VIM RECEIVES AWARDS

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The Volunteer Voice

E-Newsletter

August 5, 2020

Volunteers in Medicine Awarded Certificate of Recognition for Use of Patient-Centered Medical Home Model

Volunteers in Medicine has been formally recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for use of the Patient-Centered, Coordinated Care Management model.

The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement. The Patient-Centered Medical Home model was developed to assess whether clinician practices are functioning as medical homes and recognize them for these efforts. It has been proven to result in better management of chronic conditions, increased patient satisfaction, lower healthcare costs, as well as improved patient-centered access to our services. Through the implementation of this model, the clinic has successfully delivered high-quality medical, behavioral health and dental services that have become a hallmark of Volunteers in Medicine.

VIM is proud to be one of only six free clinics out of 1400 in the nation that has received recognition for our implementation of the PCMH model and will continue to provide exceptional services to the low-income working families in our region.

Volunteers in Medicine has earned a

2020 Gold Rating from the NAFC

Quality Standards Program

Volunteers in Medicine has earned a 2020 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinic's (NAFC) Quality Standards Program. This is earned by organizations that are dedicated to policies and procedures that ensure quality health care for medically underserved populations. Elements of the NAFC Quality Standards evaluated for this achievement are: administrative, enhanced access and continuity of care, identifying and managing patient population information, planning and managing care, providing self-care support and community resources, tracking and coordinating care, and measuring and improving performance.

The VIM staff and volunteers are excited to have received this rating and will remain dedicated to providing our patients with quality, compassionate care.

Meet VIM's Social Care Coordinator

Tamara Panowicz

Volunteers in Medicine is proud to announce Tamara Panowicz

as the new Social Care Coordinator. She has been teaching and providing social work services since 2009. Tamara will be a great asset to the behavioral health program. She is enthusiastic to be part of the VIM team and to contribute to the mission.

VIM's Healthy Smile Program Gets Innovative to Continue Educating

SHINE is a STEAM project-based after school program for grades pre-k to 12 in six school districts throughout Luzerne County. The pandemic has changed the usual delivery of services but the programs are still available for children. Darcie Schaffer, VIM's Manager of Dental Service, was invited to provide dental hygiene education to children via ZOOM. VIM also provided bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, educational material, coloring books and crayons. They were distributed during a drive-thru pickup program coordinated by SHINE.

Welcome to our New Students

Srivatsav Challa is from Wilkes-Barre and a senior at The University of Scranton. He is studying biology and strives to go to medical school to practice surgery. He volunteers at VIM because he feels connected to the morals and mission of the organization.

Sarah Denion is from Mt. Top, PA and a recent graduate of Quinnipiac University. She received a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in psychology and wants to go to graduate school to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse. Sarah has volunteering this summer at the clinic and very helpful with assisting with answering the phone and scheduling appointments.

Eric Pincofski is from Dallas, PA and is in his final year of Pharmacy school at Wilkes University. He enjoys being at VIM and working in a smaller facility. Upon graduation he hopes to get into Industry pharmacy.

Julie Nong is from Bethlehem, PA and is in her last year of pharmacy school at Wilkes University. She hopes to work in public health or as a women's health pharmacist. Her rotation at VIM has allowed her to become more independent in managing ambulatory care patients.

Alex Carroll is from Exeter, PA and is in his final year of college at Misericordia University. Alex is a Government, Law, and National Security major interning at VIM. Upon graduation, Alex hopes to get a job in Washington D.C. focusing on foreign policy.

YMCA Power Scholars Program

Darcie and Madison enjoyed visiting the YMCA Power Scholars Program being held at Bear Creek Charter School. Darcie will be making three future visits to cover all students from Pre-K - 5^th grade. Children are wearing masks and the class size is much smaller this year.

2020 Volunteers in Medicine

"An Evening Under the Same Stars"

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Donors

On behalf of the staff and board of directors, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all of the sponsors and donors that supported VIM's 2020 "An Evening Under the Same Stars" Gala. Each contribution will assist the clinic with keeping our low-income neighbors healthy and well!