Community Nurse of Thetford seeks level funding

The Community Nurse of Thetford (CNT) is a small, non-profit organization. It was initially supported by the Ompompanoosuc Community Trust, but now, other than receiving a $8,000 municipal appropriation each year, is self-sustaining through grants and donations.

It employs a part-time nurse to assist Thetford residents with coordination of care among multiple health care providers; teaching and assistance in following health care advice; medication teaching and help with organizing medications to reduce error; assessment of safety in the home to reduce risks of falls and injuries; connections to community resources (transportation, senior meals, visiting nurse agencies, etc); and family support for issues around aging, chronic illness, or end of life. It works closely with the Thetford Elder Network.

Any Thetford resident is eligible, and services are confidential and free.

Thetford resident Brian Campion MSN RN is currently serving in the position. Prior to going into nursing, Brian served as an EMT with the Thetford FAST Squad and Upper Valley Ambulance. Since earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing Science, Brian has had a varied career including as an inpatient staff nurse at DHMC, Telehealth at the VA hospital, and in a number of nursing roles for the Vermont Department of Health.

It is important to highlight that the Community Nurse does not provide hands on physical care and does not answer emergency calls.

According to the Town's Social Services Policy, organizations such as CNT must submit a petition every three years in order to continue receiving a municipal appropriation or when they seek an increase in the amount appropriated. In 2022, CNT will be seeking the same $8,000 approved in 2019 (level funding). Because 2022 marks three years since their last approval, however, you may see CNT volunteers at the Recycling Center on Saturdays collecting signatures, and you are certain to see a Warned Article for CNT at Town Meeting in March, 2022.

Photo credit: Nick Clark