Appreciative “06880” reader Susan Garment writes:
I nominate Vanessa Hurta for the 06880 “Unsung Hero” award.
Vanessa is director of clinical services at the Aspetuck Health District. While a lot of her work happens behind the scenes, she made a huge difference for my husband and me recently.
We’re preparing for a trip to Africa, which involves a lot of health logistics.
Vanessa did not just hand us a standard checklist of shots and send us on our way. She sat with us, and patiently walked us through every vaccination and medication we might need.
What really blew us away was her thoroughness. She actually reached out to our own doctors to make sure nothing she was recommending would conflict with our personal medical histories. That kind of proactive coordination saved us so much stress, and made us feel genuinely looked after.
It is easy to forget what a resource we have at 180 Bayberry Lane. Beyond travel health, Vanessa leads a team that handles everything from routine screenings to free blood pressure checks.
Vanessa Hurta, inspecting a tick.
Their public health nurse, Rhea Britt, even goes out to vaccinate homebound neighbors who cannot make it into the office.
The Aspetuck Health District is also the ones tracking local disease trends, and handling those urgent tick identifications that everyone in Westport worries about this time of year. (Reminder to neighbors: If you find a deer tick, they can help get the info you need for Lyme prophylaxis within that 72-hour window).
Whether she’s giving a community talk on tick safety or personally reconciling a traveler’s medications, Vanessa’s dedication is obvious. She is exactly the kind of person who keeps this town running smoothly, without ever asking for a spotlight. I would love to see her get the recognition she deserves.
She’s got it! Thanks, Susan — and congratulations, Vanessa. Whether they realize how you’ve helped them or not, the entire “06880” thanks you.
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We love Vanessa I work with her wehn I was rtm Human services committee of rtm and she does a lot work for the town all different ways thanks Vanessa
I agree wholeheartedly. Vanessa took her time when I visited for advice and shots for a trip to South America and she did research to be sure I did not need malaria medication. The entire office is dedicated and friendly.
Thanks to Susan for the shout out, and thanks to Vanessa for all her obvious good works. I had no idea that the Health District did anything like this, nor that someone like Vanessa does it so conscientiously. Good on all.