VNA hires Development Fund Manager to Fundraise and develop New Strategic Vision

  Olivia Colombo spent the last five years supporting a local treasure — the Carmel Bach Festival. 

Monterey, CA, November 06, 2021 - Olivia Colombo spent the last five years supporting a local treasure — the Carmel Bach Festival. As Development Manager she had record-breaking fundraising years during her tenure. She specialized in cultivating donor and community relations to support presenting artistically innovative programming that added joy to the Monterey Peninsula.  

Now she hopes to add “joy” to another beloved community non-profit. VNA has hired Colombo as the new Development Fund Manager, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer, Jane Russo. 

Colombo is responsible for directing all functions of the Development Department including strategic planning, donor and community relationships, communications (internal and external), and overall support to VNA’s fundraising goals and commitments. 

Colombo replaces Tina Del Piero, who served 16 years in the position. Del Piero says, “She is a dynamic, enthusiastic and professional fundraiser that will do great things with the VNA & Hospice.” Colombo brings a drive for fundraising and a passion for health services from her background as a Kinesiology major at Sonoma State University. “VNA is a great organization and very respected in the community,” she said. “Yet we also need to grow and evolve to ensure we continue to provide the best services to the community.” 

Colombo said she will begin connecting with the community to build support and awareness for  VNA. “Everyone should know who we are, the services we offer, and why VNA deserves your support,” she said. “I want to share the more personal side of VNA, to help tell the stories about our amazing staff, volunteers, and patients we serve.” 

Colombo gravitated toward the VNA position because of its dedicated approach to health care and community relationships. “VNA has been around a long time, yet we need to stay modern, fresh, and relevant. It’s always a challenge, but very exciting, and amazing things are to come at VNA.” 

For more information on VNA, visit www.ccvna.com. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
831-747-7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
https://www.ccvna.com

VNA offers free monthly grief support group to help South County residents create ‘New Beginnings’

  Grieving is a natural part of life, and impacts each individual journey physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

Gonzales, CA, October 21, 2021 — Grieving is a natural part of life, and impacts each individual journey physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

While every loss is unique, VNA & Hospice Grief and Loss Program offers a free monthly support group in South County called New Beginnings that is designed to help participants share, bond and commiserate.  

The program — funded in part by Hospice Giving Foundation, and in partnership with Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center — offers a non-judgmental, fully confidential and supportive environment to share feelings of pain and loss. Individual support is also available, and great efforts are made to reach out to the South County bilingual community. 

The no-cost support group is offered to older adults who have experienced a significant loss of someone in their life. The purpose is to learn about the grieving process and share experiences that help with the emotion of isolation. 

The group meets every third Thursday of the month from 4-5 p.m. at the Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center (850 5th St.,Gonzales), a part of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. 

For more information, contact VNA’s Latino Community Outreach Coordinator Elsa M. Malispina, or Spiritual Care Coordinator Osa Massen at (831) 241-3834. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
831-747-7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
https://ccvna.com/

VNA celebrates 70 years by Honoring its Employees, Volunteers and Holding Unique Movie-night Fundraiser

  Following a year with little to smile about, VNA prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2021 by honoring its selfless volunteers and employees, followed by a unique summer fundraising event. 

Monterey, CA, May 25, 2021 - Since 1951, the not-for-profit has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate, and fiscally responsible manner. 

“VNA has existed in various forms over the years,” said VNA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jane Russo. “What hasn’t changed is our core mission, and the amazing people wanting to give back and provide care, creating that trusted compassion.” 

This week is National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), and Russo believes it is vital to honor VNA’s compassionate crew of volunteers who donate their time and boundless energy to the cause. Many of those volunteers assist hospice patients by visiting, reading, standing vigil, holding a hand, and providing families with respite. 

“There is respectfulness of being together, and sharing the emotional element of making someone’s life better,” Russo said. 

 VNA has expanded greatly over the years, and the local program has several arms of quality care. VNA Community Services provides wellness, and aids in immunizations through experienced, professional registered nurses. As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate businesses, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines, and staff education. 

The home health division offers key specialty programs, including: Cardiac, Connections, Diabetic, Orthopedic, and Palliative Care. And, of course, VNA Hospice provides a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, a peace of mind for their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. 

On June 26, the VNA family and supporters will gather at the Monterey County Fairgrounds (5-7 p.m.) for a drive-in style movie night. We will feature a video release of looking back at VNA’s 70-year history. VNA will bring in a food truck and provide a full bar. Individual tickets and sponsorships will be available beginning April 19.

