2022 Strength from Within Campaign Raises $132,000 for VNS Health’s Charitable Care Programs!
January 26, 2023–The Strength from Within employee giving campaign continues to thrive, with 315 VNS Health team members participating to raise $132,000 in 2022, including a $40,000 matching gift from Executive Leadership. Each dollar raised helps fund VNS Health’s vital safety-net programs, including Charitable Care Services, the Chinatown NORCC (Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community), VNS Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership, our Veterans program, and other outstanding VNS Health programs that support people in need. Team members can also specify which program their donation will go to. How Strength from Within donors are making an impact “I’m so proud of each and every team member who supported the Strength from Within campaign,” says Catherine Callaway, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Development. “Thank you for helping our community and charitable care programs make a life-changing difference to vulnerable New Yorkers.” “What makes the Strength from Within campaign especially meaningful is that the funds are donated directly
Top Stories
Meet Our Latest Hidden Talents: Fantasy Podcasters, an Archer and a 3-D Printing Craftsman… and They All Work Right Here at VNS Health!
“Now That’s Teamwork!”: How Three Live-In HHAs and Their HHA Supervisor Care for Their Client—and Each Other
VNS Health Extends Its Mission to Other States
Courageous Conversations #6: “Why aren’t there more Black and Brown people from the executive level up?”
Team Highlights
“VNS Health in Action” Report: Our Two New Community Centers in Sunset Park and Flushing Are Now Open!
December 15, 2022–“VNS Health in Action” reporter Dan Isgro was on the scene at our new VNS Health Community Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn for its spectacular Grand Opening event on December 5th—which included a dancing dragon! Our other new center in Flushing, Queens followed suit a week later, with a Grand Opening of its own. Watch the video below to catch the vibe at Sunset Park and see what these two beautiful new centers will mean for our neighbors!
Jennifer Brullo, Yvonne Eaddy, and Carol Odnoha Are All McKnight’s Pinnacle Award Winners!
December 15, 2022–Congratulations to Jennifer Brullo, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services, Yvonne Eaddy, Vice President of Regional Patient Care Services, and Carol Odnoha, Director of the Nurse-Family Partnership, who have each been named to the inaugural class of McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards winners. The McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards recognize industry veterans with at least 20 years of experience in their chosen field. In total, 30 honorees have been recognized in this inaugural class. All 30 winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and dinner that will be held in Chicago on March 7, 2023. “Each of these dedicated, successful veterans has spent many years showing the field — and those watching it — how great professionals get the job done,” McKnight’s Vice President and Editorial Director John O’Connor said. “For more than two decades, each has continued to perform at the top of their game, which is an inspiration to all.
NYN Media Shares News of NYC Aging Contract with VNS Health Personal Care
December 16, 2022–
BronxNet TV features Susan Clayton Meyer, Program Manager, Behavioral Health, on Fighting the “Holiday Blues”
November 30, 2022–
Myrna Agosto Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!
November 22, 2022–“I always try to empower the poor and marginalized.” “In my role on the Brooklyn and Queens Mobile Crisis teams, I find it rewarding when I’m able to prevent someone from hurting themself or hurting someone else. It’s so satisfying when my colleagues and I can help get our clients into the hospital to ensure they get the care they need,” says Myrna. “I have been a witness to people’s lives being transformed from suffering with mental health and physical illnesses to living a more fulfilling life.” Myrna’s exceptional diagnostic skills and empathetic, caring nature extend beyond the vulnerable clients she serves. On one home visit, she saw that her patient’s spouse was suffering in her own right, struggling with her husband’s mental-health issues and her sadness at being unable to help him overcome them. With her signature straightforward style, Myrna took the time to educate her about her husband’s
Neighborhood Spotlight: Experience the Magic of Ghana!
November 8, 2022–More Ghanaian families live in the Bronx than any other part of the United States. In this latest Neighborhood Spotlight video, meet Behavioral Health Home Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI) team members Mary Nkeitah, Zamansky Twum, and Helena Tenkorang and see how they’re working with this community and changing children’s and their families’ lives for the better. To view this video, click here below. Spoiler alert: have some tissues handy!
“VNS Health in Action” Report: Our Two New Community Centers in Sunset Park and Flushing Are Now Open!
December 15, 2022–“VNS Health in Action” reporter Dan Isgro was on the scene at our new VNS Health Community Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn for its spectacular Grand Opening event on December 5th—which included a dancing dragon! Our other new center in Flushing, Queens followed suit a week later, with a Grand Opening of its own. Watch the video below to catch the vibe at Sunset Park and see what these two beautiful new centers will mean for our neighbors!
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Covers Grand Opening of Sunset Park Community Center
December 6, 2022–
Watch This Video from Harlem Day and Feel the Vibe!
