Past News Releases | Vermont Department of Health
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/media/past-news-releases
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:08
Past News Releases | Vermont Department of Health
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Past News Releases
In this section:
2025 News Releases
2024 News Releases
2023 News Releases
2022 News Releases
See current news releases
See public health news releases from recent years.
2025
In 2025, public health faced both new and returning challenges. The Health Department responded to measles cases during a major outbreak across North America, confirmed Vermont’s first-ever case of Jamestown Canyon virus, and continued to monitor the risks of H5N1 bird flu. Our teams worked to make sure Vermonters could get the vaccines they need, expanded care for people with substance use disorder, and strengthened partnerships with neighboring states. We also said goodbye to Dr. Mark Levine, who led Vermont through the COVID-19 pandemic, and welcomed our new Health Commissioner, Dr. Rick Hildebrant.
2024
The Health Department supported the state’s preparedness for a once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse that brought over 150,000 visitors to Vermont, responded to infectious diseases including historically rare confirmed cases of measles and Eastern equine encephalitis, and provided resources and guidance to aid in recovery from a second consecutive year of disastrous floods. Vermont also marked a nation-leading decline in deaths caused by opioid overdose, and noted declines in tobacco and alcohol use among pregnant people and young Vermonters.
2023
For the first time since 2020, COVID-19 was the subject of few news releases, though prevention and vaccination messaging continued. Tick and mosquito-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis returned as seasonal concerns. Health issues related to extreme heat and cold, air quality, flooding and other environmental and social justice challenges were reflected in the public health response to climate change. The ongoing substance use and opioid crisis was marked by innovations in prevention, treatment and recovery. The Health Department, with state and partner organizations also delivered on tools and programs to make Vermont an Age Strong and age-friendly place for all.
2022
COVID-19 further evolved, and public health work transitioned to become similar to other infectious diseases. Guidance was streamlined, state-run testing sites closed as at-home testing became prevalent, and more COVID-19 vaccines became available. The Health Department also responded to a new infectious disease outbreak of mpox. Our work with other state agencies to reduce lead in school drinking water was a success, and we continued supporting older Vermonters through various programs.
2025 News Releases
In 2025, public health faced both new and returning challenges. The Health Department responded to...
2024 News Releases
The Health Department supported the state’s preparedness for a once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse that brought...
Statewide Youth Survey Shows Mental Health Challenges Persist for Vermont Students
For Immediate Release: November 22, 2024 Media Contact: Kyle Casteel Communication Office │ Department of...
New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy
For Immediate Release: November 12, 2024 Media Contact: Kyle Casteel Communication Office │ Department of...
Be Ready for Respiratory Virus Season
For Immediate Release: October 21, 2024 Media Contact: Kyle Casteel - Communication Office │...
Vermont Department of Health Confirms First Eastern Equine Encephalitis Death
For Immediate Release: Oct. 10, 2024 Media Contact: Communication Office │ Department of Health 802-863-7280...
2023 News Releases
For the first time since 2020, COVID-19 was the subject of few news releases, though...
2022 News Releases
COVID-19 further evolved, and public health work transitioned to become similar to other infectious diseases...
Subscribe to Past News Releases
Last Updated:
January 15, 2026
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Past News Releases
In this section:
2025 News Releases
2024 News Releases
2023 News Releases
2022 News Releases
See current news releases
See public health news releases from recent years.
2025
In 2025, public health faced both new and returning challenges. The Health Department responded to measles cases during a major outbreak across North America, confirmed Vermont’s first-ever case of Jamestown Canyon virus, and continued to monitor the risks of H5N1 bird flu. Our teams worked to make sure Vermonters could get the vaccines they need, expanded care for people with substance use disorder, and strengthened partnerships with neighboring states. We also said goodbye to Dr. Mark Levine, who led Vermont through the COVID-19 pandemic, and welcomed our new Health Commissioner, Dr. Rick Hildebrant.
2024
The Health Department supported the state’s preparedness for a once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse that brought over 150,000 visitors to Vermont, responded to infectious diseases including historically rare confirmed cases of measles and Eastern equine encephalitis, and provided resources and guidance to aid in recovery from a second consecutive year of disastrous floods. Vermont also marked a nation-leading decline in deaths caused by opioid overdose, and noted declines in tobacco and alcohol use among pregnant people and young Vermonters.
2023
For the first time since 2020, COVID-19 was the subject of few news releases, though prevention and vaccination messaging continued. Tick and mosquito-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis returned as seasonal concerns. Health issues related to extreme heat and cold, air quality, flooding and other environmental and social justice challenges were reflected in the public health response to climate change. The ongoing substance use and opioid crisis was marked by innovations in prevention, treatment and recovery. The Health Department, with state and partner organizations also delivered on tools and programs to make Vermont an Age Strong and age-friendly place for all.
2022
COVID-19 further evolved, and public health work transitioned to become similar to other infectious diseases. Guidance was streamlined, state-run testing sites closed as at-home testing became prevalent, and more COVID-19 vaccines became available. The Health Department also responded to a new infectious disease outbreak of mpox. Our work with other state agencies to reduce lead in school drinking water was a success, and we continued supporting older Vermonters through various programs.
2025 News Releases
In 2025, public health faced both new and returning challenges. The Health Department responded to...
2024 News Releases
The Health Department supported the state’s preparedness for a once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse that brought...
Statewide Youth Survey Shows Mental Health Challenges Persist for Vermont Students
For Immediate Release: November 22, 2024 Media Contact: Kyle Casteel Communication Office │ Department of...
New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy
For Immediate Release: November 12, 2024 Media Contact: Kyle Casteel Communication Office │ Department of...
Be Ready for Respiratory Virus Season
For Immediate Release: October 21, 2024 Media Contact: Kyle Casteel - Communication Office │...
Vermont Department of Health Confirms First Eastern Equine Encephalitis Death
For Immediate Release: Oct. 10, 2024 Media Contact: Communication Office │ Department of Health 802-863-7280...
2023 News Releases
For the first time since 2020, COVID-19 was the subject of few news releases, though...
2022 News Releases
COVID-19 further evolved, and public health work transitioned to become similar to other infectious diseases...
Subscribe to Past News Releases
Last Updated:
January 15, 2026