News Releases

February 13, 2023—Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) and Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC) are collaborating to provide virtual care assistance to NAH patients who need help with telehealth appointments.

The program will provide the device, software and volunteer staff assistance enabling patients to have telehealth appointments with their health care providers.

Travis Boren, director of telehealth systems at NAH, stated, “we are grateful to be able to partner with the volunteers at VVCC on this program that will increase access to care for many patients that have difficulties leaving their homes for their medical appointments or experience challenges with technology.” 

VVCC Executive Director, Kent Ellsworth, said the virtual care assistance program will allow VVCC’s older adult clients to meet with their health care providers in the comfort of their homes. “This service will help ensure the people we serve can access their health care providers even when they cannot travel or are mobility challenged.” 

NAH and VVCC plan to launch the program in mid-February. 

Ellsworth said virtual care assistance and support will be provided by VVCC staff and retired nurse volunteers. NAH will provide the volunteers with digital tablets and software. 

“Our volunteers will facilitate linking to the telehealth appointment and provide patient support and scribing instructions from the health care provider if needed.”  

Ellsworth adds the partnership is a perfect match. 

“VVCC is here to improve the lives of the people we serve. We’re earnest about improving health outcomes for all our clients. Our partnership with NAH is essential to support our success in ensuring our clients can age in place in their communities of choice.”

“The virtual assistance program will help our providers connect with patients who have a tough time travelling to their health care appointments. NAH is committed to the Verde Valley and access to quality health care in northern Arizona is a priority,” said Josh Tinkle, acting CEO at NAH.

VVCC, established in 1992, provides assistive services to 2,200 older adults who wish to live independently in their homes. Services provided by volunteers include transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping, shopping for homebound clients, installing Guardian Angel emergency alert units, making friendly visits, providing respite assistance, handyperson help, pet assistance and more. For more information and to volunteer call (928) 204-1238 Ext, 8104 or email Linda.

NAH is inclusive of Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center – Sedona Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare – Camp Verde Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare – Village of Oak Creek, Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group, the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, Northern Arizona Healthcare Orthopedic Surgery Center, EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine, Weight Management Clinic, Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group – Cardiology, Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport. We also provide comprehensive imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services throughout the region. 

For more information on NAH programs and services, visit NAHealth.com. “Like” NAH on Facebook by searching Northern Arizona Healthcare Flagstaff and Northern Arizona Healthcare Verde Valley. Follow NAH on Instagram by searching Northern Arizona Healthcare. 

Verde Valley Caregivers is making the holiday season memorable for older adults who are often alone this time of year. VVCC’s Annual Holiday Giving Tree project has launched with trees up throughout the Verde Valley.

The public is invited to select gift tags from the trees, purchase the needed items, and return the wrapped gifts to a box located near each tree. Neighbors typically ask for warm socks, slippers, PJs, or blankets. Some have unusual needs. One neighbor writes, “Dear Santa, after losing most my teeth I have been depending on my electric coffee grinder to be my “molars” to grind my daily rice and the various seeds and nuts. But sadly, my grinder stopped working. So, if you could bring me a new one, oh boy, that would sure make my Christmas a very merry one!”  

Many neighbors report this is the only present they receive at Christmas time. A neighbor recently commented: “This is the only gift I will receive this year. Thank you for making it special.” 

The trees will be up at the following locations through Dec. 14: 

• Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona
• Cottonwood Public Library, 100 S 6th St, Cottonwood
• Camp Verde Community Library, 130 Black Bridge Loop Rd, Camp Verde
• Sedona United Methodist Church, 110 Indian Cliffs Rd, Sedona
• Oakcreek Country Club, 690 Bell Rock Blvd, Village of Oak Creek

For more information please call (928) 204-1238, ext. 8105. 

VVCC is also in need of volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments, grocery shopping or shop for, install Guardian Angel emergency alert units, make friendly visits, provide respite assistance, handyperson help, pet assistance and more. You decide when and how often you can volunteer. There is no set schedule. If you can drive three days a week, you can be a stipend driver. For more information call (928) 204-1238 Ext, 8104 or email Linda.