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Saranac Lake Voluntary Health moves to new office after 50+ years

From left, in the front row are Dei Laubach, LPN; Rosanne Brogan, RN; Brenda Reeve; and Peggy Wiltberger, BSN. In the back row are Rick Loeber, Mark Simkins, and Wayne Newman. (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Voluntary Health Association has relocated to new office space at 81 Main St., Suite 3. Located above Blue Line Sports, the new office allows for an increase in street exposure, more direct light and functional, pleasant workspaces for employees.

According to Office Manager Brenda Reeve, the SLVHA vacated its previous office after a stay of more than 50 years. The relocation was seamless and did not disrupt any of the SLVHA’s numerous health care services.

“Nothing has stopped for us because of COVID,” says Reeve. “Our nurses continue to visit their patients, and applications for health care grants remain active. Currently, we are unable to take any equipment donations or have visitors in the new office. As changes occur, we will post updated policies on our website and Facebook page.”

The SLVHA was founded in 1897 as the District Nurse Association during a different health crisis, the tuberculosis epidemic. Active in local health care initiatives throughout the 20th century, the association continues to provide health care services to the Saranac Lake Central School District community. Rosanne Brogan, RN, and Deirdre Laubach, LPN, provide intermittent, sub-acute in-home care visits for patients ineligible for care from another agency. The range of services includes medication management, blood pressure, wound care, symptom monitoring and health assessments.

“Most of our services are behind the scenes,” says SLVHA President Wayne Newman. “Nursing services are provided under the direction of the primary care provider, but anyone can call to make a referral for care. That said, Brenda is available to answer questions and direct people to the appropriate services.”

The Voluntary Health Association continues to fund individual grants for hearing and basic dental care through an application process as well as scholarships for students in the medical, nursing, rehabilitative, and allied fields of study. During the pandemic and recent office relocation, the availability of free medical equipment loans has been paused due to concerns about COVID regulations. People are asked to not drop off donations.

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