Visiting Nurse Association

of Porter County

 

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The mission of the

Visiting Nurse Association is

to provide quality health care services in an effective,

innovative and personalized manner to members of the community, within the

resources available, enabling them to preserve their dignity

and maintain their highest

level of independence while remaining in their homes.

 

 

 

News and Events

NewsEvents

Stroll for HospiceHospice RegattaHoliday Memorial Tree

Dr. Bruce Thoma, representing the physicians of Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute, accepts the VNA Physician of the Year Award from Joyce Alexa, VNA Clinical Director.

Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute Physicians named VNA Physicians of the Year

 

The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County honored the physicians of Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute at the VNA Annual Recognition Banquet in February, naming the group “VNA Physicians of the Year” for 2007.

 

Each year, the VNA bestows this award on a physician in the community whose practice affirms the vital importance of home health care. In nominating physicians James Malayer, Michael Leland, Bruce Thoma, Paul Gruszka, Thomas Kay, Anton Thompkins, David Musgrave, Anthony Levenda, Nick Nenadovich, Aaron Anderson, Marc Bruell, Rachel Stern and Karen Kovalow-St. John for this honor, VNA nurses expressed their warm appreciation for their genuine and continued commitment to home health care. Joyce Alexa, Clinical Director for the VNA says, “The physicians at Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute communicate with clarity and show great concern for their patients, as well as respect for the VNA staff. We’re grateful for the wonderful working relationship we enjoy.”

 

The staff of the VNA are pleased to recognize their care and compassion for those in need in our community by honoring the physicians of Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute as VNA Physicians of the Year.

 

 

Students from River Forest High School in Lake Station receive the team award for gathering the most sponsors at the 2007 VNA Stroll for Hospice.

2007 Stroll for Hospice goes worldwide

More than 100 walkers of all ages strolled through the streets near the Visiting Nurse Association and Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso on April 22nd in support of the 6th Annual VNA ‘Stroll for Hospice’. Adding to the enjoyment of a beautiful spring day, walkers were able to take advantage of the new pathway on Vale Park Road for the first time since the event began in 2002.

This year, Stroll for Hospice took on an international flair as teacher Chris Gaffner from River Forest High School in Lake Station led a large team of students from around the world. Students from Ghana, the Philippines, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Russia, Thailand, Egypt, Malaysia, Germany, Turkey and Azerbaijan not only learned about the concept of hospice, but got an education in our uniquely American, grassroots approach to fundraising and community awareness. Ms. Gaffner said her students are anxious to get home and share what they have learned here, to raise awareness and meet needs in their own communities.

Event sponsors included the Harold and Margaret "Sis" Heinold Foundation, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, Porter, Angelcrest, Centier Bank, First National Bank of Valparaiso, North Coast Distributing, Focus Enterprises, Firstcare, McGill/Emerson Power Transmission, GE Marshall Inc., Valparaiso American Legion Auxiliary, Tudor Floors, Arbor View Animal Hospital and Design Organization.

Raffle prizes and supplies were provided by Family Express, Town & Country, Chicago Street Theater, Fast Coffee/Naturel Water, David's Mens Clothier, Tudor Services, Brandy's Lock & Key, Wiseway, Costas Soft Touch, Bill and Carol Koss, Blondie’s, Bon Femme Cafe, Deb Killion, Inn at Aberdeen, Lynda Krueger, Memorial Opera House, Panera Bread, Philips Ace Hardware, Bill Spicer, Deb Springer, Rachel Rosati, Arlene Gross, Patty Rooney and Mary Ann Konopacki.

Music for the event was provided by Orison, a talented group of musicians from St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Valparaiso.

Individuals receiving awards were Bill Koss, who raised the highest dollar amount in sponsorships and Martha Arroyo, who had the greatest number of sponsors.

Team awards were split between a veteran team and a new team. Longtime hospice supporters Oestreich's Angels received the team award for raising the highest dollar amount in sponsorships, while newcomer River Forest High School team received the award for the greatest number of sponsors.

Nearly $25,000 was raised through corporate sponsorships and individual and team sponsorships.

Since 1983, the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice program has helped terminally ill patients and their families with their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs and enabled them to prepare for death with peace and dignity. "The Stroll for Hospice is a wonderful way to raise funds to help us provide hospice care and to help the community learn more about the benefits of hospice," said Patty Rooney, VNA nurse and chairman of the event.

