About Little Rivers

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Little Rivers Health Care (LRHC) is a not-for-profit, community-based, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC.)

We are dedicated to providing high quality, comprehensive primary care for individuals and families, regardless of ability to pay.* LRHC strives to meet the unique health needs of its community, with special outreach to the medically underserved.


Our service area includes the Vermont towns of Bradford, Chelsea, Corinth, Fairlee, Groton, Newbury, Norwich, Orange, Ryegate, Strafford, Thetford, Topsham, Tunbridge, Vershire, Washington, West Fairlee, and our neighboring "border" towns in New Hampshire.


*"Ability to pay" is determined according to specific federal guidelines. Please call a care coordinator at any of our clinics for more information*


Our mission is to provide respectful, comprehensive primary health care for all residents in our region, regardless of their ability to pay. We offer quality health care services to everyone. In the spirit of community, we make efforts to reach out and welcome those who need health services, but may have insufficient means to access them. We commit ourselves to continually reduce the burden of illness, injury, and disability, and to improve the health and quality of life of those for whom we care.


What is an FQHC?

FQHCs make sure that you and your family get the health care you need - close to where you live and work.

Comprehensive Services and Federal Funding

FQHCs are expected to provide more comprehensive services than a traditional primary care practice, including assisting patients to access to oral health and dental care, behavioral and mental health services, and care coordination. We receive federal funding to enable us to provide sliding fee discounts to patients whose incomes fall within federal poverty guidelines. This funding is contingent on demonstrating that we meet very high standards in terms of the care we provide, and the way we conduct our business operations.

Role in Health Care Provider Landscape

FQHCs play an increasingly important role in today's health care provider landscape. We deliver care that is more affordable and cost-effective, and more accessible. We provide excellent care that must meet national clinical standards, on which we are regularly reviewed and monitored. Meeting these metrics assures that the care our patients receive is certainly equal to, and in many instances exceeds, that of private primary care organizations.

Community Contribution and Partnerships

FQHCs contribute to the strength and well-being of their communities. Keeping individual citizens healthy translates to less absenteeism in schools and workplaces. We partner with local health and human service agencies, which leverages resources for our patients, and minimizes duplication. Like any other company, we maintain a strong link to the economic well-being of our community, by providing jobs, purchasing goods and services, and by attracting other investments into the area.

Our Board of Directors


Little Rivers Health Care is possible because of our dedicated staff of health care professionals.

MARGARET BURMEISTER

Chair / Nominating

From Topsham, serving since 2009

WILLIAM CAMPBELL

Vice Chair / Nominating

From Haverhill, serving since 2014

KELSEY ROOT-WINCHESTER

Secretary / QI Committee

From Wells River, serving since 2020

DARREN SHERBURNE

Capital Campaign, Finance Committee

From Wells River, serving since 2021

JILL SKOCHDPOLE

From Ryegate, serving since 2021

SUSAN GAELIC

QI Committee

From Newbury, serving since 2023

ELIZABETH DAVIS

Finance Committee

From Corinth, serving since 2022

DEBI RUGGLES

From East Corinth, serving since 2024

SUSAN GORDON

From Groton, serving since 2024

BERNICE MILLS

From Fairlee, serving since 2024

STACEY PRATT

From Bradford, serving since 2024

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