Bennington

Gifford Medical Center Opioid Treatment Expands with Sublocade Access

Gifford Medical Center officials hope the change will make treatment more accessible for patients and ensure they can start treatment more quickly. Read the story on VTDigger here: Randolph hospital offers extended-release opioid treatment in emergency department.

Published

3 months ago

June 14, 2026

Randy Breland, Managing Editor

Stone family sculpture outside brick building entrance — Gifford Medical Center opioid treatment

Last updated: September 2, 2026

Key points

Gifford Medical Center offers Sublocade in its emergency department for opioid treatment.
This initiative improves access for Bennington County residents facing addiction.
Sublocade can help patients manage cravings for up to four weeks per dose.

MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Bennington County now have improved access to opioid treatment thanks to a new initiative at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph. Starting recently, the facility has begun offering extended-release medication for opioid use disorder right in the emergency department, making it a significant resource for those in need.

Gifford Medical Center is now the only hospital in Vermont providing Sublocade, an injectable form of buprenorphine that helps reduce cravings for opioids for up to four weeks per dose. This change is particularly beneficial for patients who may find it challenging to manage daily medication schedules. By offering this treatment option in the emergency room, which operates 24/7, Gifford aims to streamline access for individuals seeking help.

Sublocade Vermont Emergency Department Access and Local Impact

This development is crucial for Bennington residents facing opioid addiction, as it enhances local treatment options. With Gifford’s outpatient addiction medicine program already serving approximately 40 patients on Sublocade, the emergency department’s new capability means that patients can start their treatment immediately without delays in medication orders. Roz Vara-Good, a nurse practitioner at the hospital, emphasized the importance of making effective treatments readily available, stating, “Addiction, like other chronic illnesses, is a treatable disease and we have extremely effective, evidence-based treatments available.”

Expanding Vermont Opioid Treatment Options

For local officials and healthcare providers, this initiative represents a proactive approach to combat the ongoing opioid crisis affecting communities across Vermont. With the state’s recent decrease in opioid-related deaths, Gifford’s expanded services align with the broader efforts to improve access to treatment.

What You Need to Know

Location: Gifford Medical Center, Randolph, Vermont.
Treatment: Sublocade, an injectable opioid treatment available in the emergency department.
Cost: Covered for most patients with Medicaid or private insurance; average monthly costs for Medicare patients vary.

This initiative not only serves as a vital resource for individuals struggling with addiction but also reflects a growing commitment from healthcare providers in the region to address the substance use crisis effectively.

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

Based on reporting originally published by VTDigger. Read the original story.