Health Resources: You matter

Whether it’s facing physical health issues, mental health disorders, or difficult life circumstances, there is help available.

The letters GBCS surrounded by a heart with the words kitchen cupboard, free clinic, emergency needs fund written around it

The Dr. G. Richard Dundas Free Clinic (formerly the Bennington Free Clinic) offers free medical care to uninsured or underinsured adults living in the Bennington County area. Because we are a clinic, we do not perform dental or emergency care. Instead, we offer primary medical care, care coordination and referrals.  By providing free health care to those that cannot afford it, we aim to improve the well-being of our community.

The Free Clinic serves uninsured adults, 16 and over, who cannot otherwise afford health care. You may be eligible for care if you:

  • Do not have health insurance, or
  • Have catastrophic-only health insurance that does not pay for preventative/primary care; and
  • Your family income is 400% under the federal poverty guidelines

You may be eligible for other health care programs as well. If so, we can help you enroll. Of course, we will continue to provide health care as you switch to other providers.

https://gbicsbennington.org/programs/free-clinic/

Eagle in front of american flag, the words US dept. of Veterans Affairs

Located at 186 North Street, the VA provides medical and mental health help for veterans including audiology, dermatology, laboratory and pathology, mental health care, nutrition, food, and dietary care, pharmacy, podiatry, primary care, social work, telehealth, urology.

https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_405GA

 

Men and women in chairs with arms raised doing exercises

Exercise for Seniors meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30-10:30am  in the All Purpose Room at Second Congregational Church . This easy-going group follows gentle exercise videos from their chairs, sometimes using light weights. No reservation or cost– just a warm welcome, easy exercise and friendship all while staying healthy.

Group of people holding weights

Green Mountain RSVP volunteers lead exercises classes in Bennington, Windham and Windsor counties. All the classes are free to attend for all people aged 55 and over. Attendees must provide the volunteer leader a signed medical clearance form before using weights. Bone Builders is a strength training and balance class that helps improve bone density and can help with fall prevention. There is a Bone Builders class that meets at Second Congregational Church weekly. Most classes meet twice a week for one hour. Chair Yoga is a gentle movement class that can improve balance and flexibility.

To learn more, find a schedule and sign up, go to:

https://www.rsvpvt.org/bonebuilders

 

Vermont 211 sign

Vermont 211 is a free and confidential service to find out about hundreds of important community resources, like emergency food and shelter, disability services, counseling, senior services, health care, child care, drug and alcohol programs, legal assistance, transportation agencies, educational and volunteer opportunities, and much more.

https://vermont211.org/

The words take care project in a colorful balloon

A map of locations and organizations in Bennington that offer FREE menstrual products (such as pads and tampons) as well as personal care items like soap, shampoo, deodorant or diapers can be found at the link below. These items are  available at Second Congregational church as well as at other local locations.

Note: Hours and product availability may potentially be affected by holidays or other circumstances. Call ahead to locations whenever possible.

The Take Care Project

 

UCS logo

United Counseling Service (UCS) provides immediate mental health assistance to individuals in crisis 24 hours a day. For immediate assistance in a crisis, call (802) 442-5491 in Bennington.

the words; 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. You can call, text or chat anonymously.

Learn the risk factors that make it more likely for someone to consider, attempt, or die by suicide, as well as warning signs to help you determine if a loved one is at risk. Talking about suicide and listening without judgment and with compassion and empathy can help save a life.

https://988lifeline.org/

The trevor project saving young lgbtq lives

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Their crisis counselors provide information and support to LGBTQ+ 
young people 24/7 through phone, chat or text

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

VT Crisis Text line with words text VT to 741741

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for anyone in crisis in Vermont or nationally.

Just text VT to 741741 from anywhere in Vermont to connect anonymously with a trained Crisis Counselor.

Crisis counselors respond within 5 minutes through a secure platform. You get an automated text response first and then a response from a crisis counselor. They work with you until you are cool and calm and have a positive plan for the next steps. Free for anyone and funded by private donations. Staffed by volunteers who first undergo 34 hours of training and access to clinical supervision.

Our specialists are not therapists, but will help you with active listening, which is empathetic, understanding  and respectful.

The word vermont with stylized green mountain

Children’s Integrated Services (CIS)  are early intervention, family support, and prevention services that help ensure the healthy development and well-being of children, from before birth up to age 6.

CIS services are available to support your health and well-being throughout pregnancy and postpartum; your child’s healthy growth with speech, language, movement, vision and hearing  from birth to age 3, finding quality child care that supports your child’s and family’s goals and needs;  and the  positive social and emotional development of your child up to age 6.

https://dcf.vermont.gov/services/cis

Contact Us to Sign Up