Volunteers in Medicine
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Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide health care to uninsured people. The organization assists with the development and launch of new health care clinics.
Mission
The organization's stated mission is "To promote and guide the development of a national network of free clinics emphasizing the use of retired medical and community volunteers within a culture of caring to improve access to health care for America’s underserved, particularly the uninsured."
History
VIM began in Hilton Head, South Carolina. VIM clinics are based on community-directed initiatives. The VIM model emphasizes the use of retired medical professionals[1] and community volunteers to provide health care services.
The Volunteers in Medicine national office provides its clinic development services and resource materials free of charge to community organizing committees, requiring only that organizing committees cover travel expenses for a site visit for the consultant to assess community culture, leadership, and site potential. Staff assist with presentations to local community groups to add creditability to the project and convey the mission and scope of the VIM model.
VIM Alliance
VIM clinics have been established in 29 states across the country with the assistance of the national office of Volunteers in Medicine. VIM clinics, once established, become part of the VIM Alliance, a national network that assists clinics by providing a variety of resources.
Further reading
- Volunteers in Medicine: A Culture of Caring by Kristine Wyer
- Authentic Patriotism by Stephen Kiernan
- Circle of Caring: The Story of the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic by Jack B. McConnell, M.D.