History

The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia actually began as the Visiting Nurse Society, founded by Helen Carnan Jenks. She had learned about England’s District Nursing Service from a friend and wondered if such a service could be started in Philadelphia to look after the health of the “laboring classes.” (All about The Visiting Nurse Society, Click Here)

In 1886, the VNS enlisted the assistance of physicians who gave the fledgling organization needed credibility within the medical community. By the end of the first year, the VNS had more than 300 patients.

The visiting nurses brought quality health care, providing maternity care, hygienic instruction and preventive education.

In the decades to follow, The Visiting Nurse Association of Philadelphia grew to be a critically important component of health care in Philadelphia. Epidemics of influenza, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and America’s entry into World War I sorely taxed the city’s health care system. In each instance, The VNS worked to meet Philadelphia’s health care needs by providing prevention, treatment, and education.

Today, the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia is the region’s leading home and community health care provider, and the Visiting Nurse Society continues to work behind the scenes with its philanthropic support of VNA patient care and strong support for staff education.