Southern Vermont AHEC

A powerful new exhibition is on display at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center

"Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories—Vermont" opened July 11 and runs through November 1, 2026. This free exhibition shares the personal stories and original graphite portraits of Vermonters who lost their lives to substance use disorder, putting human faces and voices at the center of the addiction crisis.

Created from photographs, memories, and stories submitted by families across Vermont, each portrait and narrative honors a life while challenging the stigma surrounding addiction. More than an art exhibition, it is an opportunity to foster understanding, compassion, and meaningful community conversation.

This exhibition was created from Vermont lives, for Vermont communities. Following its Brattleboro run, a reproduction of the exhibition will travel throughout the state so more Vermonters can experience these powerful stories.

Admission is free. We hope you'll join them in honoring those we've lost and helping to end the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.

Learn more:
🌐 https://www.intolightproject.org/
🌐 https://www.vamhar.org/

Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Brattleboro Retreat The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

Meet CSHIP Rising Star Li Moavenian!

Li, a rising senior at the University of Vermont majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in History, is making a meaningful impact through our College Student Health Internship Program (CSHIP) with Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging’s In-Home Caregiver and Respite Pilot Program.

Each week, Li travels throughout the greater Rutland region to support four individuals with dementia. providing much needed respite for their caregivers. While the work can be challenging, Li approaches every visit with compassion, patience, and a positive attitude.

“I have learned that each situation is unique, and I must always remain calm and figure out the best way to handle it. Don’t take things personally, “ Li shares. “I have learned that internships are not just bullet points on a resume. They help you truly recognize what you’re working toward. I now understand rural health systems better than I did before.”

Lu’s supervisor, Jess Hurley, has seen that impact firsthand:

“Li has been a wonderful addition to our team through the CSHIP program. Her compassion, professionalism, and genuine commitment to supporting caregivers had been evident in every interaction. She has been a pleasure to work with, and I know she’ll continue to make a difference wherever she goes.”

We’re proud to celebrate Li’s dedication to improving the lives of older Vermonters and their caregivers!



Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization Vermont Health Careers Northern Vermont AHEC

Meet Rising Star CSHIP Intern Ryder Busto!

From Burke, Vermont, Ryder is spending his summer giving back through his CSHIP internship with .O.P.E. Vermont (Helping Other People Every Day) in Lyndonville.

As a rising sophomore and nursing major at the University of Vermont, Ryder is leading H.O.P.E.'s Summer Produce Giveaway Program, connecting with local farms to provide fresh, healthy food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity while expanding the program's reach throughout the community.

"Working with H.O.P.E. has helped me communicate more effectively with diverse populations experiencing issues like housing and food insecurity. I have met so many people I might never have known, and it has meant so much to me listening to their challenges and offering support," Ryder shared.

His supervisor, Jaime Brown, has seen that impact firsthand:
"Ryder has been so dedicated to his internship responsibilities at H.O.P.E. Through his calm demeanor and attention to detail, he has been successful in expanding the outreach for the Summer Produce Giveaway Program."

Ryder hopes to pursue a career in nursing, with a focus on emergency services—and if this summer is any indication, he's already building the compassion, leadership, and commitment that will make him an outstanding healthcare professional.

Congratulations, Ryder! We're excited to see where your journey leads and grateful for the positive impact you're making today. 👏



Vermont Department of Health Northern Vermont AHEC Vermont Health Careers

Session Two of MedQuest at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHS) has officially come to a close, and what an incredible three days it has been.

The final day gave students one more opportunity to dive into hands-on learning with an Ultrasound Module led by mentors Grace Giroux and Joe Gallo. From learning the science behind the ultrasound imaging to using portable ultrasound devices themselves, students gained firsthand experience with a tool that plays a vital role in patient care.

Another memorable part of the day was their candid conversation with the MedQuest mentors, who shared their personal journeys into medicine. They dispensed sound advice about college and medical school preparation, building strong study habits, and maintaining work/life balance.

The day concluded with student presentations of their Media Myth Buster Capstone Projects. The teams (check out these clever names: Mustard, Relish, and Ketchup), selected pivotal scenes from popular medical dramas like “House” and “Grey’s Anatomy” and using different props, transformed them into realistic scenarios by applying evidence-based medicine, sound ethics, and proper clinical practice. Their impressive presentations showcased their creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

Witnessing how these students have blossomed with confidence is nothing short of astounding. This reminds us why programs like MedQuest matter.

A heartfelt thank you to our mentors, panelists, presenters, and staff at MAHHS for making this such a meaningful experience.



Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Northern Vermont AHEC Vermont Health Careers Hartford Area Career and Technology Center, HACTC River Valley Tech Center Windsor School
Hanover High School

Day 2 of MedQuest at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center was all about exploring the many opportunities that exist in health careers/and giving students the chance to learn directly from the professionals who make an impact every day.

The morning kicked off with an engaging Heath Careers Panel, where students heard personal and funny stories, career and college advice from healthcare professionals with many years of lived experience. Thank you to Nick Dumont (Pharmacy Manager), Moriah Tidwell (Chief Nursing Officer), Robyn Pond (Laboratory Supervisor), Dimas Espinola, MD (Pediatrician with Community Health-Pediatrics, and Meghan Curtin (Radiology Manager) for inspiring the next generation of health professionals.

That afternoon MedQuest mentors Daron Forohar and Eric Goodney guided students through the anatomy of the lower extremities. Participants practiced evaluating simulated leg injuries and learned hands on splinting techniques. The mentors acted as the patients and were good sports during the activity.

The day closed with everyone gathering for a group photo including students, mentors, and Southern Vermont AHEC staff.

Stay with us for our final day tomorrow!



Vermont Health Careers Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization Northern Vermont AHEC The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Hartford Area Career and Technology Center, HACTC Windsor School Hanover High School