Rick Hildebrandt, who identified himself to the committee as a practicing physician recently appointed to the Vermont Department of Health leadership team, told lawmakers he will focus on preserving public trust in public health, sustaining immunization access and closing gaps in treatment and care across the state.

Hildebrandt said he came to the department after hospital leadership roles and board service and described a departmentwide approach summarized as “detect, connect, prevent and respond.” He cited a recent cluster of pertussis cases in a Washington County school, saying the department provided immunization resources, personal protective equipment and alerts for area providers to limit spread.

Hildebrandt said the department emerged from the pandemic with strong public confidence and that maintaining that trust is a priority amid what he called “an attack on science and on public health itself.” He said trust rests on relationships with local providers, school nurses and community leaders as much as on departmental authority.

On substance use, Hildebrandt said Vermont’s hub‑and‑spoke model has helped reduce IV‑drug harms and expand medication‑based opioid treatment, but gaps remain. He highlighted a shortage of recovery housing and a changing drug landscape, saying stimulant and methamphetamine use appear to be increasing and that “there’s no MOUD. There’s no Suboxone or methadone for stimulants,” underscoring limits to current treatment options.

Hildebrandt also identified access to care and health‑care transformation as priorities, warning that regionalization of services must not leave patients stranded. He singled out obstetric care and transportation shortfalls as areas that require attention and said emergency medical services fall within the department’s scope and merit support.

On reproductive services, Hildebrandt described reproductive health care as “a critical service” that the department wants to preserve for all Vermonters amid federal and policy uncertainty.

The commissioner invited questions and said department staff can bring technical experts to future sessions when members seek deeper detail. He then handed the meeting over to the department’s financial director for budget details.