The mission of hospice has always been to help people die with dignity, at home, with their loved ones by their side. But hospice goes even further. It not only comforts the patient, but reaches out to the family as well, helping loved ones through the experience of loss and grief. The VNA provides hospice care wherever the patient calls home, whether it is the patient's home, the home of a loved one, assisted living facility, extended care facility or at the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center.

 

 

Bill Lukach presents the 2006 Lukach Memorial Scholarship to Stacy Sowers

The scholarship is awarded each year through the Visiting Nurse Association to assist health care workers who lack access to traditional scholarships, enabling them to pursue further education in health care.  It was created by the late Mrs. Avis Lukach, a past Visiting Nurse Association board member and longtime community volunteer who believed in opening doors for non-traditional students. 

The scholarship continues as a lasting testament to her vision. Anyone employed in the health care field who desires to advance their health-care related education through formal courses, certificate courses, or specialized training may apply for this scholarship.

Stacy has been a member of the VNA Support Services team of the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County for the last two years. The mother of four plans to attend Ivy Tech as she works toward her RN--a dream of hers for more than a decade.  The Visiting Nurse Association and the Lukach Scholarship Committee are proud to recognize Stacy's dedication, caring and diligence with a scholarship in the amount of $850.

For more information or to request an application for the 2007 scholarship, please call the VNA Foundation at (219)462-5195.  You may also visit the VNA website at www.vnaportercounty.org.  Previous recipients are not eligible for additional assistance.

 2007 Lukach Scholarship Application (click here for printable application)

 

Pictured left to right:

Front: Pam Thompson, President of the Ladies Auxiliary; Delores Wallace; Rose Muckway; Laura Harting, Executive Director of the VNA; Jan Yoder, Aerie #2517 President; Kit McLean; Brady Bryan, Home Pro

Back: Lora McLean

Valpo Eagles support VNA Hospice

Committed to the Fraternal Order of Eagles motto "for Home, for Country and for God" the Valparaiso Eagles and Ladies Auxiliary, Aerie #2517 donated a total of $4,000 in support of the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice program.

Founded in 1898, the Eagles have more than 1 million members nationwide. Over the years, the Eagles have helped establish the Workman's Compensation Act, Social Security laws and work to assist in the prevention and cure of diseases through their sponsorship of the Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund, Max Bear Heart Fund, Jimmy Durante Children's Fund, "Doc" Dunlap Kidney Fund and the Diabetes Fund.

The Valparaiso Eagles’ donation to hospice started with funds raised through a rummage sale, bake sale and gift basket raffle held by the Ladies Auxiliary earlier this year."The Auxiliary raised $1,000 to support the hospice program," said Auxiliary President Pam Thompson. "When the men saw how much we raised, they decided to match it and then one of our members, Brady Bryan from Home Pro matched both donations."

The VNA Hospice program provides care for the terminally ill and their families in Porter County, in addition to portions of Lake, LaPorte, Jasper and Starke counties. Hospice brings comfort and support for both the patient and family members, allowing the patient to live their final days with peace and dignity. Care may be provided in the patient’s home, home of a family member, long term care facility, assisting living facility or at the VNA Hospice Center.

"We’ve had a lot of members touched by the VNA Hospice program. They make such a difference for people and we want to help make sure hospice is there for our community," said Thompson.

 

Joe Wagner of Joe's Towing presents $3,500 to Maria Galka of the Visiting Nurse Association to support the VNA Hospice program.

Joe Wagner, owner of Joe's Towing in Chesterton, recently presented the Visiting Nurse Association with an early holiday surprise: a check for $3,500.00 to the VNA Hospice Program, representing proceeds of the Joe's Towing 5th Annual Charity Golf Outing, which took place on August 12, 2006 at the Brassie Golf Club.

 

Each year, the event donates its proceeds to non-profit organizations in Porter County. Over the last five years, the Golf Outing has donated more than $45,000.00 to support groups that make a difference in the community.

 

Mr. Wagner has a very personal reason to care about hospice. In 2002 his father, Carl Wagner, received hospice care through the VNA. "I had always heard of the good work they do," he said, "but I did not have first hand experience with them until my father's illness and passing. I was very impressed by their skill, and care, and concern. They were genuinely good people who tried their best to help my dad and provide assistance to the rest of the family."

 

Hospice is a program designed to assist people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. VNA hospice care is provided by a team of caregivers that includes the patient's physician, registered nurses, social workers, clergy, occupational therapists, physical therapists, chaplains, aides, dieticians, and volunteers.  The Visiting Nurse Association provides care in the patient's home, nursing home, assisted living facility or at the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center.

