VNA Health Live Well Magazine - 2021 Independence Edition

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Dear VNA Health Families and Friends, As our Central Coast communities unite with people across the nation to celebrate our country’s reopening, let’s celebrate our shared triumphs! From the grocery clerk to the teacher, from the delivery driver to our tireless medical community, we united against the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience, faith, and cooperation.

509 E Montecito Street, Suite 200 Santa Barbara, CA 93103

SANTA BARBARA, CA PERMIT NO. 1215

INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL EDITION 2021

VNA Health was (and still is) on the front lines caring for COVID patients and families. I’ve never been more proud of our care teams: suiting up in full PPE for ALL patients so that everyone stays safe; undergoing weekly COVID tests; and putting their heart into their work even when weary.

Their work isn’t a job; it’s a calling.

Our care teams are able to provide exceptional hospice, palliative, and home health care because of strong support from our outstanding administrative teams, dedicated volunteers, remarkable Board of Directors, and our generous donors. I often say it takes a village, and the past 18 months have clearly proven that. Together, we have persevered through the pandemic to regain our independence from this virus.

In this Independence Special Edition of our LIVE WELL Magazine, the Moralez family shares their triumph over their COVID trials. Their love, faith, and perseverance inspires us at VNA Health to uphold our vision that every person lives with dignity and health.

As we move forward, we must remain ever vigilant about maintaining safety precautions and continuing to follow public health guidelines. VNA Health joins our medical colleagues to urge our community to get vaccinated. The COVID vaccine is extremely effective at preventing death or serious illness caused by the virus.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce Rebecca Benard, our new VNA Health Foundation Executive Director.

She has worked at VNA Health for nine years, holding leadership roles in both the Foundation and Operations that have elevated our agency’s ability to deliver trusted and compassionate care to families in our communities. Our mission will be further advanced through her fundraising expertise, community relations, and extensive operational experience. Please join me in welcoming Rebecca!

Now it’s time to hug your loved ones again! Enjoy this summer, celebrate our country’s independence, and be safe and healthy!

Live Well!

COVID-19 RESPONSE

$2 million SPENT IN SUPPORT OF COVID RESPONSE

250,000

Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO

PIECES OF PPE (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

3,450 COVID TESTS TO KEEP OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF SAFE

COVID PATIENTS RECEIVED CARE FROM VNA HEALTH

VaccinateALL58.com

| 833-4CA-4ALL

0 VNA HEALTH STAFF CONTRACTED COVID CARING FOR A COVID PATIENT NUMBERS THROUGH MAY 2021

PHOTO BY FRITZ OLENBERGER

140+

UNITED WE STAND

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Dear VNA Health Families and Friends, As our Central Coast communities unite with people across the nation to celebrate our country’s reopening, let’s celebrate our shared triumphs! From the grocery clerk to the teacher, from the delivery driver to our tireless medical community, we united against the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience, faith, and cooperation.

509 E Montecito Street, Suite 200 Santa Barbara, CA 93103

SANTA BARBARA, CA PERMIT NO. 1215

INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL EDITION 2021

VNA Health was (and still is) on the front lines caring for COVID patients and families. I’ve never been more proud of our care teams: suiting up in full PPE for ALL patients so that everyone stays safe; undergoing weekly COVID tests; and putting their heart into their work even when weary.

Their work isn’t a job; it’s a calling.

Our care teams are able to provide exceptional hospice, palliative, and home health care because of strong support from our outstanding administrative teams, dedicated volunteers, remarkable Board of Directors, and our generous donors. I often say it takes a village, and the past 18 months have clearly proven that. Together, we have persevered through the pandemic to regain our independence from this virus.

In this Independence Special Edition of our LIVE WELL Magazine, the Moralez family shares their triumph over their COVID trials. Their love, faith, and perseverance inspires us at VNA Health to uphold our vision that every person lives with dignity and health.

As we move forward, we must remain ever vigilant about maintaining safety precautions and continuing to follow public health guidelines. VNA Health joins our medical colleagues to urge our community to get vaccinated. The COVID vaccine is extremely effective at preventing death or serious illness caused by the virus.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce Rebecca Benard, our new VNA Health Foundation Executive Director.

