Mission Statement - HC is a health education, health promotion non-profit organization that focuses on developing healthy communities by bringing people and resources together to achieve healthier lives.
Our principle focus is on the two most significant causes of preventable death and chronic disease: tobacco use and obesity. However, given the health needs of a community Health Connections’ work may also address underage drinking or adult binge drinking, marijuana and drug abuse, access to affordable oral health care, providing resources on positive parenting, or other health topics.
Most of our work targets youth and their parents, so the younger generation grows up knowing why maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important and how they can apply healthy practices to their lives. If youth understand and practice making healthy choices for their lives now, then there is increased likelihood that they will continue to make healthy choices for their lives as adults, and therefore, reduce their risk of chronic disease.
But this is not to say that Health Connections does not work with or target health improvement initiatives toward adults. Our quit tobacco programs (tobacco cessation) is one example of how Health Connections helps adults improve the health quality of their lives. Did you know that after only 20 minutes of NOT SMOKING the body begins to heal itself! After just a half of day of not smoking, the carbon monoxide level in the body drops to normal! And, obviously greater health outcomes are rewarded the longer someone stays off tobacco.
To realize significant health improvement, however, individual change is not enough. There must be policies and a community environment that seeks to promote healthy living as well. Through its Fit & Healthy Coalition, Health Connections engages community members, businesses, social service organizations, local governments, schools, etc to build healthier communities. Health Connections also connects with state legislators to encourage their involvement in helping to establish policies throughout the state that will promote healthy living.
Service Area
Health Connections serves the towns of Vermont’s and New Hampshire’s Upper Valley region. Depending upon the health issue being addressed, Health Connections may extend its work beyond its core service area.
Board of Directors
| Board Member Name |
Current Position |
Member Until |
| • Tom Ketteridge |
President |
2012 |
| • Ann Seibert |
Vice President |
2012 |
| • Miriam Rubin |
Secretary |
2013 |
| • Pat Wheatley |
Treasurer |
2013 |
| • Dr. Becky Foulk |
Board Member |
2011 |
| • Cathy Hazlett |
Executive Director |
2013 |
