Member Profile: Alisa and Jason Fritzhand

After many years as medical professionals, Alisa and Jason Fritzhand were looking to find a place where they could use their expertise to make a difference in a cohesive, active community. As it turns out, joining the Ottauquechee Health Foundation as members fit the bill perfectly.

The Fritzhands moved to Woodstock in 2021, and they were impressed to learn about OHF. Its grant program and the various ways its members strive to help those in need make it a unique organization, Alisa said.

“They just do tremendous work,” she said. “I don’t think we’ve ever come across another organization where the sole purpose was to raise funds and supply people with medical care.”

That focus immediately attracted them to becoming OHF members, and the couple said the membership process was very inviting and straightforward. They particularly enjoyed attending OHF’s recent annual meeting.

“Everyone was very warm and welcoming, eager to hear about our background and see what ways we could contribute as well,” Jason said. 

Alisa added, “It really was the perfect fit, just a perfect way for us to step in and get involved here.”

Hailing from Westchester County, New York, Alisa and Jason have been in their respective medical fields for over two decades. In her practice, now based in Woodstock, Alisa works with families whose infants are having challenges around feeding and swallowing; she’s also a licensed speech and language pathologist, and a certified lactation counselor. Jason is an outpatient physiatrist, which involves working in physical medicine and rehabilitation for a range of recovery needs. He now works at Mount Ascutney Hospital.

During their careers, the Fritzhands have worked with people facing challenges getting the care they needed, and supporting OHF’s mission means a great deal, they noted. Jason pointed out the significant need for patient services in the local area, across the spectrum of both dental and medical care.

The Fritzhands are looking forward to being part of OHF’s efforts to help the community. Alisa said she’d love to brainstorm ways she could help extend health services to families with babies in need of special care.

“We just want to thank OHF for being here and inviting us to become members,” she said. “We’re super excited to see where this takes us in the future.”