Visiting Nurse Association Rallies Community for Annual “Fan Club”
Patients and Seniors to Benefit from Fan Drive
Palm Desert, CA – Collection efforts are underway at the Visiting Nurse Association to secure new fans, portable air-conditioners and evaporative coolers for VNA patients and seniors who need relief from the summer heat. With the temperatures climbing already in May, the summer months could be brutal for patients and seniors unable to afford the comfort of air-conditioning.
In its eighth year, the VNA “Fan Club” was originally conceived by VNA’s Nightingale Society to ensure that VNA patients, most of whom are cared for at home, are comfortable during the summer months. “It’s essential to the healing process that patients are comfortable and pain-free” comments Regional Director, Anne Tyer. Initially focused on the non-profit’s patients, the Fan Club has expanded. Today, they partner with Senior Centers throughout the Coachella Valley to distribute fans to seniors in need. The Fan Club has attracted the support of Windermere Realty who collects fans for distribution through the Senior Centers. “We are delighted to help the VNA with this worthy cause. The summer temperatures take a toll on everyone. I can’t imagine the extra burden to someone who is recovering and not at 100% strength” noted Charlie White, a Managing Broker from Windermere Real Estate.
The Nightingales kick-off Fan Club collection at 7am on June 14th with a Blood Drive at the VNA Palm Desert office located at 42-600 Cook Street in Palm Desert. The Blood Mobile will be at the VNA office from 7am until 11am. “We want to stress the importance of supporting the comfort of patients. How better to start than by donating blood, one of the most critical needs of our health care system” notes Gina Bikales, Chair of the Nightingale Society. VNA is collecting new fans (in boxes) and donations to ensure that every patient and senior is comfortable this summer. Fans can be dropped at the VNA office and at Windermere offices. Donations can be sent directly to the VNA at: Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties, Fan Club, 42-600 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211 or by calling 760-773-6260.
Fans are distributed directly by VNA Nurses and Therapists to patients. Local senior centers distribute fans to seniors in need. Community support and donations will go a long way to making the summer heat bearable and life comfortable.
About Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties (VNA)
One of the oldest Home Health and Hospice care providers in Southern California, VNA supports 10,000+ patients with 300,000+ visits each year. The only community-based non-profit to offer a complete continuum of home care, VNA provides Home Health, Palliative, and Hospice services throughout Riverside, San Bernardino and North San Diego Counties. In addition, VNA’s Community Outreach efforts include Mourning Star Centers for Child and Teen Grief and Bereavement, the Nightingale Society, Charity Care Services, adult bereavement, professional continuing education and other seminars and
workshops. For more information visit www.VNA-IC.org.