Patricia Johnson, MS, RN, has two positions at Southwestern Vermont Health Center. She continues to work in the Emergency Department, and is also a Blueprint Spoke Nurse supporting those with Substance Use Disorders. New to the ACT board, she is the Healthcare Sector Leader. Patricia holds an associate’s in nursing from Vermont Technical College, a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Southern Vermont College, and a master’s in leadership management from Springfield College. Patricia was also recently appointed to serve as a member of the Vermont Health Equity Advisory Commission, appointed by Xusana R. Davis, Esq., Executive Director of Racial Equity for the State of Vermont.
Why are you an ACT member? Why do you work to support healthy youth?
The key to building strong, healthy and thriving communities is through educating and supporting the youth. The youth are our future. A proactive approach—i.e., positive role models and teaching healthy coping skills—will in turn create an engaged youth population who feel heard, respected, valued, safe, and appreciated. I am an ACT member because I want to be a part of the positive change that happens within my community.
What do you love most about living and/or working in Bennington?
I grew up here, and this is where my family currently resides. In Bennington, as a community people are encouraged to think outside the box; a progressive mindset is welcomed. We take pride in our ability to preserve the traditional charm that comes with the New England way of life, and we’re not far away from the city.
Top three songs on your current playlist:
- Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
- Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Roots, Rock, Reggae”
- Michelle Obama’s Podcast series
What are you reading right now?
Harvard Business Review’s Women in Leadership
What are you doing to support your health and wellness lately?
- Reminding myself not to let other people’s chaos affect the way that I provide or implement care plans
- Taking the vacation time that I have earned
- Learning how to better practice self-care; self-exploration and healthy risk taking