Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice and CEO Margaret Franckhauser Honored By BusinessNH Magazine

LACONIA — Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice is recognized in the October issue of BusinessNH Magazine as one of New Hampshire's Top Women-Led companies. In fact, it is recognized as New Hampshire's Top Women-Led non-profit.

Margaret Franckhauser, CEO, credits the success of the organization in part due to a merger of two Lakes Region VNA's in 2010 that resulted in the creation of Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice. This led to a 21.6% increase in revenue making it the fasted growing of NH's top women-led nonprofits.

"Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice also gained efficiencies through the merger, reducing administrative costs and increasing its bargaining power with insurers. Such efficiencies are crucial for the agency with 130 employees as it contends with shrinking Medicaid reimbursement, uncertainties about the federal healthcare reform law, and a growing need for its services. Medicare and Medicaid account for 65% of payments, with private insurance contributing 2% and the rest from private pay or charity care, which is growing rapidly, says Franckhauser.

The mission of Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice is "Promoting dignity, independence, and well-being through the delivery of quality home health, hospice and community-based care services." Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice serves Lakes Region communities in Belknap and Southern Carroll County and provides Home Care (nursing and rehabilitation services in the home); Pediatric Care (direct health care, education and support services for children and families); and a comprehensive, team-based Hospice program. Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice is a not-for-profit, Medicare-certified provider of home care and hospice services, licensed by the State of New Hampshire. The agency is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and supported by private and corporate donations.