Population and Community Health

Strengthening the health of our region

At Dartmouth Health, we understand that our work extends beyond the walls of our hospitals and facilities. Our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our communities comes to life through extensive local partnerships, outreach programs, and population health initiatives. As a national leader in rural health, we meet people where they are and provide the best possible care where it's needed most.

Care everywhere

Our work doesn't end when our patients walk out of our doors—and neither does their need for support when it comes to living their healthiest lives. We know that many factors make up each person's ability to optimize their health. And Dartmouth Health invests in all of the: from access to healthy food and safe housing to availability of childcare and transportation to support in managing substance misuse and establishing a healthy exercise routine.

When it comes to providing access to healthy food, here's an example of some of the work we do:

  • In the clinic or medical facility: Patients can ask questions and receive information about access to nutritious food and learn about community resources that can help them. Nutritionists and nutrition assistants meet patients at their bedside to discuss food options while they are inpatients, and help them to learn about how to take healthy habits home.
  • For community members: Member locations across our system have on-site food pantries or farmers' markets, and initiatives such as VeggieVanGo—a partnership between Mt. Ascutney Hospital and the Vermont Food Bank—is a great example of how we provide local residents with access to fresh produce at no cost.
  • Access our region: Dartmouth Health works across the region with community organizations who are experts in growing and distributing food in order to increase access to healthy food for our local communities.

Partnerships and programs

Rural health equity means that all people living in rural areas are able to live their healthiest lives. Dartmouth Health works tirelessly to positively impact our communities' health through local partnerships, outreach programs, and community events.

Partnerships with the individuals and groups engaged in hands-on work to support healthy lives in local communities provide us with access to deep local knowledge and networks, and enhance our ability to connect with members of the community who need us most. We are proud of initiatives such as the Health Monadnock Alliance at Cheshire Medical Center, which brings together community agencies and organizations to effect change, and the Healthy Living Series led by Dartmouth Clinics providers, which provides educational programing for the public on everything from heart health to total joint replacement.

Dartmouth Health population and community health centers

Population and community health information from our members