SVMC Community Health Needs Assessment 2021 - Catalog - Page 13
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Changes in Population over Time
SVMC’s service area has faced several demographic challenges in the recent decade. Termed a
demographic crisis in Vermont,2 population trends of note include:
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A decades long decline in overall population within SVMC’s service area
An aging population (Vermont is the third oldest state in the US, with a median age of 42.6 years
old). In 2017, Vermont had as many seniors (those aged 65 years and older) as children under
age 18.3
A slow growth rate in the State of Vermont, a result of low birth rates (indicative of Vermont’s
low numbers of young adults) and lack of international in-migration.
Figures illustrating the decline of the total population living within SVMC’s service area can be found in
Appendix B (pages 83-85).
A Three-Pronged Approach to Data Collection
A three-pronged approach was utilized to gather data for this assessment. Community perspectives and
experiences were solicited through five community forums, convened to gather qualitative information
and reflect upon individuals’ perspectives and experiences in an interactive environment. A community
survey gathered quantitative information related to health care experiences, perception of personal and
community wellbeing, and suggestions for improvements to the community health landscape.
Secondary data was utilized to contextualize and validate the information provided by community
members.
Community Forums
A series of five community forums were held in March and April of 2021. These forums, held for each of
the five regions of SVMC’s health service area, offered the opportunity for community members to
share healthcare experiences, discuss ideas to improve community health, and celebrate the initiatives
that have been successful in the past.
2
Ring W. Vermont governor reiterates state’s demographic challenge. AP News.
https://apnews.com/article/c89983e1c7c3a9cf86ee79342f98f595. Published January 9, 2020.
3 Brighton D, Kleppner B, Trenholm S. Population Changes and Vermont State Revenue. Vermont Tax Structure Commission.
https://ljfo.vermont.gov/assets/Subjects/Commission-Resources/05a742b874/Population-Changes-and-Vermont-StateRevenue-FULL-REPORT.pdf. Published December 6, 2019.
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Community Health Needs Assessment 2021