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The Volunteer Voice E-Newsletter August, 2021

Thanks for being a Hometown Hero! Successful June Fundraiser Thanks to YOU!

On behalf of Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), I would like to sincerely thank all of the generous sponsorships towards our summer fundraiser, Open Your Door to Free Healthcare. Unfortunately, as a healthcare facility, we made the difficult decision to have a support campaign as opposed to an in person event to continue to keep everyone safe. As a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, the clinic is not federally funded and does not charge for services. Please know that your donation is helping us provide FREE medical, dental and behavioral health services to our low income neighbors in need. This is a critical time for the health of our community and we are honored, with your help, to serve the hard working uninsured population. We thank you for supporting our mission and understanding that the services offered at VIM are essential in keeping the low-income population healthy, well and working. Everyone benefits from a thriving community.

Click to view the thank you flyer

Medical Success Story

A 25 year old African American female patient developed a small lump in the middle of her forehead in 2014.  The patient was told by her previous provider that it was a lipoma (a benign fatty tumor) and this was confirmed by a MRI. Shortly after receiving the diagnosis, she lost her health insurance. The lump had remained small but recently grew rapidly to the size of a golf ball. This growth caused the patient to be embarrassed and she concealed the area by wearing head scarfs. It was very tender to touch and began to cause headaches.  The VIM medical staff referred the patient to Dr. Collini and he successfully removed the lipoma. The patient is incredibly satisfied with the results and no longer feels embarrassed. VIM is proud to provide comprehensive care and appreciates all the specialty providers that are willing to help the underserved population.

Patients Show Thanks

The patients of VIM are all very appreciative to receive care that would otherwise be unattainable to the uninsured. The VIM staff receives numerous thank you cards that makes the "work" so much more worthwhile.

Dr. Feudale, I'm truly grateful for your disposition to help. Thank you so much for caring about our health and wellness. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see that you area always so friendly and attentive. Thank you so much for everything that you do to help others. Please know that your hard work is appreciated. I hope that you continue to be so nice and I wish you the best. Marilena is a 35 year old hispanic female that works as a bookeeper and makes a minimal wage. She has been a patient since 2018 for annual checkups and women's health services. Dr. Feudale, Tammy and Staff, I cannot "thank you" enough for what you did for me and all you are doing for my children. You go above and beyond and are very generous. Thank you! Joanne is a 51 year old female that came to VIM in 2019 and recently was able to get health insurance. While a patient, she was diagnosed with diabetes and also utilized the counseling services.

Dental Happenings

Darcie Schaffer, Manager of Dental Services at VIM, has been busy this summer visiting outdoor events to promote the Healthy Smile program. She recently visited the Jefferson Park in Pittston during the YMCA's Food and Fun at the Park programs. The free program provides nutritious meals and snacks and fun learning activities to keep youth healthy, active and well-nourished all summer. VIM provides program bags with essential toothbrushes and toothpaste for the children.

Volunteer and Student Corner

Maureen Metzgh is a resident of Wilkes-Barre. She is volunteering to receive training with the Mature Worker Program at the Luzerne County Bureau Program. Maureen also worked at Wilkes-Barre Area as a special education aid.

Jenna Patel, resides in Clarks Summit, PA. She attends Penn State Schreyer Honors College where she is currently a sophomore undergraduate. She hopes to become a dentist and practice in her hometown area. She is excited to dedicate her time providing health care to Wilkes-Barre residents and giving back to the community.

Andrew Kim is a resident of Dallas, PA, and a Class of 2021 graduate of Hamilton College. His dream for the near future is to enroll in medical school where he hopes to specialize in orthopedics. He is excited to volunteer at the clinic because he believes in the VIM mission.

Vidhi Thakar is a P4 pharmacy candidate at Wilkes University who hails from Monroe Twp, NJ. She wants to work in a setting that focuses on direct patient care and collaborates with other health care providers to optimize patient health.

Matthew Rickards is a 6th year APPE pharmacy student at Wilkes University. Coming from Doylestown, PA, he hopes to pursue a residency in either ambulatory or managed care pharmacy. He chose Volunteers in Medicine Wilkes-Barre as his rotation site because he finds Dr. Kimmy Nyugen a helpful and friendly preceptor.

Brianna Price is completing her final year at the Wilkes University Nesbitt School of pharmacy. A resident of Scranton, Brianna hopes to continue to work with patients in either an ambulatory care setting or a community pharmacy.

Leeann Mahalick, from Kingston PA, is a P4 student on her final year at Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. She has a strong interest in inpatient clinical pharmacy after graduation. Leeann chose VIM because she believes clinical pharmacists can make a significant impact in caring for the uninsured population.

Volunteer Positions Available at VIM

Maintenance Dental Assistants Receptionists Nurses Please call 570-970-2864 or fill out a volunteer application on our website www.vimwb.org

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@VolunteersInMedicineWB

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Volunteers in Medicine  Volunteers in Medicine 190 North Pennsylvania Avenue Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 570-970-2864 phone kranieli@vimwb.org email website: www.vimwb.org