UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice Secures $1.18 Million in Grants to Enhance Home and Community-Based Services

Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is a full-service, not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Association committed to providing high-quality, medically necessary home health and hospice care to all central Vermonters, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. However, the specific funding news article requested pertains to UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice (HHH), which secured significant grants for innovative healthcare initiatives.

UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice recently announced the receipt of two grants from the Vermont Agency of Human Services, totaling $1.18 million. These grants were made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which aimed to enhance, expand, and strengthen home and community-based services (HCBS) in Vermont. The funding is specifically allocated to support Medicaid members and recognizes the critical role of HCBS in addressing the health needs of the population.

One of the grants, amounting to $456,341, is dedicated to expanding and evaluating the Longitudinal Care Program. This program serves individuals who lack a support system and whose social needs and health conditions create complexity in ongoing care needs. The program is designed to provide long-term engagement with an interdisciplinary care team, ideally meeting the needs of these individuals. With this funding, HHH will increase its capacity to deliver care within the program, expanding its reach and serving a greater number of clients. Additionally, the grant will facilitate a comprehensive program impact evaluation, further reinforcing the commitment to evidence-based practices and the development of sustainable funding models.

Christine Werneke, President and COO of UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice, emphasized the immediate impact of this funding on addressing the organization’s priorities, particularly supporting the growth of their teams and expanding access to care for the most vulnerable neighbors. The grants will enable HHH to invest in opportunities for staff and create pathways for individuals who have not yet found their way to a career in home health or hospice, allowing them to better meet the needs of their community today and tomorrow.

These grants underscore the vital role of home and community-based services in the healthcare system. By investing in infrastructure, workforce development, and innovative care models, HHH aims to address the evolving needs of Vermonters. Evidence shows that delivering care in the home setting yields equal or better quality and outcomes compared to alternative care settings. As the older population in the community grows, HHH is committed to finding innovative ways to deliver care to individuals with diverse needs, breaking down barriers to health and fostering independence.

Furthermore, HHH will explore the expansion of a complex care model that provides individuals with a supportive community-based team to help them meet their goals and maintain independence. This initiative reflects HHH’s dedication to investing in its people through expanded access to education, training, and professional development.

The Vermont Agency of Human Services awarded over $17.6 million in grants to support Vermont’s system of care for individuals and families who use Medicaid home and community-based services. These grants were awarded across four tracks: Infrastructure Improvement, Workforce Development, Care Model Innovation Pilots, and Organizational Performance Improvement and Compliance. The funding will strengthen the healthcare workforce, update aging buildings, and enhance and expand vital services for Vermonters.

The grants awarded to HHH and other HCBS providers demonstrate the commitment to enhancing and expanding home and community-based services in Vermont. By leveraging these funds, HHH and other organizations can better meet the evolving needs of their community, ensuring high-quality care and support for individuals and families who rely on these services.

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