“We hope the community can join us in looking back at 70 amazing years while embracing a brighter future,” Russo said. 

For more information on VNA, visit www.ccvna.com.

 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccvna.com

VNA Immunization Clinic still serving patients during pandemic through convenient curbside service

While the spread of COVID-19 has the public sheltering in place, immunization rates have fallen in the United States.

Monterey, CA, May 08, 2020 - While the spread of COVID-19 has the public sheltering in place, immunization rates have fallen in the United States.

During the current pandemic, VNA Community Services continues to provide convenient curbside vaccinations with minimal contact.

This service is especially important to the following individuals:

Pregnant women who need a Tdap vaccine to protect the baby against whooping cough.
Employees who need Hepatitis A or B vaccine in order to work in a high-risk environment.
College-bound teens who need Meningococcal or HPV vaccines for the fall.
Older community members who need protection against Shingles and Pneumonia.
Curbside car service is available by appointment at the VNA’s Monterey office in Ryan Ranch.

Call (831) 648-3777 for more information.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://ccvna.com/

VNA expands New Beginnings grief support groups to include virtual and telephonic access

Despite unprecedented circumstances surrounding a global pandemic, VNA remains committed to the needs of its community — including grief support through individual work or groups.

Salinas, CA, April 26, 2020 - During these trying weeks, VNA’s goal has been to maintain accessibility to every individual, which necessitated the addition of virtual and telephonic support meetings.

Facilitated by VNA hospice chaplain and grief counselor Mick Erickson, “New Beginnings” grief and loss support groups, along with individual work, are offered free as a community service.

Before the pandemic, Erickson provided emotional and spiritual support to patients and families of those at the end of life, facilitating six groups each week in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.

“Now we are in the process of transforming how we provide those services,” Erickson said.

While following CDC and county health guidelines, VNA is still able to offer weekly face-to-face meetings. Now, through a service called Teams, Erickson can provide live, online counseling, utilizing audio and video.

It has proven to be a valuable tool for Erickson.

“I see people with an added layer of stress in their lives,” he said. “In addition to their personal life stress and their grief, there are added concerns about health and safety. This is resulting in high anxiety, fear, depression, discouragement and despair.”

Because shelter-in-place mandates have isolated so many, “the need to feel supported and loved is more important than ever before,” Erickson said. “People need to feel there is someone out there who acknowledges and values how they feel and what they are going through.”

For onsite meetings, VNA adheres to approved safety policies, with no more than eight attendees permitted, and everyone practicing social distancing guidelines. VNA asks the public to refrain from attending if:

You or a family member has a sore throat, cough and/or fever
You have had contact in the last 14 days with someone who is suspected (or confirmed) as having coronavirus.
You have had contact with someone who has travelled internationally in the last 14 days.
Those interested in virtual meetings should contact VNA with the group of their choice and provide an email address. They will receive an invitation to join the group at the appropriate time.

Weekly Meeting Schedule
Mondays, 4:30-6 p.m. — San Martin Presbyterian Church, 13200 Lincoln Ave., San Martin
Tuesdays, 12:30-2 p.m. — Mars Hill, 610 San Benito St., Hollister
Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. — Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting (via phone or video)
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. — Church of the Wayfarer, 7th and Lincoln, Carmel
Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. — Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting (via phone or video)
Get connected and make a request at ccvna.com/supportgroups. Join virtually by emailing Ed Horsley at ehorsley@ccvna.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://ccvna.com

VNA Receives Grant for $2,010 From Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop in Carmel

VNA is proud to announce it has received a grant award in the amount of $2,010 from the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop of the Carmel Presbyterian Church. 

Monterey, CA, April 02, 2020 - VNA is proud to announce it has received a grant award in the amount of $2,010 from the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop of the Carmel Presbyterian Church.

The mission of the grantor is "To give witness to faith in Christ and evidence of goodwill and caring by donation all store proceeds, less operating expenses, to organizations that provide for the physical, emotional, educational and social needs of the community."

The grant award is for VNA Community Services’ CPR classes provided on-site by the VNA nurses using the American Heart Association class model. These funds provide the basic equipment to accomplish this task, including:

Adult and infant mannequins

AED trainers

BLS training DVD

Heartsaver Training DVD

Adult and infant lung bags

Adult and infant trainer masks

One-way valves

Adult and infant BVM trainer

Yellow Brick Road is an outreach ministry of Carmel Presbyterian Church. For more than 30 years, Yellow Brick Road has offered new hope to Monterey County's neediest citizens. The net proceeds of all sales in its three benefit shops is given through grants to carefully selected charities who provide critical services to men, women and children in Monterey County. To date, Yellow Brick Road has given more than $6.5 million.

