FIRE PROVES THAT VNA IS MORE THAN A BUILDING

Even as fire trucks surrounded the burning headquarters building of the Visiting Nurse Association and television news crews were filming the Dallas fire on Saturday, February 19 plans by VNA executives were already underway to ensure uninterrupted patient care.

VNA home care continued in operation during that weekend without interruption, providing all its health services to patients in the Dallas area and through its branch offices in Fort Worth,

Denton, McKinney, and Kaufman. Monday morning, VNA nurses and other health professionals made their home visits, VNA office staff in Dallas was working from a nearby building complex, and Meals on Wheels were delivered as usual. Fortunately, because of its kitchen expansion project, VNA Meals on Wheels has been operating since December 2004 out of The Highlands School kitchen in Irving and was in no danger from the fire.

The right technology and people were key to VNA providing this uninterrupted care. Credit goes to its electronic medical record keeping system that allows patient records to be secured offsite at a data storage facility. Staff commitment to patient care and their ability to quickly manage operations outside the office were equally important. Meanwhile, clean-up work is proceeding at the old site and estimates of the damage are still being evaluated.

Immediately after news of the fire was known, VNA received offers of donations and other help from all across Northeast Texas. “We are grateful for the overwhelming support we received from the community in the wake of the fire. A special thanks also goes to the Dallas Fire Department for its professionalism and quick response,” stated Robert Carpenter, VNA president and chief executive officer. “Our experiences during this time have again reminded us of how special the community is that we live in,” he added. “We are even more confident of the great future that lies ahead for VNA.” Donations and volunteer support for Meals on Wheels can be made by calling (214) 689-0000.

Although VNA headquarters has temporarily relocated to 7610 Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, the mailing address remains 1440 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75247. The fire clearly demonstrated, however, that the Visiting Nurse Association is more than just a building.