Our History

The VNA of Boston is a non-profit organization dedicated to home and community-based health care. Established in 1886 under the auspices of the Women’s Education Association (WEA) and known as the Instructive District Nursing Association (IDNA), the IDNA was the first organized home health care provider in the country.

The idea of public nursing was not new to the WEA. As early as 1872, it had been active in establishing the first training school for nurses in the United States at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, now known as The Dimock Center. Following this success, it began studying methods of nursing for the poor in other US cities and in England. Once satisfied that there were many people in the world and especially in the Boston community who needed nursing and medical care, but would not seek help due to their inability to pay for it, a small group of WEA members hired Amelia Hodgkiss as a nurse to work with the physicians of the Boston Dispensary in 1886.

So great was the perceived need, in fact, that in the first year alone, Hodgkiss, together with another graduate of the New England Hospital training program, provided 7,128 home health visits to 707 patients, a remarkable schedule by today’s standards. Working conditions were difficult at best. Since telephones did not exist, nurses made visits with the doctor so that they could receive medical orders first-hand.

Today, the VNA of Boston is the parent organization of VNA Hospice Care and VNA Private Care, and collectively we make up the VNA of Boston & Affiliates. Patients who enter our care system may receive services from only one VNA of Boston & Affiliates company, or from several, depending on their needs. VNA of Boston & Affiliates& staff will work with you, your family and your physician to identify your care needs and either draw upon the resources available within our group of companies or inform you of private and other community services available.

If you have any questions, or require information about home care services, please call us at (617) 426-5555 or email us at info@vnab.org.