Programs

  • Concordia Visiting Nurses Program

    Concordia Visiting Nurses (CVN) program service accomplishments are driven by the core mission to provide excellent in-home health services to those who need them, in a faithful environment. CVN is part of a large continuum of care striving to succeed with an aging-in-place philosophy by providing a wide breadth of services in the home, preventing rehospitalization, enhancing home safety and monitoring chronic disease states. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, approximately 18,400 patients were served across thirteen counties in Western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, Westmoreland, Washington and parts of Clarion, Fayette, Indiana, Mercer and Venango, with an average daily census of 2,736. CVN provides qualified Spiritual Counselors who respond to needs through prayer, consultation and counseling to all religions and denominations and work in conjunction with local clergy as requested. A total of approximately 337,776 visits (including 3,517 non-billable visits associated with spiritual care, nutrition, etc.) were completed by various disciplines. The non-reimbursed cost of the non-billable spiritual care visits was $89,143.00 for the fiscal year. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE) posed many challenges, as well as opportunities for the organization through the year. We saw a shift in healthcare. The pandemic has created new ways of thinking and solutions that will help to carry healthcare services into the future. In March 2020, the organization implemented its Emergency Disaster Plan. The Leadership Team across the continuum met routinely to continuously evaluate the situation regarding the PHE and ever-changing State and Federal guidance for the safe care of patients with suspected or known COVID-19 infections while attempting to keep all staff safe and healthy. At times, staffing became a challenge when staff needed to quarantine due to exposure or testing positive for COVID-19. A staffing contingency plan was put into place so that the organization would be able to carry out its mission to care for as many patients as possible in the safest of ways. Throughout the COVID-19 PHE, the organization provided focused education on various related topics. These topics included what COVID-19 is, how to prevent the spread, how to care for patients that are positive for COVID-19, mitigation efforts, Personal Protective Equipment utilization (the organization purchased $172,087 of PPE and related supplies throughout the past year) and other infection control practices. This education was provided through varying platforms such as secure messaging, at virtual staff meetings and through the Learning Management Software, Elsevier. Staff have also been educated on COVID-19 vaccinations and the importance of vaccinations as a tool to help end the PHE. A corporate nursing team was established to assist with education and administration related to the COVID-19 vaccinations. The vaccination was administered to fellow co-workers, patients, residents and members of surrounding communities at no charge. Some examples of our new initiatives include telehealth/telemedicine and the hospital at home model. CVN was able to assist physicians with visits by providing a nurse for a video visit with the physician to allow for the Face-to-Face requirement to be fulfilled. CVN provides Tele-Health monitoring free of charge to patients with chronic diseases. Tele-Health monitoring is a non-billable service that costs the agency $388,245.00 annually. Tele-Health has been utilized over the past year to provide additional monitoring for COVID-19 positive patient vital sign trending. The pandemic also brought into effect the 1135 waivers. One of the waivers allowed a PT or ST to conduct the initial assessment when therapy was ordered rather than a Skilled Nurse. Concordia Visiting Nurses achieved deemed status with Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). CVN is also part of Concordia Lutheran Ministries Aging Services Network, under CARF-CCAC accreditation. CVN started preparation for their journey to receive accreditation in 2019 through the Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC). On July 28, 2020, CVN received notification that we achieved Deemed Status and accreditation for Home Health through ACHC from July 16, 2020, to July 16, 2023. CVN also applied for accreditation for Home Infusion Therapy services in December. We received notification on December 22, 2020 that CVN was awarded ACHC. This is the first accreditation that the accrediting body has given to us. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. ACHC is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served. Home Infusion Therapy Accreditation effective as of Dec 17, 2020 to July 16, 2023. The PA Department of Health (DOH) arrived onsite for their anticipated recertification survey on July 27, 2020. On August 3, 2020, the agency received notification that CVN had a deficiency-free state survey and successfully obtained recertification. Each month our Transitional Nurse Liaisons team up with CVN nurses and social workers to schedule and attend several community gatherings to discuss our "Concordia Visiting Nurses Healthy Topic" of the month at health fairs, community speaker programs and events to promote wellness in the community. CVN spent a total of $11,832 on flu shots that were given to the community and patients during flu clinics and an additional $5,648 on flu shots that were given to employees during the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Total donations and sponsorships made during fiscal year ended 6/30/20, equated $47,260. Additional funding via distributions to 501(c)(3) member hospital systems at a total of $8,000,000 have expanded like-minded mission