By Janet Newcomb
You probably haven’t heard of it, but Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is the only national nonprofit dedicated to building a network of free primary health care clinics for the uninsured in local communities. In the early 90s, one-third of the population on Hilton Head Island had no access to health care. At the same time, retired physicians, nurses, and dentists wanted to continue practicing their profession on a voluntary basis to help people with no access to medical care. In 1994, under the leadership of founder Dr. Jack McConnell, the two groups got together to open the first Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Hilton Head. The success of the Hilton Head VIM clinic led to requests for assistance in replicating the VIM clinic model and Dr. McConnell created a nonprofit to help communities launch their own VIM clinics.
Not long ago, our desert healthcare community was concerned about our low-income, uninsured residents and created a safety net for them with help from VIM. It took three years, but they established the only no-cost free clinic in the Valley for workers who can’t get medical care elsewhere. Thanks to a dedicated group of healthcare, community, and government leaders, the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM) clinic in Indio began providing medical and dental services to eligible patients in November, 2010. The clinic occupies a state-of-the-art facility custom built by the County of Riverside that houses six patient exam rooms, two fully-equipped dental operatories, and other clinical rooms. CVVIM rents the building from the county for $1.00 a year.
“For many, CVVIM is the first reliable medical home they have ever known, giving them ongoing access to services when they need them,” said Dr. Ron Hare, CVVIM Founder and Chairman. The Coachella Valley clinic has more than 125 volunteers, including physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurses, and administrative support. The value of this donated time exceeds $1 million, yet more volunteering professionals are needed.
Funding comes from philanthropic partners, local businesses, individuals, and local hospitals. Scores of volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, medical assistants and support staff donated 12,941 hours of their time in 2014 to deliver 4,088 patient visits. The cost of operating the Clinic and serving patients in 2015 was $612,000, and the board of directors has decided it’s time to have their first community fundraiser which will feature a spectacular wine auction along with silent and live auction items. On Friday, February 5, at the historic Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, an evening of exceptional food and wine with auction items ranging from rare wines to travel packages, restaurant meals, wine accessories and sporting event tickets. All wine donations will be maintained in optimal condition at The Wine Vault of the Desert until the evening of the event. Tickets are $200 and available at the event website wineloversauction.org.
For more information about Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine and/or the charity wine auction, please contact Doug Morin, Executive Director, at 760.342.4414 or Info@CVVIM.org.