September 7, 2022–This annual neighborhood celebration brings together the best of Harlem. “VNS Health In Action” Reporter Shandira Mulraine was on the scene, interviewing VNS Health team members who were at the annual street event connecting with the community as they do all year long: Isaac Lama, Flavia Maldonado, Alfa Dominguez, Annmarie Franco, and Veronica Torres! To watch the video (and feel the vibe), click here below.
2022 Strength from Within Campaign Raises $132,000 for VNS Health’s Charitable Care Programs!
January 26, 2023–The Strength from Within employee giving campaign continues to thrive, with 315 VNS Health team members participating to raise $132,000 in 2022, including a $40,000 matching gift from Executive Leadership. Each dollar raised helps fund VNS Health’s vital safety-net programs, including Charitable Care Services, the Chinatown NORCC (Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community), VNS Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership, our Veterans program, and other outstanding VNS Health programs that support people in need. Team members can also specify which program their donation will go to. How Strength from Within donors are making an impact “I’m so proud of each and every team member who supported the Strength from Within campaign,” says Catherine Callaway, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Development. “Thank you for helping our community and charitable care programs make a life-changing difference to vulnerable New Yorkers.” “What makes the Strength from Within campaign especially meaningful is that the funds are donated directly
Courageous Conversations #5: How Do We Hold Each Other Accountable Without Playing the “Blame Game”?
November 30, 2022–To find out, you’ll just have to listen to the latest Courageous Conversations podcast. In this new episode, Chief People Officer Tracy Dodd talks with IT’s Donna Godfrey, (VP, Network Telecommunications) and Health Plans’ Tanya McCray (VP, Grievance and Appeals) about breaking down the VNS Health siloes that have developed over the years and constructive ways of holding each other accountable.
Reena Vadlakunta Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!
November 22, 2022–“I am a problem solver. My motto is keep it simple—and provide a clear solution.” Though Reena only officially joined the team that supports the Workday application in April, she was already handling much of the same hefty workload prior to her promotion. “Her agility is constantly expanding,” enthuses one nomination letter. “She previously worked on file transfers between outside vendors and internal customers, along with resolving Workday support issues. Now, she is expanding and contributing to our increasing work on development, security, and supporting integrations in Workday. Often, her work is around the clock, supporting interfaces communicating between VNS Health and multiple vendors and customers. She is a strong critical resource for the future of VNS Health.” A distinctive part of Reena’s IT role is making complicated projects seem simple. “When VNSNY rebranded to VNS Health, there was a lot of collaboration with my team members in order to
Courageous Conversations #5: How Do We Hold Each Other Accountable Without Playing the “Blame Game”?
November 30, 2022–To find out, you’ll just have to listen to the latest Courageous Conversations podcast. In this new episode, Chief People Officer Tracy Dodd talks with IT’s Donna Godfrey, (VP, Network Telecommunications) and Health Plans’ Tanya McCray (VP, Grievance and Appeals) about breaking down the VNS Health siloes that have developed over the years and constructive ways of holding each other accountable.
Denise Walpole Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!
November 22, 2022–“Having a positive impact on Health Plan members’ lives is one of the greatest rewards of my work.” Denise was the manager for the VNS Health MLTC plan’s Utilization Management department for several years, where she elevated team performance and improved compliance through a holistic leadership strategy, using data, communication and collaboration to create a high-performance culture. Now, as Director of Clinical Assessments and Utilization Management, she uses these strategies and leadership skills to help steer the team towards meeting not only departmental goals but also organization-wide objectives. “Ever since I started with VNS Health back in 2006, I knew that I wanted to stay with this organization,” says Denise, who is now a two-time ESPRIT Award winner. “What VNS Health provides to needy New Yorkers is so unique and powerful.” Being able to have a positive impact on Health Plan members’ lives is one of the greatest rewards of
Vanessa Taveras Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!
November 22, 2022–“I’m passionate about ensuring the quality and integrity of new and existing processes.” As a Claims System Configuration Analyst, Vanessa assists in the configuration and maintenance of the claims system used to administer operations of current and new business for Health Plans products. Her responsibilities include analyzing, documenting, and testing all new configurations, as well as assisting in preparing and delivering reports and recommendations to address existing and potential issues in related processes across the organization. “As a person with 22 years of experience in health care, I’ve become someone who will always put 110% into everything,” says Vanessa. “I’m passionate about ensuring the quality and integrity of new and existing processes, as well as claims configuration, and I enjoy collaborating with my team as well as other business units to understand strategic goals and eliminate the potential for over-and underpayment.” In addition, she notes, “I actively seek ways to
Jennifer Brullo, Yvonne Eaddy, and Carol Odnoha Are All McKnight’s Pinnacle Award Winners!