She has worked at VNA Health for nine years, holding leadership roles in both the Foundation and Operations that have elevated our agency’s ability to deliver trusted and compassionate care to families in our communities. Our mission will be further advanced through her fundraising expertise, community relations, and extensive operational experience. Please join me in welcoming Rebecca!

Now it’s time to hug your loved ones again! Enjoy this summer, celebrate our country’s independence, and be safe and healthy!

Live Well!

COVID-19 RESPONSE

$2 million SPENT IN SUPPORT OF COVID RESPONSE

250,000

Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO

PIECES OF PPE (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

3,450 COVID TESTS TO KEEP OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF SAFE

COVID PATIENTS RECEIVED CARE FROM VNA HEALTH

VaccinateALL58.com

| 833-4CA-4ALL

0 VNA HEALTH STAFF CONTRACTED COVID CARING FOR A COVID PATIENT NUMBERS THROUGH MAY 2021

PHOTO BY FRITZ OLENBERGER

140+

UNITED WE STAND

Fidel, Sr. was strong until the end – even cracking jokes. He passed away peacefully that afternoon in the presence of his daughters.

The heartache and shock were unbearable. There were so many questions, too. When do we tell our mother and brothers? How do we tell them? The hospital did not allow visitors, so they could only connect via phone and video chat.

PHOTOS BY EMILY HART-ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE MORALEZ FAMILY (L-R) Frank, Fidel “Junior,” Katie, Elena, and Elizabeth — all fully vaccinated.

Katie holds a photo of Fidel Sr., her husband of 64 years and father of their children. Not pictured, eldest son Ernie.

“You have COVID.” Three words no one wants to hear. What could be worse?

An entire family hit by COVID-19.

In January of this year, the Moralez family faced this tragic reality.

COVID threatened the lives of their loved ones and crippled the very support system they needed to pull through the crisis.

Santa Barbara has been home to this tight-knit family for over 100 years. Living in close proximity around the family home — across the street, next door, down the block, in the back house — they’ve raised five generations by celebrating and comforting one another through the good and bad times.

Leading up to 2021, the family’s focus was on their patriarch Fidel, Sr., who started receiving hospice care with VNA Health just before Thanksgiving 2020. He had been battling colon cancer and was in declining health. The family did what they’ve always done — stepped up to take care of each other. His five children, along with the rest of the large family and many friends, oversaw his care and supported their mother Katie.

It was comforting to be there for each other — enjoying family meals, helping the children with remote learning, taking the night shift sleeping on the couch to care for their father. The VNA Health hospice team became a part of the family, too.

DAD’S HOSPICE NURSE “Denise would walk in the room, and Dad would just light up,” recounted Elena. “It was really nice to see the caring. There were times where I ran out of stuff and I knew you guys [VNA Health] were down the street. I said, ‘I can come get it,’ and you’d say, ‘Nope, we’ll run it up.’ You were always there to provide support.”

Then, Elizabeth went from being at her father’s bedside to also being admitted to the hospital with COVID. VNA Health stayed in close touch, as the loss and sorrow were overwhelming. There was no time to grieve as her mother, sister, and brothers were all in critical condition.

Junior was extremely weak. His primary goal was to get stronger so that he could once again live independently. To assist with his recovery, he borrowed a walker and shower chair from VNA Health’s Loan Closet. Over the next two months of working through exercises and therapies, Junior and his VNA Health expert team of physical and occupational therapists developed a close bond.

The next month was a blur for Elena, as she tried to keep it all together. “I also tested positive, but I didn’t have symptoms. I think seriously through the grace of God, I didn’t get sick because they were dropping like flies around me.

It was a snowball effect with first Frank, then Junior, then my mom — she went in the night before our dad passed — then Elizabeth. I had to keep it all together. I have a notebook with everybody’s name because all the doctors or nurses were calling me to give me updates on my mom, updates on my brothers, updates on my sister. They were all on the same floor, but nobody knew, and my mom didn’t know that her children were in the hospital or that our father had passed.”

COMING HOME Son Frank collapsed and was admitted to Cottage Hospital with COVID. Eight days later, Junior felt feverish, so he took two aspirins and went to bed. The next morning, he awoke and attempted to walk, but collapsed due to weakness. He was rushed to the emergency department as his oxygen level was in the 50s. The healthy range is 95-100, so Junior was admitted to the hospital.

