This year has been challenging for all of us. Despite all these changes, we’re still grateful for our community. Because each day brings new joys and experiences, we want to thank you all. So if you’ve ever reached out to ask us how you can help, thank you. We want to thank every individual and group […]
As of November 12, the Vermont Department of Health suggests limiting social gatheringss to 10 people or fewer, keeping six feet between you and others, and wearing a mask when you’re with others. Moreover, any non-essential travel to or from Vermont now requires quarantine. So what does all this mean for your COVID holiday season? […]
For Vermonters who struggle with food insecurity, fruits and vegetables are some of the first things that go when the budget gets tight. Let’s face it, consumers get a bigger caloric bang for their buck when they purchase foods that are high in fats and calories. Because fruits and veggies are expensive, they often fall […]
One year ago, back before COVID, we celebrated Bennington Empty Bowls. In the run-up to the 2019 Bennington Empty Bowls Soup Supper, members of the Steering Committee put their heads together to prepare for the event. In fact, there were hundreds of people working behind the scenes to address local food insecurity. What a difference […]
The Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services (GBICS) stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and denounces the institutional and systemic racism which has led to brutality and violence suffered by the Black community in our country. GBICS condemns racism in any form. Since its beginning, GBICS has honored its commitment to serving those […]
You First, a program through the Vermont Department of Health, is federally funded by two grants from the CDC. Our goal is to provide access to breast and cervical cancer early detection, as well as heart health screen and heart disease prevention. The You First Navigator helps guide members from screening to diagnosis to treatment. The Your First Lifestyle Program Coordinator and Health Coach helps members achieve their fitness and nutrition goals for better heart health.
The You First Bennington program provides eligible individuals in Bennington County personalized support to pay for breast, cervical and heart screenings, diagnostic tests and heart healthy lifestyle programs. As part of You First Vermont, we are able to offer incentives to members like local gym memberships and summer CSA vouchers.
To start with, contact our Health Champion to discuss enrollment. Eligible individuals will fill out the You First application. Once you enroll in You First Bennington, you will receive your You First membership card and packet. A You First team member will call you to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. After that, you’re all set to schedule your screening appointments with your healthcare providers. Once your provider receives your results, they will submit them to You First. If a You First member is advised to seek further testing to establish a diagnosis for breast or cervical issues, You First pays the copays and/or deductible for the additional testing. Members will re-enroll each year and get screened again.
Wanda is here to help! She can assist individuals through the application, enrollment and re-enrollment process.
Breast Cancer Screenings
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Heart Health Screenings
Lifestyle Programs
Transportation to You First appointments
Interpretation services for You First appointments
Who is eligible:
Residence: Must live in Vermont
Age: Must be over 21 years old; our heart health program is available for members ages 30-64
Insurance Status: Can be uninsured, have Medicaid or have private health insurance (including Vermont Health Connect); Coverage for members with Medicare Part B is different. Call program for details.
Screening Need: You have (or have had) breasts or a cervix, or need preventative breast or cervical cancer screenings.
Transgender, non-binary and intersex Vermonters are eligible to receive services through You First. Call 1-800-508-2222 or visit the You First website to learn more.
Income: 250% of the federal poverty level, based on number in household.
Scott Winslow has been appointed the new GBICS Executive Director, according to Charles Gingo, chair of the GBICS Board of Trustees. Winslow will replace Sue Andrews, the current Executive Director, who retired at the end of January. A long-time resident of North Bennington, Winslow brings a wealth of experience and a familiarity with GBICS to […]
It seems like every year we hear about another bedbug epidemic. It makes sense, these little critters can live up to a year and go several months without food or water. On top of that, they can survive temperatures as low as 46°F and as high as 113°F. (Most folks keep their homes and businesses […]
If you’re like me, you find yourself sitting a bit too often. We all know that eating well and regular exercise are important to our health, but it can be hard to find the time. Doctors recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week. That’s 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity a day. The good news […]
Thanks to the You First CSA Program, 17 womxn in Bennington County have been given free CSA shares from Clearbrook Farm. Imagine buying farm-fresh fruits and veggies throughout the growing season from a local Vermont farm! Previously called Ladies First, You First has offered a $250 credit to eligible members. You First CSA pick-ups began […]