Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - construction - southwestern vermont medical center (SVMC) seeks a health resources and services administration (HRSA) grant to unlock…

Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - construction - southwestern vermont medical center (SVMC) seeks a health resources and services administration (HRSA) grant to unlock $2M in awarded community project funding / congressional directed spending (CPF/CDS). The funds will contribute to a $21.7M expansion and modernization of the SVMC regional cancer center. The incidence of cancer in the SVMC's service area (482.7/100,000) is statistically higher than any other region in vermont and considerably higher than the U.S. Average (442.4/100,000) - 9% higher than the national average. SVMC's regional cancer center served patients from 11 states in 2019-20, is an important asset for the community, and has a substantial impact on the region's economy of southern vermont. Yet many patients living in southern vermont, eastern new york and western massachusetts leave the region for oncology care because the capacity SVMC's cancer center is limited and wait times to care are extended. The HRSA grant will allow construction of a 17,000 square foot new facility attached to the existing cancer center. To create synergy with and connectivity to the new facility 1,000 square feet of the existing center will be renovated (approximately 8% of the existing facility). The modernized facility will increase medication infusion (CHEMOTHERAPY) spaces from 9 to 12, increase patient exam spaces from 6 to 12, and embed advanced technology throughout the facility including telemedicine connections to oncology specialists at dartmouth health. The state-of-the-art facility will support evidence-based, best-practice oncology care, elevate the patient experience, and facilitate ongoing development of advanced oncology care. The project is poised to launch with architectural schematic designs completed, cost estimates in-hand, and permitting applications staged. The project will require a certificate of need from the green mountain care board, however, that application is scheduled to be submitted in summer 2023. The actual CO nstruct will occur during 11 months and the project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. The HRSA award is essential to expand and modernize SVMC's regional cancer center and create a facility that delivers cutting-edge treatments and personalized oncology care.