VPQHC News & Updates

Sept. 1, 2025 At VPQHC, we're focused on turning awareness into action through the intersection of healthcare, quality improvement, and suicide care. Suicide touches every corner of our communities, regardless of age, background, or geography. But hope is real. Help is available. Healing is possible. This month, we honor those we've lost, uplift survivors, and continue to dedicate ourselves to building systems that protect, support, and empower people in crisis. The VPQHC team is leading this important work through a multi-layered, compassionate approach to suicide care and response. We’re working alongside healthcare partners across the state to strengthen prevention, intervention, and healing efforts in real time. This work is rooted in our mission to reduce harm and save lives by advancing data-driven solutions that improve healthcare quality in Vermont. Some key initiatives underway include: Vermont Suicide Prevention in the Emergency Department Quality Improvement Initiative Our hospitals are often the first point of contact during a mental health crisis. Through this initiative, we’re enhancing suicide screening protocols, strengthening safety planning, and ensuring follow-up care is compassionate and effective. Vermont Postvention Pilot Program After a suicide loss, the ripples of grief can be overwhelming. Our Postvention Pilot Program supported both communities and healthcare providers in responding with compassion and structure. By addressing the trauma of loss head-on, we reduced the risk of additional suicides and helped survivors begin to heal. 2025 Suicide Care in Health Care Collaborative Launching this year, the Collaborative brings together healthcare systems across the state to build safer, more responsive care environments for individuals at risk of suicide. A key part of this effort is equipping staff with evidence-based training programs, including: · Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) · Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) · Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) · Stanley Brown Safety Planning Intervention (SB-SPI) · Trauma Responsive Care (TRC) By uniting providers in a shared mission and providing access to training opportunities, we're creating a more consistent and compassionate safety net for Vermonters in crisis. Vermont Consultation & Psychiatry Access Program VTCPAP improves access to high quality, evidence-based mental health care for children and perinatal patients in Vermont. To achieve this mission, VTCPAP offers suicide-specific trainings to medical and mental health providers, collaborates with statewide partners to promote resources and strengthen impact, and provides real-time consultation when suicide-related concerns arise. To enhance this support, VTCPAP has developed a dedicated Suicide Care webpage with up-to-date tools and information for providers and caregivers. What You Can Do While these systemic efforts are vital, each of us has a role to play in suicide prevention. That might mean checking in on a friend, reducing the stigma by talking openly about mental health, or learning how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference, you just have to care. We want to highlight and acknowledge Suicide Prevention Month, but the work doesn’t end on September 30. Please join us in making a lifelong commitment to stand together to create a Vermont where every person feels seen, supported, and safe. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available. Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. For more resources, trainings, and educational opportunities, see the list below: For training opportunities and resources: Center for Health and Learning For getting involved, resources, and real stories: FacingSuicideVT For real stories, resources, and getting involved: American Foundation of Suicide Prevention-VT (AFSP) Facing Suicide VT Events Calendar: Upcoming Suicide Prevention Events/Training For Resources, Initiatives and training opportunities: Vermont Program for Quality in Healthcare  Together, we can save lives, through awareness, action, and connection. #SuicidePrevention #988Lifeline #MentalHealthMatters #VPQHC

