The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has been a core part of Omaha’s history and health for 127 years.
VNA was founded in 1896 by 27-year-old Anna Millard Rogers—who, as the daughter of then-Omaha mayor Ezra Millard, sought to do something meaningful with the privilege she was afforded.
The organization has helped serve marginalized people lacking fundamental access to healthcare, as well as the wider community during every major health crisis in America—from polio to COVID-19—and every major Midwest natural disaster in between, including massive tornadoes and fires.
The core of what VNA does revolves around serving uninsured people who live in poverty at no cost. As interim CEO and Chief Philanthropy Officer Carole Patrick says, “We provide healthcare, and supportive services wherever they call home.”
Patrick and her small but mighty team are responsible for raising $8 million annually to support vital community programs.
VNA partners with the community, including organizations like Community Alliance, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, Open Door Mission, and Micah House. VNA was also the original partner with United Way.
As a benefit of actually going into patients’ homes—whether they are on the streets or living in homeless shelters, apartments, multi-generational homes, or the same house for decades—VNA services allow them to stay independent and let the nurses know how patients are truly living so as to give them the best, individualized assistance possible and get them back on their feet.
As Patrick explained, “We don’t require payment for our services—we do not deny service to people who need us, we go where others don’t, we serve who others won’t, and we see what other people don’t see.”
If you or someone you know requires healthcare, education, or supportive services brought to them, call (402) 930-4000 or visit vnatoday.org.