Johnson County VNA celebrating 60 years

A group well-known for its flu shot clinics has been providing shots and more in Johnson County for 60 years.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Johnson County was formed in 1949 by a group of Johnson County residents involved with the Community Chest, a precursor to United Way.

Their mission: to provide health services to people in their homes and in the community.

Numbers illustrate the non-profit group's success: the VNA provided 26,918 home visits in 2008 alone and gave a record 5,200 flu shots.

The VNA's primary focus is home health care including nursing, physical, speech and occupational therapy, medical social work, home care aide and homemaking services.

With nearly 60 employees, the group also provides community programs such as blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, foot care clinics and its flu and pneumonia vaccination clinics.

Registered nurse Suellen Novotny was hired as a VNA auxiliary staff nurse in 1997, became a clinical services manager in 1999 and was selected as executive director in 2002.

“I've seen a great change in several areas,” she said, citing advancements in technology.

Patients, for example can have their blood pressure and other vitals monitored from home via “telehealth,” along with regular visits from nurses.

“It's a second pair of eyes to monitor the patients,” Novotny said.

Machines can also remind elderly or psychiatric patients to take their medications and dispense the correct amount.

“Patients do recover more quickly... in their own homes,” Novotny said. “They're happier and when they're happier, they heal better.”

As part of its 60th anniversary, the VNA is hosting a celebration and art auction on Sunday. More than 60 pieces of art have been donated.

Proceeds provide home health services to the uninsured. One of the group's missions is to provide quality health and social services without regard to ability to pay.

The VNA's community flu vaccination program began when the shots were introduced and has evolved over the years.

Most of the time, the clinics' target group was people over age 65, but for the past three years, the VNA has worked to increase the number of children receiving vaccinations, as well as working with businesses to vaccinate employees.

The VNA also has worked with the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center for many years, holding office hours for drop-in health counseling, massage therapy and foot care and cholesterol clinics.

Nurses offer monthly health counseling and periodic health education sessions at congregate meal sites throughout Johnson County.