On the morning of January 29th, Fidel, Sr. told his daughters, “I want to take a shower and then I’m ready to go.” He knew his time was near. VNA Health Hospice nurse Denise came to the house, as Elena had called to say Fidel’s breathing was labored.

Denise was gentle and kind. She told Fidel she would give him some medication to make him comfortable and pain-free. He was grateful. Elena went in the other room and prayed.

A GOAL TO GET STRONGER

JUST A BLUR

EVERYTHING CHANGED ON JANUARY 15tH

Within a matter of days, mother Katie was also hospitalized due to COVID. Back at the family house, Elena and Elizabeth kept vigil over their father.

After being in ICU for over a month, Junior came home on VNA Health’s home health program. At first, he lived in his sister’s Airstream so he could access everything without much effort — the bathroom, kitchen, and living spaces. “I couldn’t even walk the length of the Airstream without getting winded,” said Junior.

It took weeks, but eventually Katie and Elizabeth came home.

Frank, though, was worse. The doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do and recommended they remove the ventilator. The family had a Zoom meeting in the family living room with the doctors and requested more time.

“I promised him, I would do everything possible,” said Frank’s wife Lorine. After being on a ventilator for 45 days, Frank had a miraculous turnaround. It’s been a long road of recovery, but he’s now on his way to resuming an active life.

Dear VNA Health Family and Friends, The Moralez family is one of many that VNA Health has cared for during this pandemic. Over 140 COVID patients have received end-of-life hospice care or rehabilitative therapy and skilled nursing since the pandemic’s onset. Because VNA Health focuses on safety, none of our clinicians or caregivers contracted COVID in the process of caring for patients.

For 113 years, VNA Health has been caring for families through every crisis: fires, floods, world wars, and pandemics. Now we need your help. COVID has taught us just how vulnerable we all are — and how much we need each other. Will you join us now and make a donation so that we can be there for your neighbors, your friends, or your family members? With your help, the VNA Health safety net will be strengthened so everyone has a chance to live with health and dignity.

Join us this summer with a special three-month commitment, as we come through this trying time and prepare for the future.

Make a gift today, and then pledge to do the same in August and September, or give a gift that spans the entire summer.

For your giving options, please see the enclosed envelope. We appreciate any support you are able to provide.

Also, I am available if you or your family members have questions about the care we provide or how you can support our mission. Please call me directly at 805-690-6222.

Fully vaccinated, Dayna O., VNA Health Occupational Therapist with Junior.

In health and gratitude,

“They were there every week, pushing me to work when I didn’t feel like getting up. Just kidding, they were sweet about it. They didn’t push me real hard, but they made sure that I kept active. Breathing techniques, exercise techniques. They were knowledgeable and I took their suggestions seriously. If I asked for anything, they would help me out with it, or find somebody to get groceries, or whatever I needed. They let me know that if I needed anything, all I had to do was ask.”

Rebecca Benard, MBA Foundation Executive Director

“It was nice to have visitors and it definitely was nice to hear from them about their lives and things that they did. With that kind of personal relationship, they were more like friends in the end. They were all really, really caring. I never knew this kind of care existed.

It was much appreciated.”

Today, the Moralez family takes one day at a time living in health and gratitude for their faith, their family, and their supportive community, and very glad to be COVID-free.

The goal of the GIVE WELL, LIVE WELL 2021 Campaign is to fortify VNA Health’s ability to respond to families in need during crises.

In 2021, we aim to raise $1.6 million to maintain our charitable community programs, while also providing hospice care, skilled nursing, or rehabilitative therapies. Together, these services help our community live well. Together, we can all LIVE WELL.

”Thank God for organizations like yours. We were fortunate because we had a lot of family and close friends. I just think about people who don’t have family and friends like me, I just can’t imagine. Because there are people like that in this community, you know. It’s given me a greater appreciation for your organization — day in and day out — you don’t just take care of your immediate loved ones, you do it for our community.”

Fidel, Jr. “Junior” (pictured with Scout)

Fidel, Sr. was strong until the end – even cracking jokes. He passed away peacefully that afternoon in the presence of his daughters.

The heartache and shock were unbearable. There were so many questions, too. When do we tell our mother and brothers? How do we tell them? The hospital did not allow visitors, so they could only connect via phone and video chat.

