About NCHC

Northern Counties Health Care, Inc. (NCHC), a non-profit 501(C)3 organization, is committed to our Mission of providing high-quality, accessible, patient-centered health care.

We do this by providing health care services in the medically underserved, three-county region of northeastern Vermont, known as the Northeast Kingdom. NCHC provides quality care to over 20,000 individuals; more than one-third of the region’s residents. Over 64,000 encounters are made each year through our rural network of seven community health centers – including two walk-in primary care locations, three dental practices, and a certified home health care and hospice division. Partnerships with three critical access hospitals and several human services organizations are also an important part of our work.

NCHC was the first FQHC in Vermont and has a rich history and tradition of innovation in caring for our friends and neighbors. We were the first to integrate oral health; a pilot site for Vermont’s Blueprint for Health; and the first in the state to become a certified Patient Centered Medical Home. Additionally, we are committed to ensuring NCHC is at the forefront of Vermont’s healthcare innovations as we progress. We provide complete, compassionate care for the whole family, in our home or yours.

What is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?

Spread across 50 states and all U.S. territories, more than 1,150 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide vital primary care to more than 17 million Americans with limited financial resources. They maintain an open-door policy, providing treatment regardless of an individual’s income or insurance coverage. FQHCs serve community residents from all walks of life, including people enrolled in employer-based insurances, Medicare/Medicaid, or public health insurances. We also serve people with limited resources who struggle to access care through traditional channels, including the homeless, residents of public housing, migrant farm workers and others with emergent and chronic health care needs.

FQHCs provide comprehensive care, including physical, dental, and mental health care.

NCHC is one of the largest, and was the first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Vermont.
NCHC was chosen as the first Medical Home/Community Care Team pilot site.
NCHC service area was the first chosen for the Vermont Blueprint for Health.
NCHC is recognized as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

The PCMH, or “medical home” model is an approach to providing comprehensive primary care for children, youth and adults that facilitates partnerships between patients, their physicians, and when appropriate, their families. View video about Patient Centered Medical Homes.

NCHC’s Primary Medical and Dental Care sites are Health Center Program grantees under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and therefore deemed Public Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n).