Celebration and Commemoration
Celebration and Commemoration
Happy Fourth of July!
July 2, 2026–Dear Colleagues, As we get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and restful holiday. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as our nation marks its 250th anniversary—a milestone that invites us to reflect on our shared history, the progress we’ve made, and the values that continue to unite us. Service, compassion, resilience, and community are ideals that have shaped our country, and they are values you bring to life every day through your work at VNS Health. I hope you have the opportunity to relax, enjoy time with family and friends, and recharge. And to those who will be working during the long holiday weekend, thank you. Your commitment ensures that our patients, members, and clients continue to receive the care they need. Thank you for all you do to help New Yorkers live with
Celebrating Juneteenth
June 18, 2026–Dear Colleagues, Tomorrow we observe Juneteenth — a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, contributions, and enduring legacy of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached the last group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It stands as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing work that remains to build a more just and equitable society. As we reflect on the meaning of this day, the words of author and poet Maya Angelou continue to resonate: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Her message speaks to the importance of empathy, understanding, and shared humanity — values that are deeply connected to the work we do every day at VNS Health. Thank you
Celebrating Pride Month!
June 1, 2026–Dear Colleagues, As we begin Pride Month, we take time to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community — including our colleagues, members, patients, caregivers, families, and neighbors. Pride is both a celebration of identity and progress, and a reminder of the importance of dignity, inclusion, and respect for all. At VNS Health, we are proud of our longstanding commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ+ New Yorkers have access to culturally sensitive, compassionate care and support, including the life-changing services provided through our Gender Affirmation Program. That commitment reflects who we are as an organization and the values that guide our mission every day. Thank you for all you do to create a welcoming and respectful environment for one another and for the people we serve. Your empathy, professionalism, and dedication help make a meaningful difference in many of the lives we serve. As the month gets underway and communities across New
Celebrating National Caribbean American Heritage Month
June 1, 2026–Dear Colleagues, June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month — a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and lasting contributions of Caribbean Americans across our communities and throughout the United States. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor our many Caribbean American colleagues whose experiences, talents, and perspectives help strengthen VNS Health every day. The Caribbean community has long been an essential part of New York’s identity and spirit. Across the city and state, millions of people trace their roots to Caribbean nations and territories. Their influence can be seen in the extraordinary diversity of the neighborhoods and communities we are privileged to serve. At VNS Health, we are proud to care for New Yorkers from all backgrounds and cultures. Our ability to do so with compassion, understanding, and excellence is strengthened by the diversity of our own workforce. As we celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month, we extend
The 2026 VNS Health Nurses Month Photos and Videos Are Here!
May 8, 2026–Throughout the month of May, to celebrate our exceptional, amazing nurses, VNS Health will be holding Nurses Month events in all five NYC boroughs as well as Westchester and Long Island. To view photos from each of these celebrations—plus videos of government officials giving special tributes to VNS Health—click on any of the links below to go directly to photos of that event, or scroll down. Manhattan — Tuesday, May 5 Queens — Thursday, May 7 NYC Councilmember Sandra Ung Addresses and Appreciates Our Queens Nurses Staten Island — May 12, 2026 NYC Councilmember Frank Morano Addresses and Appreciates Our Staten Island Nurses Bronx – May 13, 2026 Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson Addresses and Appreciates Our Bronx Nurses NYC Councilmember Amanda Farías Addresses and Appreciates Our Bronx Nurses Long Island — May 14, 2026 Jane Reilly Accepts 2026 Nurse of Year Award and The Raffle Video Westchester — May 18, 2026
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Month!
May 5, 2026–Dear Colleagues, May is always a special month at VNS Health. Among other things, it’s a time to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — when we honor the lasting contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. This recognition is particularly important here at VNS Health. We have deep roots in New York’s AAPI communities, with our long-standing community center in Chinatown and our newer centers in Flushing and Sunset Park, as well as the large number of AAPI patients, members, and clients we serve through our Provider Services and our Health Plans. Across New York City, the AAPI population now exceeds 1.4 million people — nearly one in six residents — and represents one of the city’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. Statewide, AAPI residents number more than 2 million. The connections we have with the city and state’s growing AAPI communities are an important part of who
Happy Nurses Month!
May 1, 2026–Dear Colleagues, May is Nurses Month — a time to honor and celebrate the many contributions of nurses here at VNS Health and everywhere. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses,” truly captures the impact you have every day on the lives of those we serve. Your compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment play an essential role in helping New Yorkers live their best lives in their homes and communities. Across VNS Health, more than 1,300 nurses bring “The Power of Nurses” to life in countless ways. Whether delivering care to patients directly, supporting members over the phone, or working behind the scenes to make that care possible, you not only provide solutions, but you empower the people you’re helping. And that gets to the heart of the power you bring: When patients feel heard and engaged, outcomes improve and experiences are transformed. Thank you for that, and for all you
Celebrating Our Home Care and Hospice Business Support Teams! Photos Are Here!
April 13, 2026–On Wednesday morning, April 8th, over 80 VNS Health team members from across our Home Care and Hospice teams — including Scheduling, Physician Orders, Document Control, Coding, Contract Administration and Operations Administration — gathered for an appreciation breakfast honoring the important work they do every day in providing the best possible care for our patients, members and clients. The event included brief remarks from Chief of Provider Services David Rosales, celebrating the team members’ work and their years of service. In his remarks, David likened their many contributions to the recent Artemis II moon mission, pointing out that while the four astronauts in space circled the moon, there were thousands of people behind the scenes at NASA supporting them along the way to ensure their safe return. As David noted, the same holds true for the many dedicated team members who support the delivery of care at VNS Health. See the event photos here!
Happy Occupational Therapy Month!
April 1, 2026–Dear Colleagues, Today marks the beginning of National Occupational Therapy Month. It’s a moment to recognize something truly special. At VNS Health, we don’t just provide care—we walk alongside people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. After a life-altering health event, even the smallest, everyday tasks—like buttoning a shirt—can suddenly feel overwhelming. That’s where our Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) make such a profound difference. You step into patients’ homes and into their lives with compassion, patience, and skill. You help people rebuild not just their abilities but their independence. You bring hope into difficult moments, restore confidence where it’s been shaken, and help people reclaim a sense of normalcy and dignity. What you do goes far beyond therapy: You change lives—and you do this not just with your expertise, but with your warmth and encouragement. To our incredible OTs and COTAs: thank you. I’m deeply grateful