Celebrating 75 Years
01 Sep 2006
Community Liaisons in historical nursing uniforms flank Lynn Campbell, President and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties around the association's 75th birthday cake.
The Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties, a nonprofit home health and hospice-service provider in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, celebrated its 75th anniversary this year at the Riverside Convention Center
The association began serving the healthcare needs of the people of Riverside in February 1931 under the auspices of the Junior Aid. At the time, the association was called Visiting Nurse Service.
Its early years in Riverside were mainly "well-baby calls" - to check on women having children - and support of those dying at home. Today, services include a variety of home health care and hospice services.
Lynn campbell, the associations CEO joined the organization in 1978 as a nurse.
Health care has in some ways come full circle since the association's beginnings, she said.
Patients quickly enter and exit the hospital, receiving a lot of their care at home, as was done in the past, she said.
For Campbell, the anniversary has some personal meaning.
After having been with the organization for more than 25 years, Campbell said, "This is my career, my life and I always hope I've brought that personal touch. The really nice part is it is personal for almost everyone who works here."
Receptionist Edna Warrick, who has also been with the agency for about 25 years noted that its growth has been the most significant change she has seen over the years.
The Moreno Valley resident was recognized for her quarter-century with the company at the anniversary celebration.
"I would not have known that I'd be here for 25 years," Warrick said. "It's been a very rewarding experience for me. I've learned a lot."
During the ceremony, other employees were recognized for five, 10, 15 and 20 years with the agency. Brenda Ackley, a certified home health aide in Yucca Valley, was recognized as employee of the year with the "Yes I Can" Award.
Campbell said that it's become a tradition in the past 10 years that she goes to lunch with all past-year recipients of the "Yes I Can" Award.
The Association doesn't forget the family members of the patients it serves.
"Loving Care" awards go to those family members who care for ill patients. This year, the association awarded a pair of twins who had left school to care for their dying mother, Campbell said. Go Back |
