News & Events

In an effort to ensure trust within the Latino community and better connect with the underserved, VNA has named Elsa Malispina as its Latino outreach coordinator.
Malispina will provide community education and multicultural connections while assisting patients and families in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties.

Article posted at King City Rustler.com

GONZALES — Grieving is a natural part of life, and impacts each individual journey physically, emotionally and spiritually.

While every loss is unique, Central Coast VNA and Hospice Grief and Loss Program offers a free monthly support group in South Monterey County called New Beginnings, which is designed to help participants share, bond and commiserate.

The program — funded in part by Hospice Giving Foundation, and in partnership with Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center — provides a non-judgmental, fully confidential and supportive environment to share feelings of pain and loss. Individual support is also available, and great efforts are made to reach out to the South Monterey County bilingual community.

The no-cost support group is offered to older adults who have experienced a significant loss of someone in their life. The purpose is to learn about the grieving process and share experiences that help with the emotion of isolation.

The group meets every third Thursday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center, 850 Fifth St. in Gonzales, a part of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System.

For more information, contact VNA’s Latino Community Outreach Coordinator Elsa M. Malispina or Spiritual Care Coordinator Osa Massen at 831-241-3834.

By Sandy Baho

AS WE enter flu season, the time of year when the days get shorter and colder — even on our beautiful Peninsula — and indoor gatherings like shows at Sunset Center and the Forest Theater can finally take the stage, it’s important to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community from the flu by getting vaccinated. Of course, we’re assuming you’ve already gotten your Covid jabs, but if you haven’t, you can get one right along with your flu shot.

Since nobody’s given it much thought since 2020, here’s a reminder: Influenza is a common virus. Every flu season is different, but millions of people get the disease every year, hundreds of thousands of them are hospitalized and thousands die, according to the CDC.

Due to low levels of flu worldwide — thanks to Covid isolation protocols — case numbers were low last year, but health experts are anticipating higher levels of infections this winter as things get back to normal.

Recommended and safe

Andrea Zoodsman, a registered nurse, public health nurse and the director of community services at the nonprofit VNA (Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Central Coast), explained that flu season is always unpredictable. “We don’t know what will happen year to year,” she said, but it’s important to get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, and the community — especially if you are in a high-risk group, such as those over 65, or who have chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes.

Every year, experts study the flu vaccine and modify it to match the mutations of the virus that are active and spreading in the environment. According to the CDC, recent studies show that the flu vaccination reduces the risk of infection by 40 to 60 percent, which is why it is important that as many people get vaccinated as possible. The vaccine is recommended — and safe — for everyone over the age of 6 months. And no matter what anyone tells you, the vaccine can’t “give you the flu,” although you might experience mild side effects.

Here on the Peninsula, there are many options to get your inoculation, including the VNA.

Zoodsman said that the group is offering a driveup flu shot clinic in Ryan Ranch Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, along with several other local community vaccination events. See ccvna.com to learn more.

Good timing

October is the best time to get the flu vaccine, Zoodsman said, since it takes two weeks to build immunity — which lasts about six months — and flu season peaks in January and February, just in time for the crowds at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. She was so convincing and made it so easy that I drove to Ryan Ranch right after our phone call so she could jab me. There’s no time like the present!

Maybe you’re thinking, “So what? I’ve never had the flu,” or perhaps you’re feeling bulletproof after surviving Covid. Still, you might want to keep Zoodsman’s advice in mind. “Even though you’ve never had the flu, that doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Many people have never been in a head-on collision, but still wear a seatbelt.” It’s about prevention.

There are multiple options for flu vaccines so check with your healthcare provider before choosing yours. Most flu vaccines are egg-based, but if you have an egg allergy, there are alternatives. Also, there is a high-dose vaccine for those with weakened immunity and people 65 and older, which provides 40 percent more of the antigen.

Healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 can get the vaccine in mist form, which some say has a higher efficacy rate since it’s administered where the flu replicates, in the nasal and respiratory cavity.

The CDC has an up-to-date map of the spread of the flu on its website in case you are going to be traveling or are just curious. Visit cdc.gov/flu/weekly/ index.htm.

In addition to its many other services, the VNA offers a travel and immunization clinic for people who need shots before visiting far-flung destinations as they throw off the shackles of the shutdown.

It’s also important to take the regular health measures to prevent the flu and keep your immune system strong. This flu season — and always — eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, keep your stress levels down, wash your hands often (especially after sneezing, coughing and using the bathroom) and stay home if you’re not feeling well.

VNA & Hospice

Providing comprehensive and compassionate
services along the Central Coast since 1951

When VNA first began providing comprehensive and compassionate services along the Central Coast in 1951, a gallon of gasoline cost 19 cents and a DJ in Cleveland first
coined the term rock ’n’ roll.

(download full article below, page 58)

On June 26, VNA family and supporters gathered at the Monterey County Fairgrounds for a drive-in style movie night, featuring a video looking back at VNA’s seven-decade history.

Since 1951, the not-for-profit has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

“VNA has existed in various forms over the years,” says VNA chief executive officer Jane Russo. “What hasn’t changed is our core mission, and the amazing people wanting to give back and provide care, creating that trusted compassion.”

VNA Community Services provides wellness care and aids in immunizations by employing experienced, professional registered nurses. As the only local travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate businesses, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines, and staff education.

The home health division offers key specialty programs, including cardiac, diabetic, orthopedic and palliative care. And of course, VNA Hospice provides a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, a peace of mind for their families and their caregivers. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes.

A key component to the team are the efforts of VNA volunteers, who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups.

“The VNA works closely with many of the area’s skilled nursing and residential facilities. When families couldn’t visit, I could often have a nurse check in on someone. We became the conduit between family and patient,” – Tina Del Piero

On the eve of its 70th anniversary, Central Coast VNA & Hospice moved from outlining celebrations to launching COVID-19 testing and immunization services. The Organization’s clinicians also became a vital source of communication and comfort.

“The VNA works closely with many of the area’s skilled nursing and residential facilities. When families couldn’t visit, I could often have a nurse check in on someone. We became the conduit between family and patient,” says Tina Del Piero, VNA Director of Fund Development.

That dedication has defined the VNA since 1951. The organization assists clients of all ages, delivering school health care, home health assistance, and end-of-life planning and care, and continuing health care education. Some 220 employees and 40 volunteers support the nonprofit, which also collaborates with Meals on Wheels, Alliance on Aging, and other partners.

“We coordinate and connect with resources to best serve our patients, and our team works hard every day to provide specialized, individualized care. It’s all based on trust and compassion,” says VNA Chief Executive Officer Jane Russo. “That’s what our business is about. We’re providing human care to other people.”

Central Coast VNA & Hospice celebrates 70 years on June 29 with food trucks and drive-in showing of the movie “50 First Dates.” For details, and to support the organization, visit ccvna.com. 

CARMEL MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021