The VIM Purpose
The Volunteer's in Medicine Clinic provides high quality health services for people who cannot afford medical care or who do not qualify for government assistance. VIM provides the facilities, organizational structure, and management, so that volunteer medical professionals can conveniently provide medical services in a non-judgmental and welcoming environment.
In addition to providing a long-term commitment to families and their primary care, the clinic emphasizes health education and prevention. Furthermore, VIM networks with other health care agencies and institutions to which clients can be easily referred for additional care. Our vision and intention is that the clinic's human interactions and culture milieu support the client's sense of dignity, personal responsibility and self-reliance. VIM patients will be encouraged to contribute funds for their services but are not be assessed direct charges.
The VIM Model
Based on a successful clinic founded by Dr. Jack McConnell in Hilton Head, S.C., in 1992, the Volunteer's in Medicine Clinic model relies on retired and practicing medical professionals to serve individuals and families who have no access to ongoing health care, typically the working poor.
The Hilton Head clinic serves an estimated 9,000 to 11,000 families and individuals without health care coverage in the Hilton Head area. It operates with the donated labor of more than 125 physicians, nurses, and dentists.
Services at Hilton Head are also of no charge to patients. People who are at or below the 200 percent of federal poverty level (family of three with an income range of $1,306- $2,612 per month). The Federal Poverty Level is updated annually in March.