Compassion Is in Our DNA. Read the Latest Team Members in the Media!
There’s no summer slump at VNS Health! June and July stories in the news showcased our widespread impact on communities across the New York City area and across New York State. From clinicians going above and beyond for their patients, to expertise and care that helps keep local communities safe, these stories make it clear that compassion is in our organization’s DNA. Read more below!
Team members featured in recent news stories include:
- Asha Lyons, Social Worker, Gender Affirmation Program
- Marie Tisi, RN, Behavioral Health
- Ray Guttierez, Physical Therapist, Home Care
- Devin Woodley, Vice President, Managed Care Contracting
- Sharon Nunez, Outreach Representative, Health Plans
- Phil Leon, RN, Home Care
- Esther Conteh, VP, Care Management, Health Plans
- Safe Pathways team, Behavioral Health
VNS Health Named a “Top Healthcare Organization in New York”
City & State named VNS Health as one of the Top Healthcare Organizations in New York in a new special feature. VNS Health was recognized for our impact on care delivery, health policy, and the economy. The profile highlights our integrated care model, top state and federal quality ratings, and ongoing investments in AI, behavioral health access, age-friendly care, and workforce development. Read more on Frontline here.
GAP Social Worker Asha Lyons Featured in PRIDE Month Stories
In an episode tied to PRIDE Month, Gender Affirmation Program (GAP) Social Worker Asha Lyons was profiled in a special feature on CUNY TV’s LATiNAS program, which spotlights notable Latino trailblazers in the community. Asha spoke about the work our GAP team does to help transgender and nonbinary individuals heal and feel supported as they recover from gender-affirming surgery. She also spoke to her own journey as a woman of transgender experience and how that has informed her work as a clinician. Additionally, Asha and VNS Health were given a special shout-out in a Bronx Times story about the Bronx PRIDE parade.
Watch the full interview with Asha below!
Behavioral Health Nurse Marie Tisi Highlights the Impact of Community Nursing
BK Reader featured a thoughtful perspective article from Behavioral Health RN Marie Tisi on the vital role community nurses play in supporting Brooklyn residents with complex behavioral health needs. Drawing on her own experiences, Marie highlighted how meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally, helps build trust, improve health outcomes, and empower clients to achieve greater independence. Read the full piece here.
Physical Therapist Raymond Gutierrez Featured in Long Island Press
Long Island Press published a heartwarming story about Physical Therapist Raymond Gutierrez and his 96-year-old patient, Frances Flynn, as they celebrated the New York Knicks’ long-awaited NBA championship together during a home visit. The story highlighted the connection the two Knicks fans built throughout Flynn’s recovery, and how shared moments like these can make home care meaningful for clinicians and those they care for. Read more on Frontline.
Devin Woodley Discusses Value-Based Payment Trends in Home-Based Care
Home Health Care News featured insights from Devin Woodley, Vice President, Managed Care Contracting, on the evolving value-based payment landscape in home-based care, including coverage of a panel he spoke on at the publication’s annual PAYER Summit. Devin noted that CMS continues to drive Medicare innovation through models such as HOPE and TEAM, and that all home health agencies are now participating in home health value-based purchasing (HHVBP) for patients enrolled in traditional Medicare. At the same time, he observed, Medicare Advantage and managed Medicaid plans are offering fewer value-based opportunities. He added that providers will need to demonstrate strong quality outcomes and share robust data as reimbursement pressures continue. Read more on Frontline here and here.
BronxNet TV Spotlights VNS Health at Bronx Week Parade
BronxNet TV’s coverage of the official Bronx Week parade included a special VNS Health shoutout from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, reminding viewers that May was Nurses Month, and applauding our clinicians for serving the community. Community Outreach Representative Sharon Nunez was also featured in the parade segment, proudly representing our organization (and showing off some great dance moves!). Watch the segment on Frontline below!
Esther Conteh Highlights the Benefits of Coordinated Care in Buffalo Healthy Living
Buffalo Healthy Living featured an article by Esther Conteh, Vice President, Care Management, highlighting how integrated Medicare and Medicaid plans help older adults and people with disabilities continue to live safely and independently at home. Among other things, Esther’s piece emphasized the value of coordinated care in efficiently connecting members with the services and support they need to age in place. Find the full story here.
Nurse Phil Leon Shares Summer Safety Tips
The Manhattan Voice featured an article by VNS Health Home Care RN Phil Leon, offering practical advice for staying safe during the summer months. Drawing on his experience caring for patients across Manhattan, Leon highlighted the risks that heat, humidity and poor air quality pose for older adults and people with chronic health conditions. He also shared tips on staying cool, avoiding dehydration, monitoring air quality, and checking in on vulnerable neighbors to help ensure they stay healthy during the season’s hottest days. Read in full here.
VNS Health Partnership Spotlighted in Long Island Business News
Long Island Business News spotlighted VNS Health’s partnership with Gurwin Healthcare System as part of New York State’s $4.1 million investment to expand direct caregiver training on Long Island. Through the collaboration, VNS Health will provide personal care aide (PCA) training to help strengthen the region’s home care workforce and improve local access to high-quality care.
Safe Pathways Workshop Featured in Bronx Times Community Events Roundup
Behavioral Health’s Safe Pathways workshop, “Name it to Tame it,” was featured in the Bronx Times’ roundup of community events, which highlighted the program alongside local Pride, Juneteenth, arts, and wellness activities. The interactive workshop helps participants build emotional awareness and coping skills in a safe, creative, and supportive environment.
