As part of National Nurses Week, Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Health and Family Services Director Penny Funaiole wish to recognize the professionalism of the Acton Nursing Services staff, who provide vital Certified Home Health and public-health care to the region.

ANS provides an array of services including conducting at-home wellness visits and monitoring trends in medicine and preventive care, and offers blood pressure, podiatry, and seasonal flu clinics. ANS also leads regular discussions around health-related topics including wellness.

ANS is one of just two municipally based nursing programs that provides both community and private-pay assistance. Residents may request ANS services following a hospital visit, meaning they receive vital care from local nurses who understand their community well. Beyond Acton, ANS provides services to residents of Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, and Stow.

As Acton’s senior population has grown, so has the demand for later-stage health care. ANS staff work to provide ways for seniors to maintain their independence, while supporting their families through increasingly complex care issues. “Our nurses provide necessary care at all stages of life, and often when people are at their most vulnerable,” Director Funaiole said. “Working collaboratively with our town departments, ANS is able to connect seniors with important services, and help bridge social isolation that can have a significant impact on our older population.”

 Town Manager Mangiaratti and Director Funaiole thank the ANS staff for their selfless dedication: ANS Director Heather York, Clinical Manager Kathy Flannery, Community Nurse Case Manager Elizabeth McNamara, Physical Therapists Karen Patterson and Anne Gould, Physical Therapy Assistant Anna Beltzer, Occupational Therapist Sue Ross, Certified Home Health Aide Cathy Breest, and Administrative Assistant Denise Whitney

 “The past four years have been a significant reminder of how important health professionals are to our community,” Town Manager Mangiaratti said. “Director York and the rest of our nursing staff set a high standard of excellence, and their kindness, empathy, and expertise make a world of difference to those that they serve.”

 ANS also provides walk-in services for vaccinations and blood-pressure checks at the Human Services and Senior Center Facility at 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Acton residents are encouraged to call (978) 929-6650 in advance.