SASH Program Hosts Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
Pictured (left to right) Susan Mund, RuralEdge SASH Coordinator; Maggie Burke, Outreach Representative for Senator Bernie Sanders; Rita Laferriere, RuralEdge SASH Community Wellness Nurse
The Support and Services at Home (SASH) Program operates statewide in Vermont and provides coordinated, person-centered care to help participants remain safe, healthy, and independent in their homes for as long as possible. RuralEdge’s SASH program specifically supports community members in Caledonia, Essex, Orange, and Orleans counties. Through a blend of nursing support, wellness programming, social events, and dedicated service coordination, SASH meets people where they are.
The SASH Program began at Burlington’s Cathedral Square affordable housing property, where staff mapped out the foundation for the program we know today. The goal was to ensure that Vermonters of any socioeconomic status could age in their homes. By helping residents stay in their homes, SASH makes smarter use of Medicare dollars. Supporting individuals with in-home services is far more cost-effective than them transitioning to higher levels of care, and it also enhances quality of life for those who prefer to age in place.
The Essex County branch was the first in the Northeast Kingdom. Originally funded by the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund, an advisory panel was created in the Beecher Falls/Cannan areas. This group of 35 skilled individuals created the pathway for SASH to move throughout the region. Since that time, the program has grown exponentially, and RuralEdge now serves 544 community members through SASH.
RuralEdge and SASH welcomed Outreach Representative Maggie Burke from Senator Bernie Sanders’ office for a full day of site visits and an introduction to the SASH program.
SASH Coordinator Susan Mund and Wellness Nurse Rita Laferriere guided Maggie throughout the Northeast Kingdom, visiting communities in both East Haven and Canaan. After discussions with local residents, the team proceeded to Island Pond, Beecher Falls, and Bloomfield, where they spoke with local veterans about their needs.
Maggie expressed strong appreciation for Vermont’s statewide SASH program, noting particular admiration for the work being done in the most rural and remote parts of the state. RuralEdge’s SASH program serves Essex County, which is Vermont’s least populated county. In 2022 it had 5,994 residents, reflecting a 5% decline since 2010.
If you or someone you know lives in Essex, Caledonia, Orange, or Orleans counties and could benefit from the SASH program please visit ruraledge.org/sash or call (802) 535-3555.