History

The Ottauquechee Health Foundation has been an autonomous Foundation for 27 years, based on a generous gift from the estate of Mrs. Gertrude Mertens. Board Meeting minutes from February  18, 1997, state: On Dec. 31, 1996, OHF, Inc. received a $1,200,000.00 bequest from the estate of Gertrude Mertens. The income from this gift will allow the Trustees to go forward in plans for unmet health care needs of the community. It is hoped to fund appropriate and doable efforts in “community health care” (sic). e.g. mammograms, prostate screening, dialysis transportation, eye glass subsidies, and school drug program support.

From 1997 to 2024, several million dollars were granted to people and organizations in our nine towns to improve health and wellness. The Foundation will continue to grant financial assistance and support with education, wellness initiatives, and community partnerships. “Community health care” has expanded from the list above to include home care services, disaster and pandemic-related needs, preventative care, dental, hearing and vision support, mobility, mental and emotional health, restorative, reparative and recovery support, and safety-related concerns in homes, agencies, and schools.

The Membership, donors, grantors, communities and collaboration with providers of care and supporters of health and wellness are the keys to the past and future success of the Ottauquechee Health Foundation.