In recognition of Healthcare Career Awareness month, we’re spotlighting Heather Boucher, Senior Director of Quality, Risk and Compliance at Grace Cottage Hospital. Read on for more about Heather’s career trajectory, what inspired her to work in health care, and what a day-in-the-life looks like for a Hospital Quality Director. Can you tell us a little about your background and what first inspired you to work in health care? I actually started my career in the laboratory because I’ve always loved the sciences and enjoyed the problem-solving side of diagnostics. Working in the lab gave me a strong foundation in accuracy, data, and understanding how every detail can impact patient care. From there, I transitioned into infection prevention, which gave me a broader view of patient and staff safety and how systems protect both. That experience really opened the door to my current work in quality, where I can combine my scientific background, my eye for detail, and my commitment to safety to make sure patients receive the best care possible. What first inspired me to stay in healthcare is knowing that whether I was in the lab, infection prevention, or quality, the work I do behind the scenes directly supports patients and the teams who care for them. How did you find your way into the role of Hospital Quality Director, and what has the journey been like so far? My path into the Quality Director role has been very much a progression of building on each stage of my career. I started out as a medical laboratory scientist, which gave me a strong scientific and analytical foundation and taught me the importance of accuracy and detail in healthcare. From there, I moved into infection prevention, which broadened my focus to patient and staff safety at a systems level. That naturally led me to quality, first as an assistant, then into utilization review, and eventually into the quality manager role. Each step added new skills—whether it was learning regulatory requirements, working directly with providers, or leading improvement projects. Now, as Senior Director of Quality, Risk, and Compliance, I oversee multiple departments, which has been both challenging and rewarding. The journey has taught me how interconnected quality, compliance, and patient safety truly are, and how important it is to engage staff at all levels to create a culture where improvement is part of everyday work. It’s been a growth journey, but one that’s deeply fulfilling because I can see the impact across the entire organization.  What does a “day in the life” look like for you at Grace Cottage? A day in the life here is never the same, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most. On any given day I might be reviewing quality data, following up on regulatory requirements, or meeting with staff about performance improvement projects. I spend time supporting infection prevention and compliance, and I’m often consulting with different departments to help troubleshoot issues or identify opportunities to improve processes. Because I oversee multiple areas, my day is a balance of big-picture strategy and hands-on problem-solving. What ties it all together is that my focus is always on patient safety, staff support, and making sure we’re delivering the best possible care. What’s your favorite memory or proudest moment from your time as a Quality Director? There are many moments I’m proud of, but one that really stands out is building our infection prevention program from the ground up. When I first stepped into that role, we didn’t have a structured program in place, so it was a matter of creating policies, building staff education, and putting systems in place that were both practical and sustainable. What I’m most proud of is that the program not only took root but continues to be effective today — and it’s had a direct impact on patient safety. We’ve maintained an incredibly low rate of hospital-acquired infections, almost zero in fact, which speaks to the commitment of our staff and the strength of the program. Knowing that something I helped build continues to protect patients and support staff every day is very rewarding. Vermont’s health care system is going through big changes. What advice would you give to help ensure quality stays at the center of transformation? My advice is to make sure that quality isn’t treated as an afterthought to change, but as the foundation of it. With Act 167 bringing significant transformation to Vermont hospitals, it’s critical that decisions are made with patient outcomes and safety at the center. That means using data to guide improvements, engaging frontline staff in the process so changes are realistic and sustainable, and keeping communication transparent, so everyone understands the ‘why’ behind new initiatives. If we stay focused on quality as the common thread — ensuring access, safety, and measurable outcomes — the transformation will not only meet regulatory goals, but also truly benefit the communities we serve. What skills, strengths, or perspectives do you think are most valuable in this field? In healthcare quality, I think the most valuable strengths are multitasking, problem-solving, open-mindedness, perseverance, and follow-through. This work often means balancing many priorities at once, so being able to multitask is essential. Problem-solving helps us break down complex issues and find solutions that actually work in practice, while an open mind allows us to see different perspectives and adapt to change. Perseverance is key because improvement isn’t always immediate — it takes determination to keep moving forward when challenges arise. And finally, follow-through is what ensures that good ideas and plans translate into results. Together, these qualities help build lasting improvements in patient care and safety. If someone was considering a career in health care quality, what advice would you give them? My advice for someone considering a career in healthcare quality is to start slow and give yourself a chance to really learn what the field is about. I encourage people interested in healthcare to think about cost-effective two-year programs — like laboratory technician, radiology, or therapy assistant programs. Those paths let you get into the workforce quickly, gain experience, and often continue your education with support from your employer. It’s a great way to get exposure to healthcare quality without committing to a four-year degree right away, only to find out it’s not the right fit. Healthcare isn’t for everyone, but for those who find it rewarding, job security and opportunities for growth are there. From there, curiosity, persistence, and follow-through will carry you far in the healthcare field. Heather Boucher Senior Director of Quality, Risk and Compliance Grace Cottage Hospital

April 21, 2025 VPQHC proudly joined healthcare organizations nationwide in celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week —a time to recognize the essential contributions of laboratory professionals to patient care, public health, and the overall quality of our healthcare system. Although their work often happens behind the scenes, medical laboratory professionals are at the heart of healthcare delivery. From routine blood tests to complex diagnostics, their expertise informs decisions that directly impact patient outcomes and population health. Did you know? Approximately 70% of clinical decisions are based on laboratory test results. That statistic underscores just how central lab professionals are to ensuring safe, effective, and timely care. In recognition of the critical role these professionals play, Governor Phil Scott has issued an official state proclamation honoring Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in Vermont. This acknowledgment highlights their impact and raises awareness of the profession’s importance across the state. Click here to read the full proclamation. At VPQHC, we recognize and deeply appreciate the dedication, precision, and professionalism of Vermont’s laboratory workforce. Your work supports every corner of our healthcare system—and helps build healthier communities across the state. Thank you for all you do. #LabWeek #MedicalLaboratoryProfessionals #VermontHealthcare #HealthcareQuality #PublicHealth

