Public Health Council of the Upper Valley

In 2026, PHC celebrates our 25th year of community impact, and this anniversary marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter for PHC. Our Board of Directors approved a new three-year strategic plan in 2025, shaped by the voices of more than 200 community members, municipal officials, and regional partners who joined us in reflecting on what the Upper Valley needs most right now—and what it will take to build a healthier, more resilient region for the future.

Together, we set clear priorities for the next three years, while also forming a seven- to ten-year vision that will guide us in strengthening the Upper Valley’s public health infrastructure. This plan reaffirms what PHC has always believed: that no single organization or town can solve complex health challenges alone.

A Trusted Regional Backbone for 25 Years 

PHC is proud to serve as one of New Hampshire’s 13 regional public health advisory councils, and the only one that bridges both New Hampshire and Vermont. What began as a small council of five towns has grown into a cross-sector network of more than 200 partners across 34 communities, reaching over 70,000 residents.

Our partners include municipalities, hospitals, schools, human service agencies, businesses, and grassroots community groups, all of which are working together to identify local needs, share resources, and close gaps in care. This approach is especially critical in our rural region, where limited workforce and infrastructure can leave residents struggling to access even basic services.

Our Request Today: Strengthening Public Health Through Collaboration and Engagement

Now in our 25th year, PHC stands ready to lead the next phase of regional collaboration through five focus areas that will shape our collective work ahead:

1. Expand Community Education & Engagement – There is a critical need for accessible, actionable health information for local individuals and families. PHC will increase trusted, accessible health education across the Upper Valley.
2. Advance Health Equity – The pandemic exposed significant inequities in public health collaboration and resource distribution. PHC will address these disparities and build a healthier, more equitable Upper Valley. 
3. Strengthen Municipal Public Health Capacity – Many town officials and public health officers juggle multiple roles and lack resources or expertise to address evolving public health needs. PHC will bridge that gap and provide tailored support and training. 
4. Advancing Innovation through the Public Health Program Incubator – Local initiatives often face barriers like limited funding and administrative support. PHC will empower leaders to scale solutions and drive community impact. 
5. Improve Our Organizational Infrastructure – As PHC tackles increasingly complex initiatives, it must be supported by an engaged staff and board of directors. PHC will continue to position itself for long-term stability.

Your Support Creates Lasting Change

PHC’s work has always depended on the power of collaboration, partnership, and the generosity of our community. Your support helps us bring people together, elevates effective local efforts, and prepares our region for the challenges ahead. We look forward to working together to build a healthier future for all.

Thank you for your partnership in promoting health and well-being in the Upper Valley.