Distinguished Alumna Award 2001
Vera Venable Yordon
Class of 1951
As a lifetime advocate for seniors, she devoted her nursing career to the many aspects that encompass community health nursing. A true pioneer in her field, she was one of the first public health nurses to become certified as a nurse practitioner in order to expand her practice to benefit her patients.
In the late 1970's, the Norwalk, Connecticut Health Department began an initiative to better serve the health care needs of its senior citizens. Being a visionary, this Yale Nurse volunteered to develop this wellness project and within a short period of time a comprehensive array of screening services were in place to serve the city's older residents. This program flourished for nearly 20 years.
Through her work she also became frustrated by the shortage of providers to whom her patients could be referred for comprehensive services. Ever tenacious and always tireless, she joined a group of city leaders who were developing a community health center which opened its doors to seniors in 1998. It continues to flourish and last year she was elected Director Emeritus by its board of directors.
Always the innovator and never turning away from a challenge, about ten years ago she developed a parish nursing program, and also established and participated in many community outreach programs, such as prison ministry, a homeless shelter, and a food program. A lifetime volunteer and supporter of the nursing profession, she came home to Yale and faithfully served on the YSN Alumnae/i Board in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
For her selfless dedication to her profession, her community, her family, and her church, the Yale School of Nursing Alumnae/i Association is pleased and proud to declare Vera Venable Yordon, Class of 1951, a Distinguished Alumna.
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