LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 120th Anniversary of the Visit-
ing Nurse Service of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend individuals
and organizations whose professional commitment and dedication enhance
the excellence of healthcare in their community and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 120th Anniversary of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York;
and
WHEREAS, The Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) is being
recognized during National Nurses Week which is May 6-12, 2013; and
WHEREAS, VNSNY was founded by Lillian Ward in 1893, based on the
belief that illness often had underlying social causes; at the Henry
Street Settlement, she arranged for patients and neighbors to experience
life beyond the crowded tenements and factories with country excursions,
picnics, and concert tickets; and
WHEREAS, Known as the largest not-for-profit home- and community-based
health care agency in the nation, VNSNY serves more than 36,000 New
Yorkers daily; it has the capabilities and resources to deliver a full
range of home health care services throughout the five boroughs of New
York City as well as in Nassau and Westchester Counties; and
WHEREAS, The focus of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY)
is home health care; it believes that healthy individuals thrive best in
healthy communities; and
WHEREAS, Services include short and long-term home care, including
skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, HHA and companionship services,
behavioral health, and nutritional guidance and infusion care; it also
includes services for children and families; end of life services;
community mental health services; paraprofessional services; and private
care services; and
WHEREAS, VNSNY's 2,500 dedicated nurses are to be honored for their
unwavering commitment and tremendous contributions improving the health
and transforming lives of New Yorkers of all ages and walks of life; and
WHEREAS, During Hurricane Sandy, VNSNY came to the rescue of homebound
New Yorkers throughout all five boroughs, and Westchester, Nassau and
Suffolk counties; when transportation was shut down, thousands of nurs-
es, home health aides, physical therapists and others waded knee-deep in
water, walked for miles and climbed darkened stairs in towering build-
ings to make sure their patients were safe; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize the nurses of VNSNY who have faithfully served the health needs of
the community and its citizens with diligence and compassionate commit-
ment; and
WHEREAS, It is further the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 120th Anniversary of the Visiting Nurse Service of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.