Rutland

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Rutland Local Health Office

The Rutland Local Health Office covers Rutland County and the Rutland Hospital Service Area. We are a part of the communities we serve, and are here to protect and promote the health of all Vermonters.

We work on a variety of health topics in partnership with schools, worksites, town offices and local service providers. We also serve individuals and families right in our office. Learn about the many ways we can help you, your family and your community be healthy

Learn about all the programs Local Health offers!

Communities We Serve
Chronic Disease Prevention
Emergency Preparedness
Immunizations and Infectious Disease
School Health
Substance Misuse Prevention Programs
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Water Testing Drop Off

Communities Served

Benson, Brandon, Castleton, Chittenden, Clarendon, Danby, Fair Haven, Goshen, Hubbardton, Ira, Killington (Sherburne), Mendon, Middletown Springs, Mt. Holly, Mount Tabor, Pawlet, Pittsfield, Pittsford, Poultney, Proctor, Rutland City, Rutland Town, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Tinmouth, Wallingford, Wells, West Haven, West Rutland

Click for a Map of Vermont Health Districts

Local Highlight

Water Testing Outreach Project

Our office is working with the Vermont Department of Health Water Team to help certain towns test their private water wells. If you live in Hubbardton, Ira, or Wells, we encourage you to test your water. You can order a testing kit by phone or online. Each kit includes instructions on collecting water samples and sending them to the lab.

If you are facing financial difficulties, we may be able to assist you. Please call the Rutland District Office at 802-786-5811

Chronic Disease Prevention

Rutland Local Health staff work with community organizations, municipal and regional planners, schools and health care providers. We begin with conversations to learn what is important to our community and then find ways to weave in health and wellness improvements that fit the priorities of our towns.

Learn More About Public Health Programs in Your Community

My Healthy Vermont

My Healthy Vermont offers free workshops to help you prevent or manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic pain.

Local Highlights

Town Plans

We supported Brandon and Poultney to incorporate specific language into their town plans that considered recreational opportunities, access to healthy and local foods and pedestrian bicyclist safety.

The town of West Rutland is collaborating with Rutland Town on a Smart Growth Plan to incorporate Complete Streets planning into a redesign of Business Route 4A. Read the Smart Growth Plan.

Come Alive Outside and ParkRx

Our staff serve on advisory boards for the nonprofit organization Come Alive Outside which sponsors several programs for all ages to support people in living healthier lives outside. Signature programs include Park Rx, 100 Miles in 100 Days walking challenges and Passports.

Clarendon Community Complex and Walking Path

We helped the Clarendon Elementary School with grant writing and program planning for a new walking trail to give all community member a safe, familiar and accessible area to be physically active.

Local Recreational Resources

Pine Hill Park, Rutland City
The Pittsford Trail Network
The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail connecting Poultney and Castleton
Find more walking and hiking trails in our area on Trail Finder
Slate Valley Trails, Poultney

Safe Routes to Schools

Walking and biking to school helps students develop independence, improves academic performance, reduces traffic congestion and air pollution and creates a stronger community. The Safe Routes to Schools program provides guidance and encouragement on how to engineer, implement and evaluate programs that make it safer, easier, and more fun for students and their families to walk and bike to school.

Emergency Preparedness

The Rutland Local Health Office is trained and ready to respond to public health emergencies so that people in our community can stay healthy and safe. We work with local, state and federal partners to make sure we are prepared to distribute medicine, supplies and information to residents of Rutland County in a health emergency.

Medicine Distribution Sites Wanted

During certain public health emergencies, the Rutland Local Health Office will set up a site for distributing medications to the community.

Are you a large local business or organization interested in becoming a distribution site? Contact the Rutland Local Health Office at 802-786-5811.

Volunteer

The Rutland/Addison Vermont Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a community-based program of volunteers who donate their time and expertise to promote healthy living throughout the year and to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Learn more about becoming an MRC volunteer.

