Announcements
NOTCH Scholarship Now Open for the 2026-2027 Academic Year
RICHFORD, VT — Northern Tier Center for Health (NOTCH) is pleased to share that it is now accepting applications to the NOTCH Scholarship for Career Advancement for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Now in its third year, the NOTCH Scholarship fund was developed to support individuals in Northwestern Vermont who are pursuing continuing education to initiate, advance, or retain expertise in their career field. Four scholarships will be awarded annually up to $2,500 each. Last year, four local community members received scholarship awards to help finance expenses related to their educational programs.
NOTCH will accept applications through April 17th, 2026, and announce awards in May of 2026.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
This scholarship program is for anyone who is interested in advancing their career, whether they are a high school senior or already have an existing degree and/or workforce experience. The scholarship program aims to encourage continuing education for individuals interested in building or elevating their professional skills and expertise in a variety of fields that serve the local area.
The scholarship award may be used to finance college tuition fees, certification training and/or programs, professional licensing programs (e.g., commercial driver’s license), and other continuing education pathways for any field of employment. Scholarship awards will be disbursed directly to the recipients’ educational institutions, which may trigger overpayment and credit or refund to those who paid in full prior to award notification. Previous awardees are not eligible to apply.
To learn more about the NOTCH Scholarship Fund and how to apply, click here.
About NOTCH
Northern Tier Center for Health (NOTCH) is a mission-driven primary care practice with a focus on quality and continuity of care. We are a nonprofit corporation governed by a community-based Board of Directors whose mission is to provide high-quality care in Northwestern Vermont.
NOTCH’s team of compassionate and devoted healthcare professionals and support staff develop long-term relationships with patients, often serving multi-generational families. The organization offers a full spectrum of healthcare services, including family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral health, pharmacy, lab, general dentistry, and a social grocery store.
Tagged Career Advancement, NOTCH, Scholarship Fund, Vermont Scholarships
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Anyone with a cervix should begin cervical cancer screenings at age 21.
Screening can detect cervical cancer early, when it is easiest to treat, often before abnormal cells develop into cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Most people with breasts should be screened for breast cancer every two years starting at age 40, although more specific recommendations for screening may vary based on your medical history, family history, and individual health needs.
Why is Breast Cancer Screening Important?
Breast cancer screening saves lives. Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer early—sometimes years before you notice any symptoms. When detected early, treatment is often simpler, more effective, and offers the best chance for recovery.
Schedule your Mammogram Today!
You do not need a referral for a mammogram – you can schedule by calling:
- Northwestern Medical Center Diagnostic Imaging | 802-524-1058
- University of Vermont Medical Center | 802-847-2262
If you have any questions about breast cancer screening or if you have not seen your Primary Care Provider in a while, please call the location where you receive your care to schedule an appointment!
NOTCH Awards 2025 Scholarships to Four Outstanding Local Students
NOTCH is please to announce the four recipients of this year’s NOTCH Scholarship for Career Advancement. Read more>
NOTCH Scholarship Now Open for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
NOTCH is please to announce that it is now accepting applications to the NOTCH Scholarship for Career Advancement for the 2025-2026 academic year. Learn more.
NOTCH Breaks Ground on Outdoor Welcome Center in Richford
Thanks to an AARP Community Challenge grant and an endowment from the Debra Mason Foundation, NOTCH broke ground on a new outdoor welcome center at its Main Street campus in downtown Richford. Learn more about the welcome center project here.
Flu Immunizations Are Now Available!
Flu immunizations are in stock and available at all NOTCH health center locations. Protect yourself and your loved ones this season by scheduling your flu vaccine. Click here to schedule an appointment at your local NOTCH office.
2024 NOTCH Scholarship Awardees Announced
NOTCH is please to announce the four recipients of this year’s NOTCH Scholarship for Career Advancement. Read more>
Q&A: Meet NOTCH’s new Medical Director, Erick Lavallee
Dr. Erick Lavallee was recently named Medical Director of NOTCH. Learn more about Dr. Lavallee and his vision for NOTCH is this interview with the Saint Albans Messenger. Read more>
NOTCH Announces Scholarship Fund for Career Advancement
NOTCH launches a scholarship fund to support individuals in Northwestern Vermont who are pursuing continuing education to initiate, advance or retain expertise in their career field. Read more>
NOTCH buys Georgia Health Center building
NOTCH bought Georgia Health Center building from the health center’s founders and previous co-owners, Drs. Susan Saferstein and Carol Thayer on March 26, 2024. Learn about the history of the health center and NOTCH’s journey in serving the community of Georgia in this article from the Saint Albans Messenger.
NOTCH health centers prepare for solar eclipse in Franklin County
On April 8th, Vermont will be in the path of totality for a solar eclipse which is the first time in nearly a century. NOTCH is gearing up for this momentous occasion at its services sites. Read this article from the Saint Albans Messenger to learn more NOTCH’s eclipse plans and how you can prepare to safely view this once-in-a-lifetime event!
