Vermont
Spotlight Project:
The Vermont Blueprint for Health is a statewide initiative to provide Vermonters who have chronic conditions with the information, tools and support they need to successfully manage their health, to improve the lives of those as risk for these conditions.
The Blueprint is a new way of looking at the practice of medicine and chronic care. It works to change health care to a system focused on preventing illness and complications, rather than reacting to health emergencies. The Blueprint works to help Vermonters who have chronic conditions stay as healthy as possible – improving their quality and enjoyment of life and avoiding the need for complex care later when illness is harder to treat. Hundreds of Vermonters have attended Healthier Living workshops sponsored by the Blueprint. These evidence-based self-help workshops help individuals to manage their chronic conditions and improve their health.
Chronic conditions are common and serious illnesses that are not easily controlled or quickly resolved. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, asthma, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, depression, osteoporosis and obesity are all common chronic conditions. People with chronic conditions that are left untreated are likely to need acute care or emergency treatment – the most complex and costly care of all.
The good news is that most chronic conditions can be prevented – or serious complications avoided – with exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking, regular medical monitoring, early treatment and medication.
Health care providers are signing on to the Blueprint to learn about innovations, tools, clinical guidelines and best practices to deliver effective, proactive care – and to involve patients in managing their own chronic conditions. Having the right information at the right time is essential for providing the best possible care for patients. The Blueprint is developing a web-based chronic care patient information system that is free to health care providers and requires only Internet access.
Communities all over the state are joining the Blueprint to become healthier places to live, work, learn and play. The Blueprint guides and funds hospital service areas and communities to assess local infrastructure, start coalitions, recruit health care providers, host Fit & Healthy Vermonters events and Healthier Living workshops – encouraging everyone to take charge of their health.
Other states are now looking at what Vermont is achieving with the Blueprint. They are sharing our experience and information on best practices with national health policy partners, and Vermont gets expert consultation in return.