Systems change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes persistence. It takes leadership. It takes resources, vulnerability, and—above all—collaboration. At VPQHC, we are proud to recognize the significant work underway at Northwestern Medical Center (NMC) and Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS) , who have partnered to implement a universal suicide screening process in the NMC Emergency Department . This transformative step ensures that every patient age 12 and older is screened for suicide risk —regardless of the reason for their visit. Historically, suicide risk screening in emergency departments has been limited to patients presenting with mental health complaints. Yet we know that suicide risk is often hidden, and relying solely on visible cues or presenting complaints leads to missed opportunities for intervention. NMC’s new approach changes that. Over the first eight weeks of implementation: 251 patients were identified as having suicide-related concerns. 53 were actively considering suicide. 11 individuals disclosed suicidal thoughts despite arriving with primary medical (non-mental-health) complaints. These data are both sobering and affirming. They confirm what research has long suggested: universal screening saves lives . By integrating universal, evidence-based screening tools into the ED workflow, NMC and NCSS are identifying individuals who may have otherwise gone unnoticed. This work is part of VPQHC’s Vermont Suicide Prevention in Emergency Departments Quality Improvement Initiative —a multi-year, statewide effort to improve care for individuals experiencing suicidality. The initiative is supported by the Four Pines Fund , the Vermont Department of Health , and The Vermont Community Foundation , and is grounded in national best practices, including the subject matter expertise of Dr. Edwin Boudreaux , whose leadership in suicide care continues to shape tools and training across Vermont. In addition to identifying risk, the partnership between clinical and crisis response teams has strengthened patient follow-up and continuity of care. As Kevin King, a longtime ED nurse now serving as a crisis clinician with NCSS, shared: “This approach allows us to catch concerns earlier, make more informed decisions, and connect people to the support they need—when they need it most.” We applaud the leadership at NMC and NCSS for their commitment to this critical work, and for serving as a model of what’s possible when healthcare organizations work together toward a shared goal: preventing suicide and improving care for every patient. To learn more about the NMC/NCSS collaboration, read the full article: 👉 NMC Collaborates with NCSS to Implement Universal Suicide Screening Process To learn more about VPQHC’s statewide initiative: 👉 Vermont Suicide Prevention in Emergency Departments QI Initiative

As we recognize Vermont Advance Directive Week (April 13-19) and National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) , we at VPQHC encourage all Vermonters to document their healthcare wishes. Completed advance directives ensure your healthcare providers honor your preferences, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Why complete an advance directive? Ensures your voice is heard. Document your healthcare preferences and appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions if you're unable to communicate. Without this guidance, decisions may not align with your values and wishes. Reduces burden on loved ones. Making healthcare decisions for a family member during a crisis is emotionally overwhelming. Clear documentation spares your loved ones from guessing your preferences and prevents potential conflict. Take action today: Complete your Advance Directive form: https://vtethicsnetwork.org/forms Share copies with your healthcare providers, designated agent, and family Register your form with the Vermont Advance Directive Registry Discuss your healthcare values with friends and loved ones Have questions? Your healthcare provider is an excellent resource for discussing advance care planning during your next appointment. Advance care planning isn't just paperwork – it's a gift ensuring your healthcare wishes will be respected when it matters most. This Vermont Advance Directive Week, take this important step for yourself and those who care about you. For more information about Vermont Advance Directive Week and available resources, visit the Vermont Ethics Network's website .

At VPQHC, we believe healthcare quality starts with patient safety. Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) was recently featured for its ongoing efforts to strengthen patient safety, enhance communication, and build a culture of quality care.Patient safety isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. At RRMC, initiatives focus on strengthening communication across teams, using real-time data to enhance care decisions, and continuously seeking ways to improve processes. Their approach has not only created safer environments for patients but also empowered staff with the tools and training necessary to deliver high-quality care every day.These efforts reflect a broader mission we share: ensuring that all patients receive care in settings where safety is the top priority. RRMC’s story serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when healthcare teams work together to put patient safety first. We’re thrilled to see these initiatives gaining recognition and hope they inspire other hospitals across the state to prioritize safety and quality in new and innovative ways.Read more about RRMC’s work here: https://www.rutlandherald.com/features/weekend_magazine/health-talk-patient-safety-and-quality-care/article_fa2cabdc-fe83-11ef-8961-0bc4faaccd46.html

Vermont Establishes First Center of Excellence for Suicide PreventionThe Vermont Department of Mental Health has launched the state's inaugural Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, partnering with the Center for Health and Learning (CHL) and the Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care (VPQHC). This initiative aims to unify healthcare providers and community partners to enhance suicide prevention efforts. VPQHC will implement the Zero Suicide framework in healthcare settings, providing tools like safety planning and resources for supporting patients experiencing suicidality. CHL will lead community-based initiatives, including the Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition and expanding trainings such as Umatter®. For more information and resources, visit FacingSuicideVT.com. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.Read more here: https://bit.ly/41Ah58I

The Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care (VPQHC) is honored to be featured in a recent report by The Pew Charitable Trusts, highlighting the critical role of quality improvement (QI) interventions in suicide prevention efforts. The report, State Policy Can Improve Suicide Prevention in Health Care Settings, underscores how state-level policy and healthcare initiatives can work together to reduce suicide rates.The Power of QI Interventions in Suicide PreventionThe Pew report emphasizes how QI interventions in healthcare settings can be instrumental in reducing suicide risks. These interventions include:Routine screening and risk assessment to identify individuals at risk earlier.Enhanced care coordination between primary care, emergency services, and mental health professionals.Follow-up care protocols to ensure ongoing support for patients after crisis intervention.Research shows that these steps, when implemented consistently, can make a significant difference in preventing suicide. Vermont’s approach—rooted in collaboration and data-driven quality improvement—sets an example for other states looking to enhance their suicide prevention efforts.Moving ForwardThe Pew report reinforces the importance of integrating QI interventions into healthcare policies and practices. We encourage policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to explore The Pew Charitable Trusts’ report and join us in strengthening suicide prevention strategies across Vermont.🔗 Read the full Pew report here: State Policy Can Improve Suicide Prevention in Health Care Settings.