How NOTCH is making a healthy difference in Swanton
Learn about NOTCH’s wrap-around services in the Swanton community including medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, and dental in this article from the Saint Albans Messenger.
Meet NOTCH’s newest providers; Advanced Practice Providers play vital role in primary care
Advanced Practice Providers are critical to NOTCH’s mission which is to promote, preserve and restore the health of persons residing in Northwestern Vermont. Meet several of NOTCH’s new Advanced Practice Providers in this article from the Saint Albans Messenger.
NOTCH hosts state visit; Richford-based healthcare provider seen as model
On October 26, 2023, Northern Tier Center for Health (NOTCH) welcomed state officials – including Agency of Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts and Agency of Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson – to start new conversations about NOTCH’s community-focused healthcare model. Read about the visit in this article from the Saint Albans Messenger.
Locals supporting locals: Main Street Market prioritizes healthy choices, customers’ needs in Richford
In 2020, Northern Tier Center for Health stepped in to save Richford’s only grocery store – formerly Vista Foods – from closing. From there, Vermont’s only non-profit grocery store operated by a federally qualified health center, Main Street Market, was born. Meet some of the Main Street Market team and learn how this local grocery store is serving its community in this article from the Saint Albans Messenger.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms.
The American Cancer Society Recommends the following Breast Cancer Screening Schedule:
- Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
- Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.
- All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening.
You may be eligible for YouFirst if you live in Vermont, are at least 21 years old, have breasts or a cervix, and meet income guidelines. YouFirst can help you access breast and cervical cancer screenings. For general questions or inquiries, contact YouFirst Monday to Friday, 7:45AM to 4:30PM:
Call: 800-508-2222 | TTY/TDD: Dial 711 first
Email: YouFirst@vermont.gov
Website: www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/you-first
Contact your NOTCH Provider to discuss your breast cancer screening options!
NOTCH News! It’s time for Flu Vaccines
It’s that time of year – flu season! It’s important for everyone 6 months or older to get a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses are constantly changing. Vaccines are updated from one season to the next to ensure maximum protection against the disease. Plus, getting the flu vaccine helps protect you, your family, and your community.
Please call the location where you receive your care to make an appointment or ask about receiving the flu vaccine at your next appointment.
NOTCH offers Pediatric Services
Are you looking for a pediatric provider for yourself (young adult) or your child?
Dr. Scott Spicer, a board-certified Pediatrician, has recently joined NOTCH Swanton Health Center. Dr. Spicer sees patients from birth through young adulthood and he is now accepting appointments for well-child visits, sick appointments, sports physicals, and other care needs.
If you are not currently a patient at NOTCH, you can complete an appointment request to establish with Dr. Spicer by clicking on the “New Patient Request” button below. If you are an existing NOTCH patient interested in transferring care, please contact the Swanton Health Center at 802-868-2454 to schedule an appointment.
Dubs Farm and NOTCH team up for garden cooking workshop
NOTCH partnered with Healthy Roots Collaborative and Northwest Farmacy CSA farm partners, Julie Wright, and Marc Webb of Dubs Farms, for an Open Farm Week activity hosted at Dubs Farms in Berkshire, Vermont.
The event took place on August 10, 2023, and featured a garden tour with Julie Wright followed by a healthy cooking activity with NOTCH’s Community Services Manager, Miranda Henry. Participants helped prepare vegetables harvested from the garden using recipes from the American Heart Association and then enjoyed a healthy, colorful meal of vegetables and herbed grilled chicken at the garden side.
This special collaborative activity was featured in the Saint Albans Messenger as part of the coverage on Vermont’s Open Farm Week. The article can be accessed on the St. Albans Messenger site here.
Olivia Sprague, Pharm D – Appointed to Vermont Board of Pharmacy!
Olivia Sprague, Pharm D, has been appointed to The Vermont Board of Pharmacy. The Board is an eight-member board created by the legislature whose members are appointed by the governor to administer the laws for this profession in the state of Vermont.
The board’s mission is public protection.
The board does this by:
- Ensuring that applicants are qualified for licensure
- Setting standards for the profession by proposing statutes and adopting administrative rules; and,
- Investigating complaints of unprofessional conduct, and taking disciplinary action against licensees when necessary to protect the public.
Olivia can be found at our St. Albans Pharmacy located in Doctors Office Commons at 3 Crest Road, St. Albans VT.
Sarah DeSilvey, DNP Nominated to Serve on the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee!
Please join us in congratulating Sarah DeSilvey, DNP for being nominated to serve on the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC)!
The HITAC Sarah will serve on makes recommendations about information Technology policies, standards, and implementation specifications on a National level. You can find out more about HITAC in this article posted on HealthIT.gov
This nomination clearly demonstrates Sarah’s commitment to advancing healthcare systems not only here in Vermont, but on a National level.
