Team Members in the News: July and August Highlights!
“Make hay while the sun shines” the saying goes—and when it comes to being in the media this past summer, VNS Health team members did just that! In July and August, VNS Health programs and team members from across the organization were featured in news outlets statewide—and beyond.
Check out these stories about how VNS Health teams in the field and at their desks are transforming the lives of the patients, members, and clients we serve.
Team members featured in July and August news stories include:
- Keith Patterson, EVP and Chief Financial Officer
- Dan Savitt, President and CEO
- Kathy Bowles, Director, Center for Home Care Policy & Research
- Chelsea Feliciano, Behavioral Health Associate
- Carol Odnoha, Director, Nurse-Family Partnership
- Adelmis Grano De Oro, Nurse-Family Partnership Nurse
- Arnab Mukhopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer
- Kent Ye, Physical Therapist
- Melinda Wong, Safe Pathways Program Coordinator, Behavioral Health
- Estela Lopez, Behavioral Health Counselor
- Emma Adler, Behavioral Health Peer Specialist
Crain’s Health Pulse Features CFO Keith Patterson
Crain’s Health Pulse put a special spotlight on Keith Patterson, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, as part of their ongoing coverage of “2025 Notables in Finance” honorees who are making waves in the health care industry. Keith’s profile notes how he and the VNS Health team have helped spur growth at the organization, including our health plans’ expansion across New York. Read more on Frontline here.
VNS Health and Industry Partners Fight Back Against Proposed CMS Cuts
Home Health Care News examined growing opposition to proposed CMS home health cuts from across the industry, including a joint letter VNS Health signed with industry partners including the National Alliance for Care at Home, LeadingAge, and many others. As the letter notes, “Honest providers are closing their doors. Patients are suffering. CMS has the authority to act. The choice is clear. The time for action is now. We urge CMS to act immediately to stabilize the home health payment system. The integrity of the Medicare program and the well-being of millions of homebound patients depend on it.”Read more on Frontline.
CEO Dan Savitt Speaks to the Positive Impact of New York’s “Master Plan for Aging”
A McKnight’s story about Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Master Plan for Aging,” which outlines more than 100 strategies to help older New Yorkers age in place, featured perspective from President and CEO Dan Savitt. As he notes, the plan is “an essential step forward” that responds to today’s demographic and healthcare realities with “clarity and vision.” Read more on Frontline here.
Buffalo Healthy Living Highlights Summer Safety and Integrated Care Tips from VNS Health and Elderwood IPA
Buffalo Healthy Living featured two informative articles from Patricia Bailey, RN, of Elderwood IPA, an upstate partner of VNS Health, offering valuable insights for older adults and caregivers. Their August edition had an article by Bailey on summer safety, with practical advice for staying safe during heat waves. In their following edition, Bailey explains how integrated health plans support independence and well-being in the community. Read both articles on Frontline here and here.
HHCN Story Showcases How VNS Health’s Research Powers Care and Innovation
Home Health Care News focused on the innovative in-house research centers at VNS Health and other home care organizations, and how they’re helping improve patient care and developing solutions to industry challenges. In the article, Kathy Bowles, Director of VNS Health’s Center for Home Care Policy & Research, discusses recent ground-breaking research the team has helped lead. The story includes additional perspective from CEO and President Dan Savitt on how VNS Health’s research helps the organization better serve patients. Read in full on Frontline.
BH Associate Chelsea Feliciano Interviewed on BronxNet TV
BronxNet TV featured an in-depth interview with Behavioral Health Associate Chelsea Feliciano. During the interview, Chelsea speaks about the many ways the Children and Family Support Team helps address the mental health needs of children and adults across the Bronx. Chelsea also explains the unique ways the program works to support families, including in-home visits, culturally sensitive care, and specific support for parents and caregivers. Watch the full interview below!
Long Island Herald Spotlights Nassau NFP Graduation
The Long Island Herald published a news story about VNS Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) graduation earlier this month, held for families in the Nassau program. In the article, Carol Odnoha, NFP Director, explains how the program not only helps mothers and children stay healthy, but also provides them the resources to be independent and self-sufficient once they graduate. The article also features photos from the event, including one of NFP Nurse Adelmis Grano De Oro celebrating with a graduating client and their family. The story also appeared in the print edition of the Malverne/West Hempstead Herald. Read the full story on Frontline here.
Chief Technology Officer Arnab Mukhopadhyay Provides Expertise on Optimizing Legacy Systems
Forbes gathered insight from Chief Technology Officers (CTO) from across industries on the current tech retirement crisis. In the article, VNS Health Chief Tech Officer Arnab Mukhopadhyay is a featured voice, advocating for companies to proactively build robust knowledge transfer systems and modernize legacy platforms, in order to ensure continuity and resilience in operations as seasoned experts exit the workforce. Read the full article here.
Physical Therapist Kent Ye Shows How to Best Start the Fall Recovery Journey
The Queens Times and The Queens Voice both published health tips articles from PT Kent Ye, who serves patients across the borough. In the articles, Kent speaks to both the physical and mental roadblocks faced by older adults who have experienced a fall. He also provides advice on how to positively move forward in the recovery journey, as well as ways that PTs and other clinicians work together to support a patient. Read more on Frontline here.
The Safe Pathways Team Provides Perspective on Caring for LGBTQIA+ Youth
The Manhattan Times published an informative article from Melinda Wong, Program Coordinator of the Safe Pathways Team, on the importance of providing mental health support for LGBTQIA+ youth. The article, first published in The Manhattan Voice in June, also shares perspective from Behavioral Health Peer Specialist Emma Adler and Behavioral Health Counselor Estela Lopez. In addition, the local blog BronxMama featured The Safe Pathways summer art series in their influential daily newsletter. Read more on Frontline here.
