Here are a few facts that demonstrate the need for a community health center (CHC) in our area:

9,044 people live in Northeastern Addison County

THERE IS A HEALTH AND DENTAL CARE SHORTAGE IN OUR AREA

• There are no dentists in Northeastern Addison County.
• All of Northeastern Addison County has been designated by the Governor as being a rural physician shortage area.
• According to 2006 data, the five town area has 6 practicing doctors, totaling the equivalent of 3.3 full-time physicians.

DENTAL FACTS

• More than 30% of dentists in Addison County will retire by 2013.
• One third of the dentists in Rutland and Addison counties are currently over 60 years.
• Population increases exceed limited capacity of practicing dentists.
• The #1 chronic pediatric disease is dental decay.
• We have increasing numbers of seniors with greater needs for dental care, but dental services are not covered by Medicare.
• In 2000, 20% of Five-Town residents reported that they had not visited a dentist in 2 years. (Compare to 13% in Middlebury area.)
• In 2003, there were 9 pediatric dentists in the entire state, 4 of whom practice in Chittenden County.

MEDICAL FACTS

• 13% of Five Town residents reported they could not afford a visit to a doctor. (2000)
• 48% of Five Town residents are employed in sectors that offer little or no medical insurance coverage.
• Chronic disease conditions are the leading causes of illness, disability, and death. 88% of Vermonters over 65 report one or more chronic diseases.
• An aging population means increased need for chronic care and complex disease management.
• In 2003, Vermont health spending was $3 billion (14.7% Gross State Product). Expect 8% annual growth through 2008.