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The Volunteer Voice E-Newsletter May, 2021

June, 2021 Special Event Be a Hometown Hero and Help the Faces of VIM

VIM is not federally funded and does not charge for services. The Clinic is truly a nonprofit 501 c 3 organization offering free healthcare services to families that work with a low household income and can't afford insurance. VIM is for the community, by the community. Your continued generosity will provide critical services that would otherwise be unattainable to our hard working low income neighbors in need of hope, health and healing.

Click to visit our website and view sponsorship form

Translation Program Now Available at VIM

VIM received a grant from the AllOne Charities for the purchase of a "dial in to a live interpreter program". This system is innovative and a definite asset to allow more efficient communication between patients and healthcare providers. The addition of live translators has been very beneficial in helping the staff and volunteers have a clear understanding of the concerns presented by the patients.

Welcome to our New Staff Member George Puhak, DMD The Moses Taylor Foundation generously awarded a two year grant to VIM to assist with funds in the dental clinic. We wish to welcome Dr. George Puhak as an integral staff member . He has been practicing general dentistry for 30 years, and we are thrilled that our patients will benefit from his expertise and skills.

Wilkes Diversity Faculty Award

It is with great pride that VIM wishes to congratulate Kimmy Nguyen, PharmD for being awarded the Wilkes Diversity Faculty Award. The Center for Global Education and Diversity has recognized Dr. Nguyen for contributing to improve the diversity climate and demonstrating significant contributions toward raising multi-cultural awareness at Wilkes University and in the community. Dr. Nguyen is at VIM three days a week providing medication therapy management services to patients.

Volunteer of the Decade- Don Dolfi

Don Dolfi, a dedicated volunteer for 15 years, was recently presented with a plaque in recognition for his service to VIM. The Sordoni Foundation, Inc. generously donated to name the Parking Area in honor of Don. The plaque was presented to Don by Mr. Andrew and Dr. Susan Sordoni during a dinner gathering at the Westmoreland Club. All staff members and volunteers wish to thank him for his faithful dedication to managing the technical operations of the clinic.

Student Corner

Makila Kellman moved to the area from Brooklyn, New York. She attends Fortis College and will receive her Associates Degree as a certified clinical medical assistant. Makila is at VIM for her externship and will then graduate. Lauren Charlton is from Shavertown. She is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Health and Societies on a pre-med track. She desires to enter the health care profession as a physician. 

Nora Walter lives in Laflin and is currently attending Luzerne County Community College. She will graduate as a medical receptionist and hopes to specialize in medical coding. Alex Charlton is from Shavertown and is a Senior at Villanova University studying Comprehensive Science. He is interested in sports medicine and aspires to follow in his father's footsteps as an Orthopedic Surgeon. He intends to attend Medical School in the near future

VIM and Sheehans Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccinations

VIM hosted a COVID 19 Vaccine Clinic on May 26, 2021 under the direction of Sheehan's Pharmacy. Lynn McCarthy and Jill Florio vaccinated 40 patients to help stop the spread of this deadly virus. Patients were given the Johnson and Johnson "One Shot" . We extend our deepest appreciation to Sheehan's Pharmacy for offering to vaccinate our patients in a familiar setting.

Fire Safety Training at VIM

Captain Francis Evanko of the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department presented a fire prevention and training program to the staff at VIM to ensure all our volunteers and patients remain safe while in the building and on the premises of the clinic.

VIM Patients Appreciate the Services

The patients of VIM are all very appreciative to receive care that would otherwise be unattainable to the uninsured. As a gift of appreciation, a patient treated the staff and volunteers to a delightful and tasty array of bakery items. Her family and friends wished to thank the clinic for the compassionate care they receive from all disciplines at the clinic.

Donation from First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre, graciously chose Volunteers in Medicine to receive a monetary donation from their congregation. Kelly Ranieli, Executive Director, and Darcie Shaffer, Dental Manager, were presented the gift by Reverend Bob Zanicky at the church service on Sunday, March 23, 2021. We are grateful for their help and support to continue our services to the working low income population of our community.

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Patient Success Story Medical Clinic

During his first visit to the clinic, a 39 year old male explained that he was in need of a CPAP machine as he had a previous diagnosis of sleep apnea. The Reggie White Sleep Disorder Foundation was contacted by VIM's Social Worker, Tamara Panowicz. The foundation provides low income individuals with a means to receive this much needed device at an affordable price or sometimes at no cost. A letter attesting to his diagnosis was sent by Tamara and within a few days, the patient received the CPAP machine. The patient was astounded by the fact that he was able to receive the equipment in such a timely manner and at no cost. He was grateful that VIM exists to provide such services to the working uninsured of Luzerne County. The Reggie White website states that millions of Americans suffer from sleep disorders, but most don’t understand what is interrupting their sleep, and many are unable to get the diagnosis and treatment they need that can help them improve their health and even save their lives! Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by: Loud snoring Pauses in breathing Choking and gasping during sleep Excessive daytime sleepiness. It is found most often in middle age men, often those who are overweight or who have excess tissue in the neck area, but it also affects women and children. Women are more likely to develop sleep apnea post-menopause.

Patient Success Story Dental Clinic

A 57 year old male patient came to the VIM dental clinic with many cavities. Restoration of several teeth was completed; but, unfortunately, extractions needed to also be done. Partial dentures were then provided to complete the dental treatment plan. The patient hadn't been able to chew properly for years and was so incredibly excited to finally do so. He has his full smile back that brightens up the entire room.

Volunteer Positions Available at VIM

Dental Assistants Receptionists Dentists 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   190 North Pennsylvania Avenue Wilkes-Barre PA 18702 Phone: 570-970-2864 | Fax: 570-970-2868 email: vimwb@hotmail.com website: www.vimwb.org