PHOTOS BY EMILY HART-ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE MORALEZ FAMILY (L-R) Frank, Fidel “Junior,” Katie, Elena, and Elizabeth — all fully vaccinated.

Katie holds a photo of Fidel Sr., her husband of 64 years and father of their children. Not pictured, eldest son Ernie.

“You have COVID.” Three words no one wants to hear. What could be worse?

An entire family hit by COVID-19.

In January of this year, the Moralez family faced this tragic reality.

COVID threatened the lives of their loved ones and crippled the very support system they needed to pull through the crisis.

Santa Barbara has been home to this tight-knit family for over 100 years. Living in close proximity around the family home — across the street, next door, down the block, in the back house — they’ve raised five generations by celebrating and comforting one another through the good and bad times.

Leading up to 2021, the family’s focus was on their patriarch Fidel, Sr., who started receiving hospice care with VNA Health just before Thanksgiving 2020. He had been battling colon cancer and was in declining health. The family did what they’ve always done — stepped up to take care of each other. His five children, along with the rest of the large family and many friends, oversaw his care and supported their mother Katie.

It was comforting to be there for each other — enjoying family meals, helping the children with remote learning, taking the night shift sleeping on the couch to care for their father. The VNA Health hospice team became a part of the family, too.

DAD’S HOSPICE NURSE “Denise would walk in the room, and Dad would just light up,” recounted Elena. “It was really nice to see the caring. There were times where I ran out of stuff and I knew you guys [VNA Health] were down the street. I said, ‘I can come get it,’ and you’d say, ‘Nope, we’ll run it up.’ You were always there to provide support.”

Then, Elizabeth went from being at her father’s bedside to also being admitted to the hospital with COVID. VNA Health stayed in close touch, as the loss and sorrow were overwhelming. There was no time to grieve as her mother, sister, and brothers were all in critical condition.

Junior was extremely weak. His primary goal was to get stronger so that he could once again live independently. To assist with his recovery, he borrowed a walker and shower chair from VNA Health’s Loan Closet. Over the next two months of working through exercises and therapies, Junior and his VNA Health expert team of physical and occupational therapists developed a close bond.

The next month was a blur for Elena, as she tried to keep it all together. “I also tested positive, but I didn’t have symptoms. I think seriously through the grace of God, I didn’t get sick because they were dropping like flies around me.

It was a snowball effect with first Frank, then Junior, then my mom — she went in the night before our dad passed — then Elizabeth. I had to keep it all together. I have a notebook with everybody’s name because all the doctors or nurses were calling me to give me updates on my mom, updates on my brothers, updates on my sister. They were all on the same floor, but nobody knew, and my mom didn’t know that her children were in the hospital or that our father had passed.”

COMING HOME Son Frank collapsed and was admitted to Cottage Hospital with COVID. Eight days later, Junior felt feverish, so he took two aspirins and went to bed. The next morning, he awoke and attempted to walk, but collapsed due to weakness. He was rushed to the emergency department as his oxygen level was in the 50s. The healthy range is 95-100, so Junior was admitted to the hospital.

On the morning of January 29th, Fidel, Sr. told his daughters, “I want to take a shower and then I’m ready to go.” He knew his time was near. VNA Health Hospice nurse Denise came to the house, as Elena had called to say Fidel’s breathing was labored.

Denise was gentle and kind. She told Fidel she would give him some medication to make him comfortable and pain-free. He was grateful. Elena went in the other room and prayed.

A GOAL TO GET STRONGER

JUST A BLUR

EVERYTHING CHANGED ON JANUARY 15tH

Within a matter of days, mother Katie was also hospitalized due to COVID. Back at the family house, Elena and Elizabeth kept vigil over their father.

After being in ICU for over a month, Junior came home on VNA Health’s home health program. At first, he lived in his sister’s Airstream so he could access everything without much effort — the bathroom, kitchen, and living spaces. “I couldn’t even walk the length of the Airstream without getting winded,” said Junior.

It took weeks, but eventually Katie and Elizabeth came home.

Frank, though, was worse. The doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do and recommended they remove the ventilator. The family had a Zoom meeting in the family living room with the doctors and requested more time.