An additional outreach is a scholarship program that assists dedicated young people in need of help to continue their education.

The main shop is located at 26388A Carmel Rancho Lane, adjacent to the

Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. For more information, call (831) 626-8480 or go to www.yellowbrickroadbenefitshop.org.

About VNA
Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

VNA Community Services brings wellness to our community. Well known as the community immunizers; experienced, professional registered nurses provide on- site flu and vaccine services.

As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate business, in the field or in the board room. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines and staff education.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.yellowbrickroadbenefitshop.org

VNA Accredited for its Home Care, Hospice Services and Certified for Palliative Care by National Standards-Setting Organization

VNA has received The Gold Seal of Approval® accreditation for home care and hospice services

Monterey, CA, March 09, 2020 — VNA has received The Gold Seal of Approval® accreditation for home care and hospice services as well as certification for palliative care by the independent, nonprofit Joint Commission by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards..

CCVNA President and CEO Dwight Wilson made the announcement after receiving the Gold Seal of Approval accreditation and certification letters from Joint Commission Chief Operating Officer Mark G. Pelletier.

The Joint Commission, the oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care, accredits and certifies more than 22,000 organizations and programs in the United States.

“The Joint Commission accreditation and certification means our organization complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care and is committed to continually improving patient care,” said Wilson. “The success of the VNA programs are a result of the outstanding care everyone within the agency makes happen every day.”

For more information, please visit https://ccvna.com/ or The Joint Commission website.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://ccvna.com/

VNA Names Salinas Resident Mary Ann Franscioni to New Position of Associate Director of Wellness Services

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) & Hospice has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Franscioni as Associate Director of Wellness Services.

Monterey, CA, March 05, 2020 — The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) & Hospice has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Franscioni as Associate Director of Wellness Services.

Franscioni has worked for VNA as a part-time Workplace Wellness Specialist since 2017. She was recruited for the new position by Andrea Zoodsma, Director of VNA Community Services. Franscioni describes her job in terms of community awareness: “I will be getting the word out about VNA programs and why they matter. Her intent is “to expand the program with existing clients and bring wellness to new corporate clients.”

Franscioni said she’s excited about the challenges ahead, and the opportunity to focus on outreach to the community with existing programs and introduction of new programs such as Kitchen Talks, in which she visits organizations to teach healthy cooking and nutrition. CPR certification classes are also a new addition to the list of wellness services VNA brings to the community. Supporting the work of The Blue Zone Project is an exciting prospect for the coming year.

“I’m motivated differently now,” she said, reflecting on her 25-year career as a teacher in the Washington Union School District. She said her interest in health and nutrition began with elementary school students and now has “grown and evolved” to include adults, especially the agricultural workforce, and their families. “It’s a different challenge now.”

Franscioni holds a BA from The Catholic University of America, an MA in Curriculum Development from Chapman University and, most recently, an MS in Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Originally from New York City, she has been a Monterey County resident since she moved to California in 1987.

About VNA & Hospice
Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

VNA Community Services brings wellness to our community. Well known as the community immunizers; experienced, professional registered nurses provide on- site flu and vaccine services.

As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate business, in the field or in the board room. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines and staff education.

VNA provides intermittent care, covered primarily by insurance, through the expert skills of our trained and certified clinicians, to assist patients, families, and caregivers in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. The home health division offers key specialty program, including cardiac, connections, diabetic, orthopedic, and palliative care. These individual programs have advanced practice clinicians and program expertise.

VNA Hospice is specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. A key component to the team is VNA Volunteers who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups.

VNA & Hospice
PO Box 2480
Monterey, CA 93942-2480
Phone:831-372-6668
Fax: 831-648-7726
Email: vnainfo@ccvna.com
https://ccvna.com/

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.ccvna.com/

VNA Providing Professional Care, Trusted Compassion You Deserve

"Cortland J Young Appointed to NHPCO My Hospice Ambassadors Program”

Monterey, CA, August 01, 2019 - Mr. Edo Banach, JD, President and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) announced today that Cortland J. Young, RN CHPN NEA-BC ACHCE has been appointed into the My Hospice Ambassadors Program. My Hospice Ambassadors play an invaluable role in educating and forging relationships with Members of Congress, enhancing awareness of hospice and palliative care issues, and leading grassroots efforts in their state.

