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July 10, 2008

The Reader's Page
The Post-Standard
PO Box 4915
Syracuse, New York 13221

To The Editor:

This is in response to the editorial entitled “Home Care Hurting” that appeared on Sunday, July 6. I’m confident that I can safely speak on behalf of home care agencies throughout the area by thanking and commending Ms. Bowhall for recognizing the importance of the media and government addressing the impact of escalating gas prices on the home care industry. As President and Chief Executive Officer of VNA Systems, Inc., parent company to three local home care agencies, I have a strong affinity for her position. Rising fuel costs create a number of fiscal and operational challenges, including employee recruitment and retention.

I would, however like to note that home care is a diverse and dynamic service industry with nearly 18,000 providers serving approximately 7.6 million patients. And while there have been a number of contributing factors that have accelerated the industry’s growth since it first began in the 1880’s, it has not been without its challenges. Fortunately, one thing has remained constant — the commitment of home care professionals, medical and non-medical, to the patients. This includes the state and national trade associations who represent home care and community-based providers. This strong commitment coupled with the ability to develop innovative, prudent and viable solutions for meeting the immediate and long-term needs of the community has enabled the industry to endure even the most challenging times. Unfortunately, we are now charged with the task of rising to the occasion again.

While we cannot anticipate what the future will bring, the public can rest assured knowing that as home care providers we are fiercely committed to making certain that home care retains a prominent place in health care reform. Through collaboration with other agencies, government officials at the local, state and federal levels, and the media, home care will continue to garner the attention it deserves. Most importantly, we will work to develop solutions aimed at preserving the integrity of the industry and insure that the immediate health care needs of our community are met without compromising the quality of care they have come to expect.

Indi L. Shelby, RN, BSN, MS
President and Chief Executive Officer
VNA Systems, Inc.
Visiting Nurse Association of Central New York, Inc.
The VNA Foundation of Central New York
Independent Health Care Services, Inc.
CCH Home Care & Palliative Services, Inc.
Syracuse

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