In a joint statement, Franklin County Home Health Agency (FCHHA) and VNAHSR announced
that this decision was a result of months of collaboration between the two agencies.
Like many home health agencies across the country, FCHHA has been affected by numerous
challenges, including the low reimbursement rates of Medicaid and Medicare programs and
ongoing funding cuts. Enduring such margin pressures is compounded by the challenges of
providing home health services in a state as rural as Vermont.
FCHHA and its Board of Directors recognized the need to consolidate operations and concluded
that transferring operations to another Visiting Nurse Association would allow for the
continuation of quality home healthcare services for the residents of Franklin County.
“Part of our mission is to continue our founders’ vision for home health care in Franklin County
by making sure our staff is prepared to meet changing health care needs,” said Corey Parent,
FCHHA Board President. “VNAHSR, with its strong operational track record, high patient
satisfaction and quality outcome scores, and commitment to utilizing local staff, is uniquely
positioned to help Franklin County meet those needs.”
VNAHSR CEO Sara C. King stated that the two agencies have been collaborating on a solution
for Franklin County for the better part of 2023. “It has been a strong partnership from the
start,” said King. “As members of VNAs of Vermont, which represents Vermont’s local,
independent, not-for-profit home health and hospice agencies, we consider each other sister
agencies. We have worked collectively as a team on numerous initiatives. Our missions closely
align, and we are committed to supporting a healthier Vermont, building stronger families, and
transforming our communities.”
Workforce challenges continue to be a concern for most industries, including the home
healthcare industry. FCHHA has developed a solid employee base that can be built upon, and
they will be the key to a successful transition, including providing a seamless experience for
patients. “FCHHA has many talented, dedicated, and skilled clinicians,” said King. “We are
excited to welcome them to the VNAHSR family, and our goal is to support them operationally
so they can continue to provide the same high-quality home healthcare services Franklin
County residents have come to expect.”
“Sara and her leadership team have been great partners during this time of exploration. The
support, guidance, and assistance they have offered to our team has been invaluable, and we
are grateful for the collaboration that allowed us to come to this solution,” said Parent. “I am
confident that Franklin County is in good hands with VNAHSR, as their top priority is to ensure
that the residents of Franklin County have access to the very best quality home health services
well into the future.”
