RANDOLPH, Vt.,— During this time of uncertainty is when Gifford’s staff, nurses and providers stepped up the most. That’s the message Gifford Health Care’s President and CEO, Dan Bennett shared with the community Wednesday night at Gifford during the organization’s 116th Annual Meeting.
“2021 provided many challenges to all of us, here within the walls of Gifford and within our communities,” Bennett said. “While we’ve been tested, our foundations remain strong.”
Gifford President and CEO Dan Bennett along with Gifford Board of Directors and Trustees Chair Matt Considine
Bennett noted the positive accomplishments of the Gifford team over the last year despite staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. They include:
- Strode Independent Living’s community reaching full occupancy.
- Gifford’s renowned birthing program seeing births up 10% from the prior year and up 26% over the past 5 years.
- Provider practice visits increased by 8% in 2021.
- An operating gain for the 2nd consecutive year.
Also mentioned was Gifford’s continuing effort to be a go-to resource for pandemic messaging and response. It was noted that more than 14,000 tests were administered, nearly 18,000 vaccines and boosters were distributed and about 100 monoclonal antibody treatments were provided.
“Many of you who have lived in our communities for a while are likely not surprised by any of this,” Bennett said. “It is what Gifford people do and no team does it better!”
Bennett highlighted the strategic framework established by the volunteer Board and leadership team, which puts a long-term focus on areas with clear impacts on Gifford’s success.
Community scholarships and awards presented
Gifford awarded employees Nina Gujabidze and Ella Davignon the Dr. Richard J. Barrett Scholarship. Each will receive $1,000 to pursue their education in health care.
Gujabidze joined the Howell Pavilion team in February 2016 and quickly became a charge nurse with her natural ability as a clinical and team leader. A mom of three, Nina is currently pursuing her BSN through Vermont Technical College with a desire to share her passion with the next generation of nurses as an instructor.
Davignon received her LNA as a junior at RTCC and joined the Menig Nursing Home staff last summer. She continues to work at Menig while attending the VAST program at VTC this year where she will continue in the fall pursuing her RN.
The White River Valley Middle School received the $2,000 Philip D. Levesque Memorial Community Award, given annually in memory of Levesque’s commitment to the White River Valley. The grant will go towards a trip to Yellowstone National Park for 5 days of exploration and learning. The studies will focus on the park’s unique ecosystems and the grandeur of mother nature.
Board elected and service recognized
Gifford Board of Directors and Trustees Chair Matt Considine recognized retiring members Carol Bushey and Sheila Jacobs.
Megan Cicio of Northfield, Sarah Jackson of East Randolph, Victor Ribaudo of Rochester, Rick Hauser of Waterford, Peter Reed of Braintree and Clay Westbrook of Randolph were elected and re-elected to the Board of Directors and Trustees.
For more information about Gifford’s Annual Meeting, email or call 802-728-2380. For more information about the 2021 Annual Report, visit https://giffordhealthcare.org/annual-report-2021.