Mr. Banach has appointed Cortland Young to the California My Hospice Ambassador’s position for 2019-2020 Congressional Calendar Year. Mr. Young’s duties as Ambassador will be to participate in the Hospice Action Network (HAN) Summer 2019 three-part grassroots webinar series.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is the oldest and largest nonprofit organization representing hospice and palliative care professionals in the United States, with its affiliate the Hospice Action Network.

“I would like to congratulate you on your acceptance into the My Hospice Ambassadors Program. We [NHCPO] appreciate your leadership and commitment on behalf of the hospice and palliative care community and look forward to working with you on ensuring that individuals and their families continue to receive high-quality, compassionate, and person-centered hospice and palliative care.” wrote Mr. Banach.

Mr. Young resides in Salinas and is the Chief Clinical Officer for the VNA & Hospice. Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and South Santa Clara counties. VNA is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents of the Central Coast by meeting their individual needs in a caring, effective, honorable, and accessible manner.

Media Contact: Jane Russo, 831-372-6668, From: Central Coast VNA & Hospice www.ccvna.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccvna.com

“VNA Receives A Grant Award from The Marina Foundation”

VNA is proud to announce it has received a grant award of $5,000 from The Marina Foundation to provide complimentary therapies to Marina Veterans on VNA hospice service.

Monterey, CA, July 19, 2019 - VNA is proud to announce it has received a grant award of $5,000 from The Marina Foundation to provide complimentary therapies to Marina Veterans on VNA hospice service. These therapies include massage, Reiki, Beauticians, and Pet therapy to maximize comfort and promote overall well-being.

VNA is dedicated to providing the highest quality of health care to residents of the Central Coast by meeting their needs in a caring, effective, honorable, and accessible manner.

This granting organization provides local programs with the resources that they need to strengthen and improve the lives of our Marina Veterans. VNA is proud to partner with The Marina Foundation to provide comprehensive and compassionate services that benefit The Marina community.

Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

VNA Community Services brings wellness to our community. Well known as the community immunizers; experienced, professional registered nurses provide on- site flu and vaccine services. As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for International travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate business, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state mandated screenings, vaccines and staff education.

VNA Home Health provides intermittent care, covered primarily by insurance, through the expert skills of our trained and certified clinicians, to assist patients, families, and caregivers in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. The home health division offers key specialty program, including cardiac, diabetic, orthopedic, palliative care and connections (a self-referral program). These individual programs have advanced practice clinicians and program expertise. VNA Hospice is specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. A key component to our team is VNA Volunteers who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups.

From: Central Coast VNA and Hospice www.ccvna.com
Media Contact: Jane Russo, 831-372-6668

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccvna.com

VNA Providing Professional Care, Trusted Compassion You Deserve

“VNA & Hospice Receives A Grant Award from Community Foundation for Monterey County”

Monterey, CA, July 17, 2019 - VNA & Hospice is proud to announce it has received a grant award of $35,000 from Community Foundation’s donor advised funds (Lauralie and J Irvine Fund, Frank Pye Smith MD Medical Facilities Fund, and The F Robert Nunes Family Fund) to provide phone and computer security upgrades. “We’re proud to support nonprofit organizations like the VNA through our Community Impact grantmaking program that also provides opportunities for our donors to fulfill their philanthropic wishes.” – Laurel Lee-Alexander, CFMC Vice President of Grants and Programs.

VNA is dedicated to providing the highest quality of health care to residents of the Central Coast by meeting their needs in a caring, effective, honorable, and accessible manner.

These granting organizations provide local programs with the resources that they need to strengthen and improve the lives of our Central Coast residents. VNA is proud to partner with Community Foundation for Monterey County to provide comprehensive and compassionate services across Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and South Santa Clara counties.

Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

VNA Community Services brings wellness to our community. Well known as the community immunizers; experienced, professional registered nurses provide on- site flu and vaccine services. As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for International travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate business, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state mandated screenings, vaccines and staff education.

VNA Home Health provides intermittent care, covered primarily by insurance, through the expert skills of our trained and certified clinicians, to assist patients, families, and caregivers in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. The home health division offers key specialty program, including cardiac, diabetic, orthopedic, palliative care and connections (a self-referral program). These individual programs have advanced practice clinicians and program expertise. VNA Hospice is specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. A key component to our team is VNA Volunteers who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups.

Media Contact: Jane Russo, 831-372-6668
Central Coast VNA & Hospice www.ccvna.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccvna.com