within the geographical communities we serve. Employees of CVN were given the opportunity to serve by participating in mission events organized by the parent company Concordia Community Support Services. Here are the donation, sponsorship and mission event opportunities that CVN took part in during the fiscal year. 4 scholarships totaling $17,500 were awarded to the children of CVN employees in the Concordia Scholarship Program. A total of $270 was donated through the fiscal year to 9 local orgs. These were part of our Employee Benefit Fund program. Donations are given to a charity of employee's choice when a qualifying event occurs, such as a death in the family. In December 2020, CVN Busn Development team partnered with Butler Health System to launch a Boredom Bag Project. Over 230 bags with puzzles, a soft blanket and other items were given to patients in isolation due to a COVID-19 diagnosis at Butler Health System, Washington Health System, Heritage Valley Health System and St Clair Hospital. The cost to CVN for these items was $3,723.76. Mission Event for Christmas 2020: CVN matched employee donations and the gifts went to Variety-The Children's Charity's My Bike program in which an adaptive bike was purchased for a deserving special-needs kid. A total of $1,492 was given; that amount was offset by employee contributions of $267 for an expense to CVN of $1,225. Employees were permitted to wear blue jeans for a company-matched $5 donation during a 7-week long mission event was held in Jan and Feb 2021. A different local org was chosen each week. A total of $960 was given to the charities; that amount was offset by employee contributions of $480 for an expense to CVN of $480. Other donations include $250 to Bethany Presby Church, $248.92 to Jean B Purvis Comm Health Center, $173.74 purchase of a door prize for the Butler Co Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing, $60 was donated to the Alzheimer's Association-Greater PA Chapter, and $50 was donated to Our Daily Bread Ministries. A total of $23,278 was spent on sponsorships of 15 local events during the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The Mission Events that were held with no expense to CVN were: Food Drive: Employees purchased and donated groceries and paper products to the St Luke Lutheran Church Food Pantry in October 2020. Buy A Meal and Make Their Day: Employees bought a meal for any one of the 4 Concordia inpatient hospice units on Saturdays in February and March 2021 for the families of hospice patients. Food Distribution: Employees helped out on a food distribution day in May 2021 at the Cabot Food Bank by packing boxes and filling cars. These donations, sponsorships and mission events are some of the many ways we serve God by providing for the needs of His people.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jul 1, 2020 – Jun 30, 2021
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $28.2M

  • Program 1 [2024]

    Concordia Visiting Nurses (CVN) program service accomplishments are driven by the core mission to provide excellent in-home health services to those who need them, in a faithful environment. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, approximately 19,179 patients were served across thirteen counties in Western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, Westmoreland, Washington and parts of Clarion, Fayette, Indiana, Mercer and Venango, with an average daily census of 3,889. CVN provides qualified Spiritual Counselors who respond to needs through prayer, consultation and counseling to all religions and denominations and work in conjunction with local clergy as requested. A total of approximately 352,345 visits (including 1,867 non-billable visits associated with spiritual care, nutrition, etc.) were completed by various disciplines. The non-reimbursed cost of the non-billable spiritual care visits was $105,537 for the fiscal year. In today's complex healthcare landscape, it is essential to adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses the diverse needs of our patients while promoting holistic, patient-centered care. Our agency has implemented a comprehensive palliative and chronic care management program designed to enhance the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. This program focuses on symptom management, psychosocial support, and advanced care planning. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, we have integrated virtual visits into our service offerings. This initiative not only enhances patient convenience but also allows for more frequent check-ins, ensuring that care plans are adhered to and adjusted as necessary. Virtual visits have proven particularly beneficial for patients with mobility challenges or those residing in remote areas, enabling us to extend our reach while maintaining high standards of care. Tele-Health monitoring is a non-billable service that costs the agency $401,253 annually. To address the growing prevalence of diabetes within our community, we have introduced opportunities for our patients to meet with a certified diabetic educator. By providing one-on-one counseling and support, we aim to reduce complications and hospital readmissions associated with diabetes. Understanding that mental health is integral to overall well-being, we have incorporated mental health screenings and support into our services. This initiative addresses the often-overlooked psychological aspects of chronic illness, ensuring that patients receive the emotional support they need. To further enhance our clinical offerings, we have recruited specialized lymphedema and wound-certified nurses and therapists. These experts provide targeted care for patients suffering from complex wound issues and lymphedema, employing advanced treatment modalities that promote healing and improve