The focus of this year’s Annual Report is Forward Momentum. VNA is moving full steam ahead to advance our mission of increasing access to care for those with limited income, limited insurance, and additional barriers to getting the health care they need.
Our “Growing for Tomorrow” strategic plan and fundraising campaign are well underway, as we expand from serving 75,000 unduplicated patients annually to 100,000 annually in the coming years.
Thank you for your support as we move forward to provide more care for many thousands more people in the years to come!
The VNA Growing for Tomorrow campaign was launched in March 2023 to support capital and service expansion in preparation for providing care to over 100,000 patients annually. To date, the campaign is more than halfway there, with the ultimate goal of raising 5 million dollars over the course of 3 years. These funds will help build new facilities, enlarge/improve current facilities, and provide staffing and operational support. These expanded locations and services will improve access to care for people at increased risk of health disparities who may face increased barriers to care.
VNA Expansion
This past year, VNA has opened a new drive-thru pharmacy in Elgin and opened a new health center with drive-thru pharmacy in Joliet. This coming year, VNA will open a 26,000-square-foot health center, built on the site of the former Copley Hospital on the east side of Aurora, which will provide both primary care and immediate care services. VNA will also be launching a school-linked health center service that will be located on the site of the former Todd Elementary School, serving West Aurora School District #129. VNA’s service area is also expanding with a new clinic in Villa Park in DuPage County. This clinic will expand access for the underserved populations in Villa Park and surrounding communities.
The expansion of the VNA Health Center located at 1400 Indian Avenue will begin in 2024 to provide enhanced Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics services. A new supervised play area for children will be a welcome added feature to this clinic, as it is intended to help parents who may otherwise delay their health care due to a lack of available childcare during their appointment time.
VNA celebrated the opening of it’s newest Health Center in Joliet. The new 14,000 square-foot facility will provide family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, mental/behavioral health, podiatry, pharmacy, chronic disease management, benefits assistance and nutrition education services.
“With this clinic, we are expanding our services in order to positively impact the lives of thousands of people in the area and the community as a whole,” said VNA President and CEO Linnea Windel. In the next two years, VNA expects to serve over 5,000 patients and complete 25,000 exams at this new location.
In March, the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening ceremony for VNA’s new drive-thru pharmacy at its Elgin Health Center on Villa Street. Community leaders joined VNA staff to celebrate the new pharmacy. VNA pharmacies offer convenience, affordability and expert consultation.
VNA Today is VNA’s original, bilingual video series covering a variety of health topics, from conditions and treatments, to nutrition education and healthy cooking demonstrations, to self-care tips and how to use MyVNA patient portal. In 2023, VNA expanded its library to over 70 health videos for patients and distributed thousands of related health education handouts to patients and community partners.
VNA increased the number of digital TVs in its clinic waiting rooms and outside digital signs to connect with more patients, sharing important health information, education, and clinic updates. In addition, VNA enhanced its efforts to reach more patients digitally, growing its website content; increasing use of social media, automated calls, and texts; and encouraging patients to sign up and use the MyVNA patient portal for convenient, online access.
Diabetes health educators and VNA clinical pharmacists assist diabetic patients to manage their symptoms and maintain their health. VNA patient Ana shares her journey managing her diabetes diagnosis and how her improved health has positively impacted her life.
Before, during and after their pregnancy, patients can choose to have a VNA doula to provide extra support and guidance. VNA patient Gianna shares her heartwarming story.