The Bernie Buzz

It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of an audience and take part in a spelling bee competition. Congratulations to all the students for all their hard work; and a special congratulations to Rutland’s own Phoenix Newell, who took home first place. The Bernie Buzz was able to catch up with Phoenix and her fellow spellers at Vermont’s statewide competition.

Vera Rivard joined the Triple Crown club at just 17-years-old and her younger sister Margaret was not far behind. Today Margaret remains the youngest person on record to achieve the Triple Crown, completing the swim when she was just 16.

Last week, I asked you to write into the Bernie Buzz to share some of the experiences you have had with accessing dental care in your life. I also put the call out nationally to see if some of what Vermonters are experiencing is being felt in communities around the country. Frankly, I was shocked that more than 500 Vermonters responded to that request, as well as Americans from almost every state in the country.

Recently, I met with members of the Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter to discuss the important work they do to support, educate, and advocate for Vermonters living with this disease and other dementias.

When we talk about health care, what is often left out of the conversation is dental care. And, unfortunately, we have a major dental crisis in America. We don’t have enough dentists, hygienists, and dental therapists. And too many people who live in rural communities, in Vermont and across the country, are forced to choose between traveling long distances to see a dentist or not getting the care they need.

In America today, 23% of our seniors are living in poverty. Twelve million seniors are dealing with food insecurity and are worried about not having enough food to eat. One way to combat this crisis is by expanding and investing in programs to ensure that older adults have the support they need with high-quality home and community-based services. And that’s what Meals on Wheels does.