1950-2000: Growth and Prosperity (part 2 of 4)
WALPOLE:
- By 1953, the cost of visits was raised to $1.50. Two years later, the VNA would prove invaluable with inoculation efforts for polio.
- In 1968, the Medicare Act was signed, by 1970, Medicare accounted for 15% of total visits
- Business began to boom, and the VNA quickly outgrew its current accommodations. They upgraded with the newest technology available at the time, a phone butler and an electric typewriter, and moved their operations to the office on West St.
- In 1982, The Walpole VNA merged with nearby associations in Dover, Medfield, and Norfolk to create the Walpole Area VNA. By 1996, There were 175 employees and an operational budget of $4,000,000.
NATICK:
- In 1952, the property of deceased physician Dr. George Bancroft was donated to the VNA, becoming its office for years to come.
- Shortly after, Babies became a large focus with Well-Baby clinics, babysitting classes, and classes for expectant parents being offered by the Natick VNA.
- The people of Natick made regular donations and charity to constantly improve the Natick VNA. Finally, in 1993, the Natick VNA moved to their current offices on West Central Street.
