Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)

Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is a nonprofit organization that has provided compassionate, high-quality services to better the lives of people in the Omaha/Council Bluffs community for over 125 years. VNA's mission is "delivering community-based care that provides peace of mind, quality of life and independence." Since 1896, VNA has been at the forefront of public health and family service provision by operating innovative programs that serve the unique healthcare and supportive services needs of vulnerable, marginalized, and under-resourced individuals and families. VNA helps those who many other providers refuse assistance because they are of low socioeconomic status (“non-profitable patients”) and are considered too difficult to reach due to health illiteracy, language challenges, behavioral health issues, and the complexity of their needs. We go where others don't and care for those who other won't. Each year, VNA helps approximately 42,000 individuals needing assistance to remain healthy, independent and safe in their homes by providing educational and supportive services that help position families for lifetime success and breaking cycles of poverty. Our community-based programs and services address the interrelated issues of family economic instability/poverty, homelessness, poor health, low health literacy, language challenges, and lack of healthcare resources through a client-centered, strength-based, and multifaceted approach that meets immediate needs, educates participants on identifying and meeting their needs independently, and connecting to collaborative supports. We meet the needs of clients who have no or limited financial means to afford the high quality of healthcare they deserve while remaining safe and independent. Our clinicians and home visitors, education, and hands-on activities provide a proactive approach through early identification and prevention services related to physical, intellectual, behavioral, and social development. VNA delivers the following programs to the Omaha and Council Bluffs area: Flu and Immunization Services: partnering with the Douglas County Health Department, VNA has provided over 70 nurses to administer COVID vaccinations, in addition to providing flu shots annually. Home Health Aide: personal care and support to improve and maintain safety and independence. Home Healthcare and Hospice: facilitate access to services for those who are under-resourced. Homeless Shelter Nursing Services: placing VNA nurses in every local homeless and domestic violence shelter in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Lactation consultant services and support: Provides breastfeeding support, childbirth education and social work, including referrals to community resources and advocacy for mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence issues; and equipment such as cribs and car seats for infant safety. Parenting Support: offering home visitation programs for at-risk families with infants and small children, and empowering them through healthcare and supportive services to overcome real and perceived obstacles. Physician-ordered Mother/Child Services: Nurses provide physician-ordered home visits to families identified as high-risk for poor maternal and infant outcomes. School Health Programs: contracting with almost 50 local schools to provide nurses as part of VNA’s commitment to a healthier community. VNA Infusion Pharmacy: continues to be one of the area’s largest providers of in-home IV therapy.