December 15, 2022–Congratulations to Jennifer Brullo, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services, Yvonne Eaddy, Vice President of Regional Patient Care Services, and Carol Odnoha, Director of the Nurse-Family Partnership, who have each been named to the inaugural class of McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards winners. The McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards recognize industry veterans with at least 20 years of experience in their chosen field. In total, 30 honorees have been recognized in this inaugural class. All 30 winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and dinner that will be held in Chicago on March 7, 2023. “Each of these dedicated, successful veterans has spent many years showing the field — and those watching it — how great professionals get the job done,” McKnight’s Vice President and Editorial Director John O’Connor said. “For more than two decades, each has continued to perform at the top of their game, which is an inspiration to all.
McKnight’s Announces Jennifer Brullo, Yvonne Eaddy, and Carol Odnoha as Finalists for McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards
December 13, 2022–
Margarita Roldán Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!
November 22, 2022–“A navigator of systems for her clients and colleagues.” As a full-time field social worker, Margarita visits the homes of some 20 clients per week, then provides all related followup to address their psychosocial needs. Her service area, the Bronx, is marked by high social determinant of health-related needs, driven by significant health care disparities. At times, during severe staffing shortages, she’s covered the entire region on her own, never hesitating to take on the extra workload. Margarita excels at managing complex cases, coordinating with the rest of the interdisciplinary team, and connecting clients to the internal and external resources they need in order to optimize their quality of life as they cope with illness and recovery. “I have worked very closely with various departments within VNS Health, including Volunteer Services, Behavioral Health, the Long-Term Care Navigation Team, the Gender Affirmation Program, and Pediatric Palliative Care,” says Margarita. “Many of our clients
News12 Spotlights Compassionate VNS Health Hospice Care Team Celebrating the Holiday Season with 100-Year-Old Patient
November 25, 2022–
Rizza Dumalag Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!
November 22, 2022–“A force to be reckoned with.” In one of her ESPRIT nomination letters, Rizza was described as a force to be reckoned with. “As a former IPU (In Patient Unit) nurse, Rizza is able to see beyond what is obvious, and does things proactively without even being told to,” praised the writer. “She is very understanding with nursing team members, making sure they feel heard and trying to accommodate their schedules so that there is a good work-life balance. She is also extremely good at defusing difficult family situations through active listening. And there are days when I know that she’s working after hours, when no one is looking, to make sure that the team workflow is ready by next day.” Organized, supportive, and dedicated to keeping her team informed and up-to-date, Rizza is well-versed in Medicare requirements and makes it a priority to educate her team, keeping them abreast
For Hispanic Heritage Month, Bronxnet interviews Hospice Liaison and RN Clarissa Santos on Hospice Care in the Latino Community
October 13, 2022–
“Now That’s Teamwork!”: How Three Live-In HHAs and Their HHA Supervisor Care for Their Client—and Each Other
January 11, 2023–Introducing Now That’s Teamwork—a new Frontline series that features VNS Health teamwork in action. When home health aides Yolanda Campbell, Jennifer Moulton, and Judith White originally started caring for Sebastian Greene*, they were primarily tending to his wife, who had dementia. When her condition worsened and 24-hour care became necessary, the team transitioned to a live-in situation. Then when Mrs. Greene was ultimately hospitalized, the decision was made to keep the same team, on a live-in basis, for Sebastian, who is in his 90s. Sebastian’s wife died shortly after that, so she never returned home. “It was a difficult time for Sebastian—they had been married for over 65 years,” says Yolanda. “It’s still an open wound, but things have gotten much better for him now. I know that having the same team of home health aides is a comfort to him.” A tight schedule—and a tight-knit team Because of Sebastian’s complex medical needs, it’s critical
Crain’s Health Pulse Highlights New Contract between NYC Aging and VNS Health Personal Care
December 19, 2022–
From Helping Out with VNS Health’s Rebranding Efforts to Caring for Clients, Meet Home Health Aides Tanai Blanco and Marta Rivera
October 17, 2022–Tanai Blanco It’s easy to make Tanai Blanco laugh. She’s also easy to talk to. Tanai, who was born in New York City but grew up in Puerto Rico, has been working as a Home Health Aide (HHA) with VNS Health for just a few months. But her good nature and positive energy caught the attention of her supervisor, who included her in the team helping to implement VNS Health’s new name and branding this summer. “I’ve been working in VNS Health’s 220 East 42nd Street office for the past few months,” she explains. “I’ve been helping to call other Home Health Aides to come in and pick up their new uniforms and I.D. badges.” Tanai has experience in office work. Before working as an HHA, she worked in Bellevue Hospital and later served in New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services. “I’ve always liked to help people,” she says.
Josefina Aquino, Director, Product Management, Shares with Healthcare Business Review How a New MA Model Could Transform End-of-Life Care
November 17, 2022–
Home Healthcare News Spotlights VNS Health HELPS Tool, Featuring Insights from David O’Malley, SVP, Product Strategy
October 24, 2022–
McKnight’s Includes News of HELPS Tool Launch in Daily Roundup
October 20, 2022–