“I promised him, I would do everything possible,” said Frank’s wife Lorine. After being on a ventilator for 45 days, Frank had a miraculous turnaround. It’s been a long road of recovery, but he’s now on his way to resuming an active life.

Dear VNA Health Family and Friends, The Moralez family is one of many that VNA Health has cared for during this pandemic. Over 140 COVID patients have received end-of-life hospice care or rehabilitative therapy and skilled nursing since the pandemic’s onset. Because VNA Health focuses on safety, none of our clinicians or caregivers contracted COVID in the process of caring for patients.

For 113 years, VNA Health has been caring for families through every crisis: fires, floods, world wars, and pandemics. Now we need your help. COVID has taught us just how vulnerable we all are — and how much we need each other. Will you join us now and make a donation so that we can be there for your neighbors, your friends, or your family members? With your help, the VNA Health safety net will be strengthened so everyone has a chance to live with health and dignity.

Join us this summer with a special three-month commitment, as we come through this trying time and prepare for the future.

Make a gift today, and then pledge to do the same in August and September, or give a gift that spans the entire summer.

For your giving options, please see the enclosed envelope. We appreciate any support you are able to provide.

Also, I am available if you or your family members have questions about the care we provide or how you can support our mission. Please call me directly at 805-690-6222.

Fully vaccinated, Dayna O., VNA Health Occupational Therapist with Junior.

In health and gratitude,

“They were there every week, pushing me to work when I didn’t feel like getting up. Just kidding, they were sweet about it. They didn’t push me real hard, but they made sure that I kept active. Breathing techniques, exercise techniques. They were knowledgeable and I took their suggestions seriously. If I asked for anything, they would help me out with it, or find somebody to get groceries, or whatever I needed. They let me know that if I needed anything, all I had to do was ask.”

Rebecca Benard, MBA Foundation Executive Director

“It was nice to have visitors and it definitely was nice to hear from them about their lives and things that they did. With that kind of personal relationship, they were more like friends in the end. They were all really, really caring. I never knew this kind of care existed.

It was much appreciated.”

Today, the Moralez family takes one day at a time living in health and gratitude for their faith, their family, and their supportive community, and very glad to be COVID-free.

The goal of the GIVE WELL, LIVE WELL 2021 Campaign is to fortify VNA Health’s ability to respond to families in need during crises.

In 2021, we aim to raise $1.6 million to maintain our charitable community programs, while also providing hospice care, skilled nursing, or rehabilitative therapies. Together, these services help our community live well. Together, we can all LIVE WELL.

”Thank God for organizations like yours. We were fortunate because we had a lot of family and close friends. I just think about people who don’t have family and friends like me, I just can’t imagine. Because there are people like that in this community, you know. It’s given me a greater appreciation for your organization — day in and day out — you don’t just take care of your immediate loved ones, you do it for our community.”

Fidel, Jr. “Junior” (pictured with Scout)

Fidel, Sr. was strong until the end – even cracking jokes. He passed away peacefully that afternoon in the presence of his daughters.

The heartache and shock were unbearable. There were so many questions, too. When do we tell our mother and brothers? How do we tell them? The hospital did not allow visitors, so they could only connect via phone and video chat.

PHOTOS BY EMILY HART-ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE MORALEZ FAMILY (L-R) Frank, Fidel “Junior,” Katie, Elena, and Elizabeth — all fully vaccinated.

Katie holds a photo of Fidel Sr., her husband of 64 years and father of their children. Not pictured, eldest son Ernie.

“You have COVID.” Three words no one wants to hear. What could be worse?

An entire family hit by COVID-19.

In January of this year, the Moralez family faced this tragic reality.

COVID threatened the lives of their loved ones and crippled the very support system they needed to pull through the crisis.

Santa Barbara has been home to this tight-knit family for over 100 years. Living in close proximity around the family home — across the street, next door, down the block, in the back house — they’ve raised five generations by celebrating and comforting one another through the good and bad times.

Leading up to 2021, the family’s focus was on their patriarch Fidel, Sr., who started receiving hospice care with VNA Health just before Thanksgiving 2020. He had been battling colon cancer and was in declining health. The family did what they’ve always done — stepped up to take care of each other. His five children, along with the rest of the large family and many friends, oversaw his care and supported their mother Katie.

