Home Health & Hospice
History
A Storied History
In 1906, a small group of women in Burlington, VT, were concerned about the health of the young and vulnerable of the community and decided it was time for action.
The Visiting Nurse Committee was formed, led by Miss Julia Smith. The committee convinced doctors of the value of being able to call upon a nurse to help them care for the sick in their homes. They traveled door to door, encouraging community members to support this organization.
In 1907, the first nurse was hired. Within the first month she made 85 visits, assisting local physicians with their care of the Burlington Community.
Early Beginnings (1921-1950s)
- 1921: The City of Burlington contributes funds to the Burlington VNA to increase the number of nurses from two to five to help combat the city’s increased mortality rate.
- 1920s-1950s: The VNA continues to grow, attracting funding from the brand-new Community Chest (later to become United Way), and receiving payments from insurance companies to care for homebound clients.
Growth & Expansion (1965-1990s)
- 1965: Medicare services begin, and VNA’s home care services expand to include rehabilitation services.
- 1970s-1990s: The VNA’s services expand to all of Chittenden and Grand Isle counties. The agency continues to grow and add new programs including homemaker services, hospice volunteer program, adult day services, McClure Miller Respite House, among many others.
Joining UVM Health (2018)
- 2018: VNA of Chittenden & Grand Isle Counties joins The University of Vermont Health Network.
- Today: Home Health & Hospice employs roughly 400 people, serving people of all ages and stages of life, throughout Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties. Programs and services have been added in response to community needs. One thing remains the same: Julia’s goal to provide care to those who turn to us in their time of need still drives our work.
