News & Events

Welcome to the Visiting Nurse Association newsroom. On the pages within, you will find recent news articles about the VNA, a calendar of VNA events, the electronic version of our newsletter, and an archive of past feature articles on the VNA.

If you are a member of the media and need any additional information, or would like to schedule an interview, please contact June Stewart, Coordinator of Community Education, at 724-463-6546 - Ext. 224.

HOSPICE AT THE END OF LIFE Letter to the editor Indiana Gazette
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FEB. 2014 VNA receives Grant to improve heath care outcomes through the secure exchange of electronic health information.
PA eHealth Partnership Authority Awards More than $500,000 in Home Health Grants 
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Indiana Gazette, Nov. 12, 2013 Community giving bolsters VNA mission -United Way of Indiana County 2013 Campaign
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Linda Bettinazzi wrapping up her long career at VNA
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Hospice Foundation of America's 20th Annual Living with Grief Program
Improving Care for Veterans Facing Illness and Death
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 1:00 to 4:00 PM at
VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care
Medical Arts Building 850 Hospital Road Suite 3000, Indiana, PA
The program is FREE. Low cost CE credits are available.
For more information call 724-463-8711 or email mcicola@vnaindianacounty.com
VNA adds Hopeful Hearts, CareNet as volunteer services
By Heather Roth Indiana Gazette Feb. 20, 2012
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VNA Medical Director awarded for Physician Excellence by Indiana Regional Medical Center, Dec. 13, 2011
Dr. Boron receives excellence award - The Indiana Gazette Online: Community Connection: Indiana, Pa.,

VNA of Indiana County named one of the Top Places to Work
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, October 2011
The Top Places to Work post-gazette.com

VNA Family Hospice Butterfly Release "Hope takes Flight"photo by James J. Nestor of the Indiana Gazette August 22, 2011
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Exemplary Long-Term Care Organizations Profiled in PHI Case Studies
PHI BLOG by Matthew Ozga Posted on June 28, 2011
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PHI Training and Organizational Deveolpment Services
CASE STUDY: VNA of Indiana County
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Technology via "Telehealth" gives access to more patients
by Bill Zlatos PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW May 19, 2011
Technology via 'telehealth' gives access to more patients - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

FIVE WISHES and National Healthcare Decisions DayApril 16, 2011 is National Healthcare Decisions Day- a time to learn more about making your future healthcare decisions known to family and healthcare providers.
VNA is here to help you learn about the importance of advance healthcare decision making and advance directives. We invite you to call us, or stop by our office to speak with our knowledgeable staff, and to get your free copy of FIVE WISHES. 724-463-6340

VNA FAMILY HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE TO HOST HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA’S 18th ANNUAL Living With Grief® PROGRAM
April 13, 2011

Spirituality and End-of-Life Care
Each year the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) presents a nationally recognized distance learning program to more than 125,000 people in 2,000 communities. For more than a decade, this annual educational event has been instrumental in educating health care professionals and families on issues affecting end-of-life care. The program provides an opportunity for a wide variety of professionals including doctors, nurses, funeral directors, psychologists, educators, social workers and bereavement counselors to share and exchange ideas and obtain continuing education credits.

This year HFA’s 18th Annual National Bereavement Program focuses on “Spirituality and End-of-Life Care.” The program will discuss differences between spirituality and religion, while also addressing spirituality during illness, death and grief; spiritual assessment and empowerment, and life review. Moderated by Frank Sesno, Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, the program will be broadcast via DVD only, beginning Wednesday, April 13, 2011 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm ET.
Mr. Sesno will lead the panel of noted authorities that includes: Kenneth J. Doka, Professor of Gerontology at The College of New Rochelle; Gary S. Fink, Chaplain and Dementia Project Coordinator at Montgomery Hospice, and Adjunct Faculty at Hood College Graduate School; Carolyn Jacobs, Dean and Elizabeth Marting Treuhaft Professor at Smith College, School for Social Work; Betty Kramer, Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Social Work; Reinette Powers Murray, Consultant, for The Peaceful Journey-End-of-Life Process program, and Director of Quality Assurance/Improvement and Educator for Hospice of The Straits; and Martha Rutland, Director of Clinical Pastoral Education at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care.

