The
VNA Health System has an interesting
history reflecting the changes in home health
care over the years. Our growth has been remarkable
and is growing bigger every year!
On March 10, 1913, Shamokin Visiting Nurse
Association became the first VNA founded in
the region. A group of community minded citizens
felt it was beneficial for the residents of
Shamokin to have a non-profit organization
provide skilled nursing for ill patients in
the home. The purpose of the organization
was to provide home health care to homebound
patients regardless of race, color, creed,
or ability to pay. Our mission statement today
reflects these same important words.
In 1965 East Cameron, West Cameron, Zerbe,
Ralpho, Rush and Shamokin Townships, were
added to the service area, along with Medicare
approval.
January 3, 1972 saw another expansion of
Shamokin VNA, when territory was extended
to Mt. Carmel and the surrounding areas. The
Hospice program was introduced, further expanding
our services. At the time our staff consisted
of eight full-time nurses, a part-time physical
therapist, a speech pathologist and five home
health aides.
With this expansion, the Shamokin VNA changed
their name to the Visiting Nurse Association
of Northumberland County to better represent
the areas that were served. Once again we
pioneered the home care industry by being
the first registered VNA in Northumberland
County.
On August 15, 1995, VNA of Northumberland
County expanded to include Community Nursing
Service of Clinton County, followed by Jersey
Shore Home Health in April of 1996. Our name
was once again changed to what we are presently
known as today, VNA Health System. Another
expansion took place in April of 1997 when
Centre HomeCare, joined our family. The VNA
of Central Pennsylvania joined the VNA Health
System family in October 2006 and Lewistown
Home Health became a part of Centre HomeCare
Inc. in June 2009. Most recently VNA Health
System opened a branch office in Lewisburg,
PA known as Lewisburg Home Health.
Our current service area covers eighteen
(18) counties with over 400 nurses and home
health aides, providing quality home care
to local communities.
