Armstrong County Commissioners Proclaims August as Visiting Nurses Association Month, Honors VNA’s 60th Anniversary

Kittanning, Pa. – The Armstrong County Commissioners recognized the Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania (VNA) this morning for six decades of service to patients and families, presenting a proclamation declaring August 2025 as Visiting Nurses Association, Western Pennsylvania Month in Armstrong County.

Commissioner Anthony Shea reflected on his personal connection to the organization, sharing that his mother, Rose Shea, worked for the VNA in the Vandergrift office for 20 years.

“Her dedication and commitment reflected the values that the VNA continues to uphold today,” Shea said.

Commissioner John Strate also spoke with emotion, thanking the VNA for the important work of its visiting nurses, particularly during difficult times. He recounted how his mother received care from the VNA in the latter days of her life.

“The compassion shown by the nurses who came into our home left a lasting impact on my family,” Strate said.

Representing the VNA at the meeting were Executive Director Margie Walsh, Assistant Director Suzanne Grove, and Julia Lockhart, Home Health manager.

“It is truly a privilege to provide care and support for families during some of life’s most challenging moments,” said Walsh, expressing gratitude for the honor, noting the organization’s mission to serve Armstrong County residents.

Following the meeting, the commissioners presented the official proclamation to the VNA representatives and posed for a group photo.

For 60 years, the Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania has been a trusted provider of home health and hospice services, offering compassionate care and support to patients and families throughout the region.

Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Visiting Nurses Association, Western Pennsylvania

WHEREAS, the Visiting Nurses Association, Western Pennsylvania (VNA), founded in 1965, has for six decades provided exceptional, compassionate, and professional care to the residents of Armstrong County and surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, the VNA has served countless individuals and families through home health care, hospice, palliative care, and other essential health services, allowing patients to receive high-quality care in the comfort of their own homes; and

WHEREAS, the VNA has been a trusted partner to physicians, hospitals, and families, offering not only skilled medical care but also emotional and spiritual support during life’s most challenging times; and

WHEREAS, through its dedicated staff and volunteers, the VNA has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving quality of life, promoting dignity, and honoring the wishes of each patient it serves; and

WHEREAS, the Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania stands as a model of community-based healthcare, adapting to changing needs and advancing innovations in patient-centered care; and

WHEREAS, the Armstrong County Board of Commissioners recognizes the vital role the VNA plays in enhancing the health, well-being, and independence of residents throughout our region;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Armstrong County Board of Commissioners, do hereby commend and congratulate the Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania on its 60 years of service, express our deep appreciation for its enduring dedication to our community, and proclaim August 2025 as Visiting Nurses Association of Western Pennsylvania Month in Armstrong County.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and caused the Seal of Armstrong County to be affixed this 21^st day of August, 2025.