 

Mr. Wagner is modest about his generosity. "I am grateful to them," he said simply, "and wish them continued success."

 

 

 

 

Joyce Alexa, VNA Clinical Director presents Dr. Timothy Ames as VNA Physician of the Year

 

Dr. Ames Named VNA Physician of the Year

The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County honored Dr. J. Timothy Ames at the VNA Annual Recognition Banquet as Physician of the Year for 2005. Each year, the VNA gives this award to a physician whose practice affirms the vital importance of home health care and hospice.

Dr. Ames was recognized for his deep commitment to delivering quality health care services to patients of all ages and backgrounds. The nurses who nominated him for this honor noted his exceptional dedication to his patients. As one nurse observed, "He cares about helping people above all else."

After helping to establish two clinics for low-income and uninsured patients in Porter County, one in Portage and one in Valparaiso, he left private practice to devote himself full-time to the clinics. Fluent in Spanish, he is currently Medical Director and full-time family physician at the Hilltop Health Center in Valparaiso, where his language skills help bridge the gap for immigrants in desperate need of health care services. In addition, Dr. Ames serves as Medical Director of the Ivy Tech Medical Assistant Program, and is a volunteer board member for Pines Village retirement community. Dr. Ames, a graduate of the University of Virginia, has been a diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice since 1987.

With all these commitments, this father of two young sons is also a member of the vestry at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and a Cub Scout Leader. He and his wife Debra, a professor of Spanish at Valparaiso University, have been Porter County residents for nearly 20 years. The staff of the VNA are pleased to acknowledge his contribution to the community by honoring him as Physician of the Year.

 

Realtors Minakshi Ghuman and Gail Kneeland present VNA Executive Director Laura Harting with a check for $1,100.00.

 

Christmas in February at the VNA

 

For the staff of Century 21 Estates, community support is a key part of their annual Christmas celebration. Recently, representatives of Century 21 Estates honored the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County with a very special contribution.

 

Realtors Gail Kneeland and Minakshi Ghuman presented VNA Executive Director Laura Harting with a check for $1,100.00, donated by members of the firm as their "Christmas gift to the community."

 

The Visiting Nurse Association is a leader in home health and hospice care for Porter County, with services that include nursing, physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy, nutrition counseling, medical social services, hospice care, senior wellness programs, flu shot administration and home health aide services. The VNA also offers respite care, homemaker and attendant care, health watch and meals on wheels for patients who need help in their homes for everyday tasks.

 

 

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas thanks Laura Harting, Executive Director of the Visiting Nurse Association for providing 35 years of care and compassion to the community through the programs and services of the VNA.

VNA Celebrates 35 Years

Nearly 200 staff, board members, volunteers and friends of the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County gathered at Aberdeen Manor on February 27, 2006 for the agency’s annual recognition banquet. The banquet highlighted the agency’s 35th anniversary.

Staff members were recognized for their years of service to the VNA, with special salutes to JosAnn Aguilera (VNA Caregiver of the Year), Cookie Torchia (VNA Support Staff of the Year), and Mary Jane Manfred (June McCort Award-Respite Companion of the Year).

Dr. J. Timothy Ames was named VNA Physician of the Year for his dedicated service to his patients and the community. The United Way’s Sharon Kish recognized volunteers Lynda Krueger (VNA Volunteer of the Year) and Carol Fellores (Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year) for their exceptional volunteer activities on behalf of the VNA, a United Way agency.

In an evening filled with laughter, tears and memories, guests paid tribute to Executive Director Laura Harting, the agency’s founder and director since 1970, and Clinical Director Joyce Alexa, who has served the VNA for 30 years.

Sharon Kish made a presentation in honor of Laura Harting on behalf of the United Way of Porter County, and Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas shared an official proclamation naming February 27, 2006 ‘Laura Harting Day’ in appreciation for her visionary leadership and service to the community. The proclamation states that her "expansive knowledge of healthcare, her vision for home care, her ability to see challenges rather than obstacles, her tenacious nature and her compassion set the standards for home care in this area...."

Laura Harting established the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County in 1970. What began as a three-employee operation headquartered in the kitchen of a private home has grown to become one of the region’s premier providers of home healthcare and support for independent living, offering a wide range of services from skilled nursing care to Meals on Wheels and much more.

Despite legislative and fiscal challenges which have forced the closure of many VNAs nationwide over the years, the VNA of Porter County continues to thrive. Today it provides services throughout Porter County as well as portions of Lake, LaPorte, Jasper and Starke Counties.