Each year this award-winning, televised broadcast is seen in more than 2,000 communities across North America, reaching an estimated live audience of 125,000 people. The teleconference is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a not-for-profit organization, which acts as an advocate for the hospice concept of care through ongoing programs of professional education, public information and research on issues relating to illness, loss, grief and bereavement.
VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care invites you participate in this HFA program by calling 724-463-8711 to register. The program will be broadcast in the VNA conference room in the Medical Arts building at 850 Hospital Road, Suite 3000, Indiana, PA on April 13 at 1:30pm. Refreshments will be provided.

NOTE: News media are encouraged to attend. For more information, call VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care at 724-463-8711.

VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care selected for Highmark's Advanced Illness Services Program
The Visiting Nurse Association Family Hospice and Palliative Care successfully surpassed the standards to participate as a provider for Highmark’s new Advanced Illness Services Program. VNA’s caring professional team is uniquely qualified for this project because of their credentials and experience. Dr. Stella Boron, medical director, is board certified in hospice and palliative medicine. Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing (CHPN) is encouraged and supported by the VNA with over two thirds of the hospice nursing staff having achieved certification. The original provider for end of life care in our community, VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care has been Medicare certified for over 25 years, and is a long time member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. (NHPCO) This combination of strengths makes VNA one of the distinctive agencies selected to offer Highmark’s new program.

The Advanced Illness Services Program is designed for Highmark Medicare Advantage plan members with life- limiting illness. Services are consultative and offer access to hospice and palliative care professionals who focus on pain control, symptom management, service coordination, emotional support, and the tools to make individual educated decisions related to their care. Members can receive services, up to ten consultative visits, in their home or another health care setting. They do not need to be homebound and can continue to receive curative and other covered services, including home health care under their plan.

Marion Nugent Cowan, RN, director of VNA Hospice and Palliative Care said “This program will fill a critical need where patients who previously did not qualify for essential services will now have access to a team of certified professionals who can assist them in achieving their goals.”

VNA continues to work on the forefront of hospice and palliative care to offer those with life limiting illness the best quality services. For more information call 724-463-8711. For information on the Advances Illness Services Program visit http://www.highmark.com.

Stella Boron M.D. earns Board Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

INDIANA, PA, Feb. 18, 2011- Stella M. Boron MD, medical director of VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care in Indiana has successfully earned her Board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine(ABIM).

ABIM works to enhance the quality of health care by certifying internists and sub-specialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.

Board Certification demonstrates to the public that physicians have met the highest standards of internal medicine and its subspecialties. Board certification is voluntary and includes an exam that tests a physician’s ability to diagnose and treat patients with a broad range of conditions.

Dr. Boron is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, along with Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She practices with Rose Medical Associates in Indiana. She is senior active medical staff at Indiana Regional Medical Center and directs the Palliative Care Program there. She received her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA.

Earning her initial Board Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2001
from the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Dr. Boron was among the first group of physicians in the nation to specialize in that field. Her passion for quality end of life care inspires her as medical director for VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care. Her expertise and guidance is evidenced by compassionate outcomes experienced by the patients and families she serves.

VNA clarifies debate over co-payments
Letter to Editor Indiana Gazette

In response to the Jan. 16, 2011 article in The Indiana Gazette headlined "Seniors may have to pay for home health," I would like to offer the following clarification and information:
-- The issue of whether to charge an out-of-pocket "co-pay" charge for home health is a proposal to Congress, not yet part of Medicare legislation.

-- If passed as proposed, the co-pay would apply only to patients admitted to home care from the community. Low-income patients as well as those just discharged from the hospital would be exempt.

-- The question of whether to charge home health co-pays is being met with stiff opposition on many fronts, including AARP, National Association of Home care, Visiting Nurse Association of America and others.

VNA of Indiana County would like to go on record as also strongly opposing any such burden being placed on our patients.
Home health services did include a co-pay in 1972, which Congress eliminated to encourage the use of less costly, non-institutional care. In 1977 and again in 2003, co-pays were proposed and defeated both times by Congress.

It is simply not true, as stated by a member of a congressional panel, that the benefit can turn "into a long-term care social support system." The Medicare home health benefit was dramatically changed under the 1997 Balanced Budget Act to provide only short-term, acute care. By statute and by strict practice guidelines, this benefit does not cover long-term care.
There have been incidences of rampant Medicare fraud in areas of Florida and Texas, which have reflected negatively on the entire industry.

Co-payments are not the way to handle fraudulent, individual providers of care.
They will not work and will increase overall Medicare spending with patients much more likely to end up in a care setting of much higher cost.
There are numerous studies to support the fact that even small co-payments can discourage patients from receiving the home health services they need. In our current economic environment, co-pays make no sense at all.