It was comforting to be there for each other — enjoying family meals, helping the children with remote learning, taking the night shift sleeping on the couch to care for their father. The VNA Health hospice team became a part of the family, too.

DAD’S HOSPICE NURSE “Denise would walk in the room, and Dad would just light up,” recounted Elena. “It was really nice to see the caring. There were times where I ran out of stuff and I knew you guys [VNA Health] were down the street. I said, ‘I can come get it,’ and you’d say, ‘Nope, we’ll run it up.’ You were always there to provide support.”

Then, Elizabeth went from being at her father’s bedside to also being admitted to the hospital with COVID. VNA Health stayed in close touch, as the loss and sorrow were overwhelming. There was no time to grieve as her mother, sister, and brothers were all in critical condition.

Junior was extremely weak. His primary goal was to get stronger so that he could once again live independently. To assist with his recovery, he borrowed a walker and shower chair from VNA Health’s Loan Closet. Over the next two months of working through exercises and therapies, Junior and his VNA Health expert team of physical and occupational therapists developed a close bond.

The next month was a blur for Elena, as she tried to keep it all together. “I also tested positive, but I didn’t have symptoms. I think seriously through the grace of God, I didn’t get sick because they were dropping like flies around me.

It was a snowball effect with first Frank, then Junior, then my mom — she went in the night before our dad passed — then Elizabeth. I had to keep it all together. I have a notebook with everybody’s name because all the doctors or nurses were calling me to give me updates on my mom, updates on my brothers, updates on my sister. They were all on the same floor, but nobody knew, and my mom didn’t know that her children were in the hospital or that our father had passed.”

COMING HOME Son Frank collapsed and was admitted to Cottage Hospital with COVID. Eight days later, Junior felt feverish, so he took two aspirins and went to bed. The next morning, he awoke and attempted to walk, but collapsed due to weakness. He was rushed to the emergency department as his oxygen level was in the 50s. The healthy range is 95-100, so Junior was admitted to the hospital.

On the morning of January 29th, Fidel, Sr. told his daughters, “I want to take a shower and then I’m ready to go.” He knew his time was near. VNA Health Hospice nurse Denise came to the house, as Elena had called to say Fidel’s breathing was labored.

Denise was gentle and kind. She told Fidel she would give him some medication to make him comfortable and pain-free. He was grateful. Elena went in the other room and prayed.

A GOAL TO GET STRONGER

JUST A BLUR

EVERYTHING CHANGED ON JANUARY 15tH

Within a matter of days, mother Katie was also hospitalized due to COVID. Back at the family house, Elena and Elizabeth kept vigil over their father.

After being in ICU for over a month, Junior came home on VNA Health’s home health program. At first, he lived in his sister’s Airstream so he could access everything without much effort — the bathroom, kitchen, and living spaces. “I couldn’t even walk the length of the Airstream without getting winded,” said Junior.

It took weeks, but eventually Katie and Elizabeth came home.

Frank, though, was worse. The doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do and recommended they remove the ventilator. The family had a Zoom meeting in the family living room with the doctors and requested more time.

“I promised him, I would do everything possible,” said Frank’s wife Lorine. After being on a ventilator for 45 days, Frank had a miraculous turnaround. It’s been a long road of recovery, but he’s now on his way to resuming an active life.

Dear VNA Health Family and Friends, The Moralez family is one of many that VNA Health has cared for during this pandemic. Over 140 COVID patients have received end-of-life hospice care or rehabilitative therapy and skilled nursing since the pandemic’s onset. Because VNA Health focuses on safety, none of our clinicians or caregivers contracted COVID in the process of caring for patients.

For 113 years, VNA Health has been caring for families through every crisis: fires, floods, world wars, and pandemics. Now we need your help. COVID has taught us just how vulnerable we all are — and how much we need each other. Will you join us now and make a donation so that we can be there for your neighbors, your friends, or your family members? With your help, the VNA Health safety net will be strengthened so everyone has a chance to live with health and dignity.

Join us this summer with a special three-month commitment, as we come through this trying time and prepare for the future.

Make a gift today, and then pledge to do the same in August and September, or give a gift that spans the entire summer.

You may donate online at www.vna.health/independence.

We appreciate any support you are able to provide.

