Before the clinic opened, we studied the need. We knew people in our community were neglecting their health care. Little did we know how incredibly grateful and sincere they would be as they expressed it.
August 8, 2001
To the Entire Staff:
A short time ago I came into your clinic for an appointment. I was there because I have gone through a lot of difficulties in the past year. I was feeling pretty down and out, and your facility was the only one that seemed to be able to help. I was very surprised at what I experienced.
I have never received such a high level of respect, concern, and competent medical help in my entire life. Everyone I came in contact with was absolutely as helpful and caring as could be. I only wish that this love of service to others that you all demonstrate could somehow be more a part of the medical care delivered by health care institutions across the board. You are certainly setting a great example for others to observe!
Thanks very much for your help.
Best Regards,
Joseph B.
January 9, 2003
To Everyone at Volunteers in Medicine:
I’m writing this letter to you because I want you to know my feelings.
First of all, from the very first time I came to VIM I’ve been treated with the utmost respect and kindness. I consider all of you as Angels, sent to those of us who have needed you so much. So many of us hadn’t been to the doctor for years before you opened your doors.
For me it had been ten years. One of the things I love about your clinic is that you’ve made me feel like I deserve to be treated like any other person, whether I can pay or not.
I’ve always worked very hard to pay my own way in life. Raising a son by myself, and doing it right is not easy when you’re low income. And having a son with special needs, well, any extra money I had went to his medical needs. So, finally mine can be addressed. I love you all, and believe that God is looking out for you, not only because you volunteer your time and don’t get paid for working at VIM but because you’ve given your hearts to this great need as well.
Whatever the reasons are that directed you to be a part of VIM, I am truly grateful.
Thank you,
Gail Landa
February 20, 2002
Dear Sister Monica:
The Volunteers In Medicine (VIM) Clinic provides our community with a very valuable service. Every time I volunteer my time, I personally receive much satisfaction from very appreciative patients who would not be able to receive care from anyone else. The patients are all thankful that there is some place where they can receive health care, especially at this time when the working poor are barely making ends meet. The VIM is invaluable, both financially and spiritually, because we are reaching out to people in need at a time when they need help most.
Working the Emergency Department (ED), I know that VIM saves dollars, because patients that I used to see in the ED for non-urgent conditions can now go to the VIM for the same problems. The ED is a very expensive place for patients to receive non-emergency care and the ED is not the best place to receive that primary care. My colleagues and I routinely tell patients about the VIM because we know that patients will receive quality primary care there.
I understand that in its first year, the VIM clinic cared for a total of 1,512 patients who made more than 5,000 patient visits. The VIM filled 4,415 prescriptions for those unable to afford the high cost of medications. Importantly, the VIM clinic providers know when we need help from our non-VIM colleagues and we make 178 specialty referrals. Whenever I have had to call colleagues for advice and to arrange for a VIM patient specialty referral, these other physicians have been gland to provide their services to VIM patients. An important reason for their positive response is that the VIM also saves money for these other physicians in the community.
Obviously I am a big fan of VIM – and not only because I volunteer my time there once a month. More importantly, after just one year, the VIM is already an important part of our community.
Sincerely,
Gary P. Young, MD