VNA & Hospice of VT and NH Receives Laurance & Mary Rockefeller/Woodstock Foundation Fund Grant
White River Junction, VT, January 30, 2008 – The Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of VT and NH recently received a grant award of $4,000 from The Laurance and Mary Rockefeller/Woodstock Foundation Fund, an advised fund within the Vermont Community Foundation.
The VNA & Hospice traces its roots to district nursing services that began in 1907. Nursing services evolved from community concern for the well-being of neighbors. Recognizing the importance of caring for people in the comfort and warmth of home, services are provided to all in need regardless of ability to pay. Last year, the VNA & Hospice made close to 150,000 home visits and provided over 1.9 million dollars in uncompensated care to individuals. Grants from organizations such as The Laurance and Mary Rockefeller/Woodstock Foundation Fund, in addition to donations and town appropriations, are intended to be a “contribution” towards the full cost of services provided to residents.
The VNA & Hospice provides short-term care for those who need skilled services after hospital discharge in addition to long term care for people who have chronic medical problems. Pregnant women, new parents, babies and children are provided medical and support services leading up to and during the first years of life through the Maternal and Child Health Services program. VNA & Hospice nurses provide health education so patients and their caregivers will understand how to prevent health crises in the future. Last year the VNA & Hospice made 56,555 home visits to Windsor County residents which include 2,200 home visits just in the Town of Woodstock.
By keeping Woodstock area residents out of emergency rooms and hospitals and reducing the need for relocation to nursing homes, the VNA & Hospice’s care offers significant savings in the town’s emergency services and other medical expenses. Sustaining home healthcare as a part of the community safety net is one proven way to control healthcare spending.
The VNA & Hospice faces many challenges in meeting the demand to serve people through all stages of life, from birth to death. The VNA & Hospice could not meet this demand without the generous support of private donations, town appropriations and generous grants from organizations like the Laurance and Mary Rockefeller/Woodstock Foundation Fund.Contact: Jan Stryker
802-296-2838 x1027
jstryker@vnavnh.org