Also, I am available if you or your family members have questions about the care we provide or how you can support our mission. Please call me directly at 805-690-6222.

Fully vaccinated, Dayna O., VNA Health Occupational Therapist with Junior.

In health and gratitude,

“They were there every week, pushing me to work when I didn’t feel like getting up. Just kidding, they were sweet about it. They didn’t push me real hard, but they made sure that I kept active. Breathing techniques, exercise techniques. They were knowledgeable and I took their suggestions seriously. If I asked for anything, they would help me out with it, or find somebody to get groceries, or whatever I needed. They let me know that if I needed anything, all I had to do was ask.”

Rebecca Benard, MBA Foundation Executive Director

“It was nice to have visitors and it definitely was nice to hear from them about their lives and things that they did. With that kind of personal relationship, they were more like friends in the end. They were all really, really caring. I never knew this kind of care existed.

It was much appreciated.”

Today, the Moralez family takes one day at a time living in health and gratitude for their faith, their family, and their supportive community, and very glad to be COVID-free.

The goal of the GIVE WELL, LIVE WELL 2021 Campaign is to fortify VNA Health’s ability to respond to families in need during crises.

In 2021, we aim to raise $1.6 million to maintain our charitable community programs, while also providing hospice care, skilled nursing, or rehabilitative therapies. Together, these services help our community live well. Together, we can all LIVE WELL.

”Thank God for organizations like yours. We were fortunate because we had a lot of family and close friends. I just think about people who don’t have family and friends like me, I just can’t imagine. Because there are people like that in this community, you know. It’s given me a greater appreciation for your organization — day in and day out — you don’t just take care of your immediate loved ones, you do it for our community.”

Fidel, Jr. “Junior” (pictured with Scout)

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Dear VNA Health Families and Friends, As our Central Coast communities unite with people across the nation to celebrate our country’s reopening, let’s celebrate our shared triumphs! From the grocery clerk to the teacher, from the delivery driver to our tireless medical community, we united against the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience, faith, and cooperation.

509 E Montecito Street, Suite 200 Santa Barbara, CA 93103

SANTA BARBARA, CA PERMIT NO. 1215

INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL EDITION 2021

VNA Health was (and still is) on the front lines caring for COVID patients and families. I’ve never been more proud of our care teams: suiting up in full PPE for ALL patients so that everyone stays safe; undergoing weekly COVID tests; and putting their heart into their work even when weary.

Their work isn’t a job; it’s a calling.

Our care teams are able to provide exceptional hospice, palliative, and home health care because of strong support from our outstanding administrative teams, dedicated volunteers, remarkable Board of Directors, and our generous donors. I often say it takes a village, and the past 18 months have clearly proven that. Together, we have persevered through the pandemic to regain our independence from this virus.

In this Independence Special Edition of our LIVE WELL Magazine, the Moralez family shares their triumph over their COVID trials. Their love, faith, and perseverance inspires us at VNA Health to uphold our vision that every person lives with dignity and health.

As we move forward, we must remain ever vigilant about maintaining safety precautions and continuing to follow public health guidelines. VNA Health joins our medical colleagues to urge our community to get vaccinated. The COVID vaccine is extremely effective at preventing death or serious illness caused by the virus.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce Rebecca Benard, our new VNA Health Foundation Executive Director.

She has worked at VNA Health for nine years, holding leadership roles in both the Foundation and Operations that have elevated our agency’s ability to deliver trusted and compassionate care to families in our communities. Our mission will be further advanced through her fundraising expertise, community relations, and extensive operational experience. Please join me in welcoming Rebecca!

Now it’s time to hug your loved ones again! Enjoy this summer, celebrate our country’s independence, and be safe and healthy!

Live Well!

COVID-19 RESPONSE

$2 million SPENT IN SUPPORT OF COVID RESPONSE

250,000

Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO

PIECES OF PPE (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

3,450 COVID TESTS TO KEEP OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF SAFE

COVID PATIENTS RECEIVED CARE FROM VNA HEALTH

VaccinateALL58.com

| 833-4CA-4ALL

0 VNA HEALTH STAFF CONTRACTED COVID CARING FOR A COVID PATIENT NUMBERS THROUGH MAY 2021

PHOTO BY FRITZ OLENBERGER

140+

UNITED WE STAND