Welch secured funding for the projects through congressional appropriations

BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, today announced the delivery of more than $2 million in federal funding to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and the University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network to support and improve access to rural health care in Vermont. Senator Welch nominated project recipients through the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process. 

This federal funding secured by Senator Welch includes $1.4 million to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital to construct new pharmacies in Caledonia County to address the recent loss of pharmacies in Caledonia towns, and $694,000 million to the UVM Health Network for hospital safety improvements.    

“Rural communities are facing more barriers to affordable health care than ever before, making it harder for Vermonters to easily reach a pharmacy and get the care they need. I’m proud to deliver this federal funding to increase health care access in the NEK by building more local pharmacies in rural communities and investing in safety improvements at medical facilities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m committed to doing everything I can to expand access to health care and affordable prescription drugs in every corner of our state.” 

“A local pharmacy is an essential part of a healthy, thriving community. We’re excited to move forward with restoring this critical service in Hardwick and thankful to Senator Welch and NVRH for their partnership and investment in the community’s health and well-being,” said Chris Towne, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Counties Health Care. 

“We are grateful for Senator Welch’s support in helping to stabilize our regional pharmacy landscape.  Rural communities deserve local access and choice, especially given the fragility of our healthcare systems,” said Shawn Tester, Chief Executive Officer, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. 

“Health care organizations across the country have grappled with rising violence for several years, especially against frontline caregivers, and Vermont is not immune,” said Stephen Leffler, MD, University of Vermont Health Chief Executive Officer and University of Vermont Medical Center President. “The challenge is complex, and we are grateful Sen. Welch recognizes hospitals cannot solve it alone. The funding he has secured will help us implement visitor management and enhanced weapons screening systems at UVM Medical Center, where our teams care for the largest patient population. These initiatives are an important part of the health system’s ongoing work across the region to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all of our patients, staff and visitors.” 

Senator Welch secured nearly $60 million in federal funds to support 38 Vermont projects through the CDS process for FY26. Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. 

###

View a digital version of this release.