Linda Bettinazzi
President/CEO,
VNA of Indiana County

Linda Bettinazzi honored by physicians
It had been ten years since the Indiana County Medical Society had bestowed the Benjamin Rush Award, so everyone associated with the VNA was thrilled that the 2010 Award went to President and CEO Linda Bettinazzi. The award honors a person (not a physician) who has had a significant impact on the health of Indiana County communities. At the Medical Society’s annual dinner gala, guests were treated to thoughtful remarks by Society President Dr. Ruth Woolcock and guest speaker Pat Hillebrand; and to a light-hearted retrospective of Mrs. Bettinazzi’s life, narrated by Dr. Stella Boron, longtime friend and Hospice Medical Director.

Hope Takes Flight August 22, 2010
On Sunday August 22, 2010 at 2 PM VNA Family Hospice will host a commemorative Monarch Butterfly release at the Eagles Nest Pavilions at White Township Recreation Complex. Guests will have the opportunity to release a live butterfly in honor or memory of a loved one.

VNA Family Hospice is celebrating 25 years of service. Our hope is that the butterfly release will be an annual event and a way to share and support each other in the years to come. Please join us. For more information call 724-463-8711 or email
jstewart@vnaindianacounty.com

VNA of Indiana County Awarded for Quality Health Care
When Quality Insights asked Pennsylvania home care agencies to reduce avoidable hospitalizations the Visiting Nurse Association of Indiana County stepped up to the plate. The challenge that began 3 years ago advanced on May 21, 2008 with a home run. Quality Insights of Pennsylvania presented the VNA with the Reduction in Acute Care Hospitalizations award at the 2008 Keystone Health Care Quality Awards banquet in Camp Hill, Pa. VNA was selected for the award from 223 home care agencies in Pennsylvania. Debra Bier, director of VNA Home Health, and Judy Chapla, VNA’s quality improvement supervisor, accepted the honor for the agency.
Quality Insights, the Medicare quality improvement organization for the commonwealth, honored home health agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, and physician’s offices that demonstrated significant improvement in specific outcomes at the awards banquet.
The VNA recognizes the efforts of their entire staff for reducing avoidable hospitalizations. VNA developed an internal strategy and worked with effective tools and resources during its home health quality improvement campaign. Linda Bettinazzi, president/ CEO credits that plan and says “ By using technology such as tele-health monitoring, new methods of educating patients and families on self-management skills, home safety and medication management, VNA’s acute care re-hospitalization rate decreased by 17 percent over three years. Congratulations to all the staff at the VNA of Indiana County.”

Quality Insights of Pennsylvania, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), protects Medicare patient rights and works collaboratively with hospitals and other health care providers in Pennsylvania to assist them in their efforts to improve quality of the care they deliver. CMS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Visiting Nurse Association is the largest nonprofit provider of home health and hospice services in the area. VNA provides specialized skilled home healthcare and supportive services to help people maintain their dignity and independence in the comfort and security of their homes. The VNA continually works to provide the highest quality home care services to everyone in need. To learn more about VNA visit call 724-463-6340.

VNA of Indiana County named Top 100 Businesses of 2006 by PA Business Central
VNA was selected as a Top 100 Business from all the companies and exceptional businesses in a 16-county area. Included in the criteria is business success, innovation, awards and good community deeds. VNA is featured in a special publication of Pennsylvania Business Central's Top 100 People or Top 100 Businesses of 2006. Congratulations to all of the VNA staff.

VNA named top 50 best places to work by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette
The Visiting Nurse Association of Indiana County was ranked in the March 20 , 2007 issue of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette The Top 50: Celebrating the places where people love to work. Employees at business across the region were invited to go online and rate their workplaces on 10 characteristics from family friendly polices, flexible hours, pay benefits, etc. The results and full article can be viewed on the Post Gazette website.
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VNA Family Hospice receives a Song of Faith and Inspiration
At this years Hospice Memorial Service Indiana County's own Anthony Frazier offered a unique contribution-the gift of song. Frazier performed "Memories Wings" an original composition created to provide comfort and reassurance to the grieving.
Frazier and several local artists have recorded a full version of the song which will be available on CD for a $5.00 donation. To reserve your copy email jstewart@vnaindianacounty.com or call the VNA Family Hospice at 724-463-8711.