patient outcomes. Finally, our dedicated congestive heart failure program focuses on managing this prevalent condition through education, regular monitoring, and individualized care plans. We aim to reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Concordia Visiting Nurses continues to have deemed status with Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). ACHC is an organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. CVN is also part of Concordia Lutheran Ministries Aging Services Network, under CARF-CCAC accreditation. Each month our Transitional Nurse Liaisons team up with CVN nurses and social workers to schedule and attend several community gatherings to discuss our "Concordia Visiting Nurses Healthy Topic" of the month at health fairs, community speaker programs and events to promote wellness in the community. These events include: Area on Aging Senior Expo Tanger Outlets Resource Friendship Village Resources/Alzheimer's Walk Blood Pressure Clinic The Galleria of Sout Hills Senior Fair Senator Robinson's Senior Fair/Expo Hempfield Manor Senior Expo Westmoreland County Department of Human Services AAA Senior Expo Presbyterian Senior Care Network Resource Fair South Hills Jewish Community Center/Senior Expo Dementia Caregiver Resource Fair UPMC Mercy Fair Washington Walk to End Alzheimer's Julian Grey Conference Coffee Bar at Premier WCHC Senior Fair at Celebration Villa of South Hills UPMC Mercy Senior Fair Washington County Fair Senior Fair Twilight Wish Foundation Community event Vendor Fair at Celebration Villa of Chippewa UPMC Mercy Fair Senior Fair at William Penn Care Center New Castle Senior Fair YMCA Sewickley Senior Fair Elder Vogel's Beaver County Senior Fair Lenz Court Senior Fair Multiple health chats throughout the year at multiple different PCH's. No related expenses for these in the past. Concordia of Wexford: basic wound care lunch and learn Pine township community health and wellness fair Concordia at the Orchard - Mental health, dementia, and Alzheimer's lunch and learn. CVN spent a total of $11,856 on flu shots that were given to the community and patients during flu clinics and to employees during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Total donations and sponsorships made during fiscal year ended 6/30/24, equated $86,477. Additional funding via distributions to 501(c)(3) member hospital systems at a total of $10,000,000 have expanded like-minded mission within the geographical communities we serve. A total of $34,364 was donated through the fiscal year. This includes: $410 donated to 8 local charities as a part of our Employee Benefit Fund program: donations are given to a charity of employee's choice when a qualifying event occurs, such as a death in the family. A total of $27,500 in scholarships were given to the children of Concordia employees through a Student Scholarship Program, paid directly to each University. Total of $52,113 was spent on sponsorships to support local events at organizations in the region: Employees of CVN were given the opportunity to participate in several Mission Events organized by Concordia Care Network dba Concordia Community Support Services. These are part of an ongoing Mission Committee that was formed to organize opportunities for employees to serve the community. These are the Mission Events that employees of CVN participated in during the 2023-2024 fiscal year: Drive-Up Food Distributions: July-Aug 2023: Employees volunteered to assist the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Knoch School District (Saxonburg, PA) with a drive-thru food distribution which addresses family food insecurity during summer months when children lose access to school provided meals. Remote Area Medical (RAM): Nov 2023: 443 Concordia employees and community members volunteered their time and talents over three days to host a free medical, dental and vision clinic in Butler County to provide healthcare to underserved and underinsured community members. 335 patients were served and a total of $183,534 of healthcare was provided at no cost. The event was supported by 54 community businesses with 38 optometrists, NPs, dentists, and physicians providing care. Lighthouse Foundation Food Pantry Collection Drive: Nov-Dec 2023: 393 food items were purchased by Concordia employees and matched by a monetary gift by Concordia for donation to The Lighthouse Foundation (Butler, PA) to stock their shelves with the top 10 needed items before Christmas. Center for Community Resources Bundle-Up Butler Coat Drive: Nov-Dec 2023: 157 gently-used or new coats were donated by Concordia employees and matched by a monetary gift by Concordia. Hero's Angels Collection Drive: Feb-Mar 2024: Highly requested items were purchased and donated to deployed troops in Syria in partnership with Hero's Angels (Chicora, PA). Blessing Blankets: Mar 2024: Concordia employees and residents teamed together to create 233 blankets for donation to 13 community service organizations in PA and OH. City Mission Service Event: Mar 2024: 12 volunteers served at community meal. St Luke Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Event: May 2024: 40 Concordia employees, residents & their families volunteered at a multi-day event to pack meals to address the global hunger crisis. Lighthouse Foundation Food Pantry Distribution and Pantry Clean-Up: June 2024: Employee volunteers distributed food items to the families who utilize the pantry-approx 30 volunteer hours; and Employee volunteers cleaned The Lighthouse food pantry to ready it for the next distribution-approx 12 volunteer hours. These donations, sponsorships and mission events are some of the many ways we serve God by providing for the needs of His people.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jul 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $33M