Category: News

Thank You Tiles

This Year We’re Grateful for You

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 […]

Planning For Your COVID Holiday Season

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? […]

Four women around a table reaching for skewers of watermelon in Bennington, VT

What Does Food Insecurity Look Like?

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 […]

Anti-Racism Statement

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.

How You First Works

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.

You First Services

Breast Cancer Screenings

  • Starting at age 50 (unless recommended sooner)
  • Breast exam every year
  • Mammogram every other year (or as often as recommended)
  • Additional testing as needed

Cervical Cancer Screenings

  • Pap test every 3 years (or as often as recommended)
  • HPV test
  • Additional testing as needed

Heart Health Screenings

  • Members aged 30-64
  • Blood Pressure
  • Height & Weight
  • Cholesterol testing
  • Blood sugar testing

Lifestyle Programs

  • Health Coaching
  • Weight Watchers
  • TOPS (Taking Pounds Off Sensibly)
  • Self-Monitored Blood Pressure Program
  • Local fitness centers

Transportation to You First appointments

Interpretation services for You First appointments

Eligibility

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.

You First CSA Quote that says Going to Clearbrook Farm felt like taking a day for myself

You First CSA Program Gives 17 Bennington County Members CSAs from Clearbrook Farm

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 […]