Newport is Leading the Future of Rural Healthcare

When choosing where to call home, healthcare access often tops the list of priorities. For families considering life in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, there’s exciting news that reinforces why Newport continues to be an exceptional place to live and thrive.

This week, North Country Hospital received a game-changing $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture—and it’s a perfect example of why Newport stands out as a forward-thinking community that doesn’t compromise on quality of life.

The investment will dramatically expand telehealth services throughout our region, bringing specialist care directly to our neighbors’ fingertips. No more choosing between your career, your family roots, and access to excellent healthcare. In Newport, you can have it all.

Living in a rural community shouldn’t mean sacrificing healthcare quality or convenience. This grant ensures Newport residents will enjoy:

Immediate Access to Critical Care When emergencies strike, every minute counts. The new radiology services will provide around-the-clock remote imaging reviews, often delivering results within minutes. Whether it’s a stroke, trauma, or other urgent condition, Newport families will receive faster diagnoses right here at home.

Mental Health Support When You Need It The expanded tele-psychiatry services mean that during life’s challenging moments, professional mental health support is just a video call away—no waiting lists, no long drives to Burlington or Boston.

Specialized Neurological Care Board-certified neurologists will be available 24/7 through telehealth consultations, connecting our local emergency room staff with specialists in seconds, not hours.

This isn’t just about one grant or one hospital—it’s about the kind of community Newport is. We’re a place where:

  • Innovation meets tradition: We embrace cutting-edge technology while maintaining our small-town values and close-knit relationships
  • Quality of life comes first: You can enjoy outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and short commutes while still accessing world-class healthcare
  • Community leaders think ahead: Local institutions like North Country Hospital continuously invest in our future, ensuring Newport remains a great place to raise a family

“This funding helps us do more with less,” explains Tom Frank, CEO of North Country Hospital. “Patients in our community will now have easier access to psychiatric, neurological, and radiology care without having to leave the area. It’s about better care, less travel, and more support for families here at home.”

Newport offers something increasingly rare: the peace and affordability of rural Vermont living, combined with access to sophisticated healthcare services that rival urban centers. Young families can build their careers here without worrying about healthcare access for their children. Retirees can age in place, confident that quality medical care is always within reach.

This $1.1 million investment represents more than just new equipment and services—it’s proof that Newport is a community that invests in its residents’ wellbeing and long-term prosperity.