VHC911 Reacts to Leadership Change at UVM Health Network

BURLINGTON, VT - Following the September 12, 2025 hospital budget decisions by the Green Mountain Care Board, VHC911 leaders called into question the value of the University of Vermont Health Network (the Network) and whether or not it is serving Vermont hospitals and the Vermont population well. At the time, VHC911 baord chair Chris Pearson said, "Friday's decision from hospital regulators makes it clear the Network has drained resources from our state to prop up hospitals in New York at the same time it has stripped control from local hospital boards. All of this is against a backdrop of Vermonter's paying the most expensive health insurance premiums in the country."

In light of today’s announcement that Dr. Eappon is stepping down as UVM Health Network CEO, the VHC911 coalition expresses hope that the leadership change is a first step toward the necessary organizational and cultural improvements that need to happen within the Network. "We urge UVM Health Network leaders to use this moment of transition to commit to cost reduction, improvements in efficiency, empowerment of local hospital boards, and to rebuild the public’s trust across Vermont," said VHC911 Chair, Chris Pearson.

The VHC911 coalition said it is ready to partner with Dr. Steve Leffler as he assumes the leadership role. "We hope Dr. Leffler will commit to a new chapter of transparency and accountability to Vermont patients and insurance rate payers. If he does, we stand ready to help in any way we can," said Pearson.

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Vermont Healthcare 911 (VHC911) is a broad coalition united to combat the high cost of healthcare in Vermont. The coalition is composed of business owners, labor leaders, healthcare providers, civic and political leaders of all parties and represents about 200,000 Vermonters.