Thank you to the 99 students from the Geisel School of Medicine who volunteered 514 hours of service to administer vaccines. To Dr. Annika Brown who trained the students and recruited eleven of her colleagues from Dartmouth-Hitchcock to supervise the clinics. To Dartmouth-Hitchcock for donating vaccines and clinical supplies. To Novo Nordisk and the Lebanon Rotary Club for providing grants to cover expenses of setting up outdoor clinics. To community partners who helped coordinate and staff the clinics:

  • Creigh Moffett of Rivendell Academy
  • Stephanie Schell of Plainfield
  • Phil Neily of the Town of Enfield
  • Little Rivers Health Care
  • Canaan Elementary School
  • Canaan Fire Department.
  • Members of the Lebanon and Cohase Rotary Clubs who staffed our registration tents.

Cars line up for flu vaccine in Orford.

We are certain to have missed someone on this list of partners because we received so very much support. Our oversight does not diminish our gratitude.

May the seasonal flu vaccine effort next year be less complicated by other factors. But may we never forget how fortunate we are in the Upper Valley to have so many partners working together to protect our community’s health.

Sincerely,

Alice Ely, Executive Director
Rudy Fedrizzi, Board Chair

Other News About Seasonal Flu Vaccine from Around the Region

From Weekly VT Governor’s Report (submitted 10-13-2020): Bi-State Collaboration to Combat Flu

“For the past 10+ weeks the White River Junction District has been engaged in a bi-state working group to expand flu vaccination.  This effort includes representation from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and its affiliates, Geisel Medical School, Visiting Nurse Associations, the Public Health Council of the Upper Valley, the Upper Valley Medical Reserve Corps (also a bi-state group), and the Vermont Department of Health.  Already flu uptake is exceeding previous year volumes.  VT school flu clinics in collaboration with local provider groups like those of Little River Healthcare and Gifford Pediatrics are more robust this year with many providing immunizations to school staff. ”

Dr. Annika Brown and Geisel students prepare flu vaccines in Enfield.

Local Media Share Vital Information

Public urged to get Flu Shot

By Nora Doyle-Burr
Valley News Staff Writer
Published: 10/12/2020

LEBANON — Now is the best time to get a flu shot, a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center epidemiologist told participants in a virtual community conversation last week about the importance of such vaccinations as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

Influenza activity often begins to increase in October, peaking between December and February. Because it takes about two weeks following a flu shot to develop immunity, people who wait too long to get their shots may risk getting sicker than they would if they had gotten them earlier, said Dr. Jose Mercado, a hospital epidemiologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. READ MORE

NH Officials Stress Need for Flu Shots

Concord Monitor
Published: 8/18/2020

As fall approaches, health officials are worried about an unprecedented flu season in which two potentially deadly respiratory illnesses would stress the same limited health care resources. Getting a flu shot is important now more than ever, state officials say, because the health care system can’t handle two simultaneous outbreaks.

Complicating the issue is that while the flu and COVID-19 are different, they present almost identical symptoms in patients. Beth Daly, the chief of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control in New Hampshire, said there is virtually no way to distinguish between the two illnesses based on symptoms alone. READ MORE