Sarah can be found locally providing primary care at NOTCH Georgia Health Center.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
NOTCH Partners with YouFirst, a one-of-a-kind, free program that helps Vermont women and anyone with breasts or a cervix access necessary screenings – including cervical cancer screenings.
- Who should get Screened? Anyone with a cervix should begin screenings at age 21.
- Why should I get Screened? Screening can detect cervical cancer early when it is easiest to treat before abnormalities progress to cancer.
Talk to your NOTCH Provider about your risks and screening recommendations.
The Winter 2023 Franklin/Grand Isle and Chittenden County Food Resource Guides are available!
You may have been asked about your access to food resources at a recent visit with your NOTCH provider. That is because the food insecurity rate in Vermont is the highest it’s been in over two years, even higher than at the peak of the pandemic – and we want to do our best to help.
NOTCH’s Community Health Team can help connect you with valuable community resources – call your NOTCH Location for more information, and download our ranklin / Grand Isle Food Resource Guide. View our Chittenden County Food Resource Guide.
NOTCH’s CEO Pam Parsons receives Vermont Community Leadership Award!
The VT Community Leadership Award is presented each year to celebrate Vermonters who exemplify “dedication, integrity and honorable service to community and to rural Vermont,” and who have had a “transformational” effect on their communities. Watch Pam accept this award below!
NOTCH Community Based Pharmacy
In an effort to provide high-quality, coordinated & continuous care, the Northern Tier Center for Health (NOTCH) would like to highlight some of the services we have available. With our most recent pharmacy expansions, NOTCH now serves 4 local communities with top-notch, safe, and reliable pharmacy options. We also have a partnership with the Community Health Pharmacy for mail order business. If you are experiencing difficulties getting the medications you need or are looking for a more convenient option; we welcome you to transfer your medications by contacting your primary care office and naming one of the options below as your choice of pharmacy for local, timely, and safe service.
Find out more about our community-based pharmacies on our pharmacies page!
MyHealthyVT.org offering Free Workshops!
Want to be healthier and feel better? MyHealthyVt.org can help! Our local coordinators can connect you with workshops right in your community. These are led by health experts who understand your needs because many have faced similar health challenges. From building healthy behaviors to quitting smoking to managing pain and other long-term health problems, Vermonters who complete our workshops see big improvements in their health—and their overall well-being.
Free workshops cover topics like:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes Prevention
- Quitting Smoking
- Chronic Disease Management
Click here to learn more and to register: https://www.myhealthyvt.org/workshop_dates/
Troy Spaulding of Swanton Rexall is the 2021 Vermont Bowl of Hygeia Recipient!
Established in 1958, the Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizes pharmacists who possess outstanding records of civic leadership in their communities and encourages pharmacists to take active roles in their communities. The award is presented annually by participating state pharmacy associations, including those in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition to service through their local, state, and national pharmacy associations, award recipients devote their time, talent, and resources to a wide variety of causes and community service.
Troy Spaulding, of Swanton is the 2021 Vermont Bowl of Hygeia recipient. Troy is deeply rooted in Swanton, where he has served the community on the School Board while attending to community needs as owner of Swanton Rexall (Now a part of NOTCH) Humble and unassuming, Troy dismisses his participation as something he has always done. He comes from a long line of pharmacists. His father, Dexter Spaulding, received the Bowl of Hygeia 50 years ago and perhaps one day, his daughter, Olivia Spaulding Sprague (Now PIC at the St. Albans Pharmacy) will follow in the family tradition of community service.
Congratulations to Troy and his family on this great honor!
A note from CMS.gov – Avoid Covid-19 Scams
Have you gotten robocalls, text messages, or emails offering COVID-19 tests in exchange for your Medicare Number? Be careful! Scammers are selling fake and unauthorized at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for your personal or medical information. Do not give out your Medicare Number for COVID-19 test kits!
Make sure to purchase FDA-approved COVID-19 test kits from legitimate providers. Over-the-counter or at-home tests are available for sale around the U.S. at many reputable and trustworthy retailers and pharmacies
Remember, each household in the U.S. can also have four free COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to their home at no cost. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order tests or learn more about testing.
If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it.
NOTCH Opens St. Albans Pharmacy!
NOTCH is excited to expand access to pharmacy services in Franklin County! NOTCH St. Albans Pharmacy is co-located at our St. Albans Health Center Location Doctors Office Commons, 3 Crest Road, St. Albans, VT
Hours of Operation and Contact:
Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Phone: 802-527-6700
Fax: 802-341-3099
Get your Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccines are now available at all NOTCH Locations!
The Vermont Department of Health encourages all Vermonters age six months and older, and those at high risk of complications from the flu to get vaccinated.
Call any NOTCH Location to schedule an appointment!