Under Harting’s leadership, the VNA has also been a pioneer in hospice care. The agency has provided home hospice care since 1983, adding inpatient services in 1994. In 2000, aware of the ever-growing need for compassionate end-of-life care, Harting launched a campaign to build a new, freestanding hospice center and in February of 2002, the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center opened its doors. Since its opening, this state-of-the-art facility has provided support for hundreds of dying patients and their family members.

 

 

 

VNA Foundation board President Doug Watkins presents retiring Foundation President Joe Claesgens with a plaque commemorating his 21 years of service as board leader.

 

Joe Claesgens Retires as VNA Board Leader

 

When Joe Claesgens first became involved with the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County he did it purely as a favor to a friend who was then serving on the VNA Board. Claesgens figured he would serve for a year or two before passing the baton to someone else.

 

That was in 1984. In early 2006, Claesgens officially retired as president of the VNA Foundation Board after 21 years. Fellow Board members presented him with an inscribed clock and some heartfelt words of gratitude for his many years of service. As a special surprise, wife Mary Ann and grandsons Daniel and James were present to share in the honors.

 

By the time of his retirement as president, he had served on all three of the organization's Boards, including 22 years on the VNA Foundation Board, 20 years on the board of sister organization HHS of Porter County, and 8 years on the Visiting Nurse Association Board.

           

Claesgens, Assistant Vice President and Banking Center Manager at Fifth Third Bank, has seen the VNA and VNA Foundation through many ups and downs, and he regards his time with the VNA as a long learning experience. His steady leadership helped steer the organization through the tumultuous 1990s, when financial and legislative challenges forced nearly half the VNAs in Indiana to close their doors.

 

He also helped to spearhead the $2.85 million capital campaign that built the landmark Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center, remaining deeply committed to this project despite (or perhaps because of!) claims that it "couldn't be done." His devotion to the agency has led him to get others involved, and he can regularly be spotted conducting 'introductory tours' for friends and colleagues.

                                               

The affable Claesgens is not 'calling it quits'. Rather, he remains a member of the VNA Foundation Board, recently agreeing to lend his expertise and experience to head a committee of the Foundation. As wife Mary Ann notes, if Joe Claesgens sits down during the day, he feels as though he's missing something. During his years of service to the VNA, he has also been active with his homeowners' association and his church, served as a Loaned Executive with the United Way, and been an ardent advocate for Family House, Inc., a social service organization that supports children and their parents during periods of family trauma.

 

Claesgens moves seamlessly between the life of work, family, neighborhood, faith and service, guided by a strong belief that we repay our blessings through involvement. He is firmly convinced that everyone has something to share.  "If you can't give financially," he observes with a smile, "then you give yourself."

Express Scripts Prescription Drug Discount Program

For a number of years, the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County has made a prescription discount program available to area residents. Until 2003, this program was administered by the National Prescription Administrators, Inc. (NPA). In 2003, NPA was purchased by the nationally-known Express Scripts, Inc., which continues to make this prescription discount available. To date more than 280 local residents have taken advantage of this opportunity through the Visiting Nurse Association. In addition, local businesses have included the program as a supplement to their major medical package.

 

Typically, discounts may be 12% - 15% off average wholesale price on brand name prescriptions, and as much as 55% off generic. Some participants have noted savings of hundreds of dollars per year. Virtually all prescription medications are covered.

 

Express Scripts is available to anyone of any age. The cost is just $18.00 per year. Spouses and dependent children under 19 (or up to age 23 for full-time students) are covered at no additional charge. The program will benefit those who do not already have a prescription plan. It will not benefit those with a pharmacy co-pay insurance plan. Express Scripts may be used with HoosierRx, Indiana’s refund program for prescription drugs for low-income seniors.

 

Participants receive a discount card to use when filling prescriptions. Discounts are automatically calculated by the participating pharmacy.

 

The Express Scripts card may be used at over 45,000 pharmacies nationwide. These include major chains like Walgreens, Target, Fagen, and Kmart, as well as more than 86% of local independent pharmacies. In addition, through the Express Scripts Mail Service Pharmacy (CFI), participants can receive up to a 90-day supply of their medication.

 

Express Scripts can make a real difference, especially for those on fixed incomes who must struggle with rising food, heating fuel, and medical costs. VNA offers Express Scripts as a community service to assist residents in stretching their limited resources to meet tight budgets.

 

Contact the VNA of Porter County at 531-8076, for an enrollment form or more information.

 
 
Telephone: (219) 462-5195
FAX: (219) 462-6020
Email:
webmaster@vnaportercounty.org
 Address:
501 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383

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