SVMC's Wellness Connection: Aug 15

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August 15, 2025

Welcome to the new Wellness Connection! Back and better than ever, this monthly newsletter features regional wellness news, updates on local healthcare services, and the inspiring stories about your neighbors and their impact in the community.

Medicare Wellness Visit: Zero Cost, Maximum Benefit

 

For people insured through Medicare or a Medicare Replacement Plan, one of the biggest—and often overlooked—benefits is qualifying for a free Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).

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Living Better: Air Quality Risks

 

Wildfire smoke holds a mix of hazardous air pollutants drifting over New England this summer.

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Jennifer Archibald RN

Nursing Honors: DAISY Award

 

Two SVMC nurses were honored recently for special care for and connection with patients.

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Watch: Tom Dee joins the Chamber Telecast

 

President & CEO Tom Dee joined the Southwestern Vermont Chamber's Telecast, discussing rural healthcare challenges, opportunities and reflections on his 16 years in the community. Watch here 

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Classes & Events

 

Check our calendar for a full schedule of events, classes and support groups at SVMC and in the community.

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Hot Jobs Alert

 

Choose a career that makes a difference. SVMC recently earned Best Place to Work in the Bennington Banner's Readers' Choice Awards.

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What Our Patients Say

 

We're sharing direct feedback, collected from patient satisfaction surveys. SVMC and its practice sites always strive to improve the experience of our patients and families. If you need to discuss your patient experience, contact SVMC's patient advocate.

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OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS:

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?Southwestern Vermont Medical Center svmc.org

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Coggins Auto Group Celebrates Five Years

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
BENNINGTON, Vt. — The family-owned Coggins Auto Group is celebrating five years of operations: Coggins Toyota of Bennington and Coggins Honda of Bennington, and Coggins of the Berkshires in nearby Massachusetts.
 
Mike Coggins purchased three dealerships — Honda, Toyota and Ford — in 2020 with a goal to restore trust and a "true sense of community-minded dealership culture." 
 
"My primary focus from day one was bringing back that connection to the region," Coggins had said back in 2021. "This area values real relationships. They want to know the people they're doing business with. We set out to rebuild that trust."
 
The Ford dealership was sold off in 2023 and Coggins of the Berkshires, with sales and services for used cars, opened the same year in Pittsfield, Mass. 
 
According to Coggins Auto Group, the dealerships had social media ratings of two stars when they were purchased; now all Coggins locations are garnering more than four stars in customer satisfaction reviews. 
 
"We sell cars, and we fix cars, and our goal is just to make our customers happy, and keep our employees happy, and that's what's made this really work these last few years," said General Manager Scott O'Connell.
 
Coggins Auto Group is also involved in events that benefit the community, including its popular annual charity golf tournament that funds local charities and organizations such as the Bennington Little League.
 
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