Immunization and Infectious Disease

The Rutland Local Health office offers immunizations at no charge to people under 65 who are uninsured, experiencing significant barriers to access, or patients of a medical practice that cannot receive vaccines through the Vermont Vaccines for Children & Adults program.

These are by appointment only and must be scheduled in advanced.

Learn more

Local Immunization Work
Immunization Nurses in Local Health Offices
Vaccines: Your Best Defense Against Serious Illness
Fall & Winter Respiratory Illnesses

Infectious Disease Investigation

We investigate reports of infectious disease in Rutland County. If you are diagnosed with a reportable disease, one of our staff may contact you to discuss your illness.

How we work to prevent, track and treat reportable diseases

Are you a health care provider?

How to report diseases and laboratory finings
Reportable disease list

Vermont Department of Health Laboratory
VDH Lab Customer Service: 802-338-4724

School Health

We work to improve the health and well-being of school-aged children across Rutland County by supporting supervisory unions, school districts, community organizations, students, and their families. We focus on high-impact strategies that make a meaningful difference in health.

Helping schools secure grants for proven programs like Farm-to-School, Safe Routes to School, and Girls on the Run.
Supporting local education agencies in meeting the objectives of the Medicaid Administrative Claiming agreement.
Assisting school nurses to better connect students and families with health services.

Substance Misuse Prevention Programs

Prescription Drug Disposal

Properly storing and getting rid of unused prescription medications protects your loved ones and the environment. Here are three easy steps:

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1. LOCK: Store your medications in a lock box or locked medicine cabinet.
2. DROP: Drop off unused medication at a kiosk or at your local pharmacy or police stations. Find a location in your area.
3. MAIL: Mail unused medication in a pre-paid envelope. Request a free mail-back envelope.

Tobacco Prevention

In an effort to reduce tobacco use in Rutland County, we connect tobacco prevention and quit partners with schools and community organizations. Together we work to address access to tobacco products, establish tobacco free worksites and college campuses and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Rutland Local Health Office staff have provided support and technical assistance to the Rutland Regional Medical Center and the Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region as they prepare to adopt tobacco free policies on their grounds and campuses.

Smoking rates in Vermont are declining, but they remain higher in some groups. Learn more about how we provide services and supports to those with the highest rates of smoking and tobacco use.

Rutland Local Health Office staff provided support and technical assistance to the Rutland Regional Medical Center and the Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region when they adopted tobacco free policies on their grounds and campuses.

How to Get Help in Vermont
Substance Use Information
Rutland County Profile Regional Prevention Partnership Grant
Parent Up Vermont

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at the Rutland Local Health office

WIC is for income-eligible Vermont residents who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a new baby, and children under age 5. Parents, grandparents and foster parents may apply for children in their care. Or, if you or your child is on Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur or 3SquaresVT/SNAP, you can join WIC.

The Rutland Local Health Office is the place to come for WIC if you live in:

Benson, Brandon, Castleton, Chittenden, Clarendon, Danby, Fair Haven, Goshen, Hubbardton, Ira, Killington (Sherburne), Mendon, Middletown Springs, Mount Holly, Mount Tabor, Pawlet, Pittsfield, Pittsford, Poultney, Proctor, Rutland City, Rutland Town, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Tinmouth, Wallingford, Wells, West Haven and West Rutland.

Is your home in another town? Find out which office is for you.

Appointments are currently available by phone, video, or in person. Please call our office at 802-786-5811 or toll-free at 888-253-8802 to schedule your appointment.

Learn about WIC in Local Health offices
WIC in Vermont
Translations of WIC information
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

Apply today!

Vermont WIC Online Application

Water Testing Drop Off

Rutland Local Health Office is a part of the Drinking Water Drop-Off Program.

Our office does not provide water testing kits. For information on ordering water test kits, see How to Test Your Drinking Water.
Plan to drop off or ship your water samples the same day you collect them. Some samples may need to remain cold for testing.
Drop-off times are Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Samples are not accepted on Fridays, state holidays, or the day before state holidays.