VNS Health Community Impact

Each day, VNS Health delivers expert and compassionate health care to tens of thousands of New Yorkers at every life stage, including those who are overlooked, marginalized or otherwise find it hard to get the care they need.

From maternity, newborn and pediatric services that deliver family-focused care at home—to dignified hospice that brings comfort, relief, and peace of mind to patients and families at the end of life—VNS Health is delivering the care New Yorkers need at every age and life stage, where they need it most: in their homes and community.

We believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, quality care regardless of insurance or ability to pay. With the help of our generous donors, VNS Health provides free and discounted interdisciplinary home care to under- or uninsured New Yorkers, and helps those who are eligible for Medicaid get enrolled. Through the Patient Assistance Fund, our clinicians find patients resources that promote health, such as medication co-pays, eyeglasses and air conditioners.

We also know that healthy people need healthy communities and support. That’s why VNS Health has a wide range of community-based outreach programs to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, whether they are receiving in-home services from us or not, and anyone who might benefit from additional support. These programs empower young mothers to create a brighter future, bring culturally-sensitive care to underserved communities, embed care and support in neighborhoods with large senior populations, and connect in many other ways to deliver hope.

COVID-19 exposed what VNS Health has long known: Communities of color face disparities in health care that can last a lifetime if not addressed. Our work bridges these disparities by delivering equitable access to quality care.

People aging in place with multiple chronic conditions and complex medical and social needs deserve coordinated care that considers the whole person. VNS Health’s Care Management team works with insurers and community health partners to provide extra support over an extended period to people living with chronic illnesses, to help them manage their conditions at home and avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital that can trigger a costly downward health spiral. We also partner to offer palliative care in a home setting designed to proactively manage challenges for those approaching end of life but not yet in hospice care.

In addition to providing care, VNS Health is innovating the future of health care solutions through research. The Center for Home Care Policy & Research at VNS Health advances guidance and understanding on home- and community-based care by conducting scientifically rigorous research on clinical and policy issues related to delivering health services at home. The research leads to informed clinical care choices and decision-making by providers, policymakers, and consumers.

Every day, VNS Health is delivering vital home care services to all New Yorkers including those who might not otherwise be able to afford and access the care they need. Our home care teams work together to help people manage and recover from illness or injury and continue with their lives, at home and surrounded by family.

From medication management to rehabilitation therapy, and from social work services that connect a patient with community resources to home health aides that assist with daily living and companionship — our teams assess each patient’s needs and tailor a home care plan that’s right for them.