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The Volunteer Voice
E-Newsletter
April 29th, 2019
Don't Save the Date!
2019 Annual Gala
The event is imaginary; but the need is real.
What is "home" to you? Putting on your most comfortable clothes and relaxing? Taking a walk in the summer breeze ? Laying by the pool? Finishing a good book? Dinner & drinks with friends? Whatever "home" means to you, enjoy!

This year, VIM is inviting our friends and supporters to enjoy a relaxing evening at home. The 2019 Gala will be the best event you don’t have to attend and the easiest way to make a difference. All sponsorships and donated funds will go to direct patient care.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available! Please contact Amanda Ankner at amanda-vimwb@hotmail.com or 570-970-2864 to become a sponsor or for additional information.
VIM Receives Grant for
Women's Health Program
On Tuesday, March 19th, Amanda Ankner, Development Manager, attended the Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation's (NEPA HFC) Annual Luncheon at the Country Club of Scranton to accept recognition of a grant the clinic received for the women's health program . Funds from the NEPA HFC will assist the clinic with continuing to provide life-saving services such as gynecological appointments, mammograms, ultrasounds, pathology testing and cervical cancer screenings.
Patient Assistance Programs:
Helping Patients Afford Costly Medications
by Kimmy Nguyen, PharmD, BCACP, Clinical Pharmacist
Expensive and increasing drug prices present a barrier to access for patients at VIM. While the clinic is able to provide some medications from the clinic supply room, patients may require medications that are not in stock.

However, many drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) that help individuals receive certain medications at no cost. Eligibility criteria differ among programs, but most patients qualify based on lack of insurance and financial status . After submitting an application and proof of income, approved patients are able to receive a guaranteed one-year supply of their medication. Dr. Nguyen started at VIM in August 2018 and has secured over $250,000 worth of medications.

Recently, a patient with psoriatic arthritis could not afford Enbrel - a once weekly injectable medication that helps manage pain and inflammation. According to Red Book, an online database that provides the latest information on drug pricing, one injection is $1552.22. With four injections per month, a year’s worth of Enbrel would cost a whopping $74,506.56 without insurance . A few days after faxing over the application, the patient was approved and is currently doing well with her treatment!

In addition to managing chronic disease states and optimizing drug therapy, the staff will help patients find a program and navigate the paperwork!
Patient are Grateful for VIM
"I would like to thank Dr. Scott . He is very warm-hearted, thorough in his practices and explains everything clearly. When I became a patient at the clinic I had a lot of medical issues and was unsure of how to approach them since I didn't have health insurance and I couldn't afford care . With the help of Dr. Scott, the nurses and other staff, my challenges are now tolerable and less stressful for me. I'm grateful for everyone at VIM ." - a 40-year-old female patient that has been coming to the clinic since 2017.
Students from Wilkes University
Volunteer at VIM
On Saturday, April 27th, students from Wilkes University spent time volunteering at the clinic as part of "The Big Event" - a single day of University-wide community service . The students did landscaping work and cleaned up the outside of the clinic.
Pictured above: Kayla Gerenza, Matt Franchetti,
Kayla Stelma & Julia Maddage
Leahy Clinic Staff Present
at Monthly In-Service
On Tuesday, April 16th, Dr. Andrea Mantione , Director of the Leahy Clinic, and Dr. Maria Vitale , Operations Manager, presented "Cultural Insights: Healthcare for Hispanic/Latino Communities" to the clinic's staff and volunteers. As a free clinic serving low-income, uninsured individuals in Lackawanna county, the Leahy Clinic at the University of Scranton has many parallels to VIM. The information presented on acculturation, cultural competence and the barriers to successful healthcare was invaluable.
Welcome to Our New Receptionist
Jean Lonsdale volunteered at VIM in 2015 and is now back through the Mature Worker Program of the Bureau for the Aging. She will be assisting as a receptionist and helping with other office duties. Jean says, "I enjoy working with the staff and the diverse group of patients".
Healthy Smiles Program
Visits Local Preschools
Darcie Schaffer , Dental Clinic Manager, presented the "Healthy Smiles for a Healthy Start" Program to children at the Magic World Child Care Center in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, April 12th. The children enjoyed practicing brushing on Katie the Kangaroo and were happy to receive special hygiene bags containing new toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste.
Save the Date
Upcoming Educational Community In-Services
Learning about other Luzerne County  community agencies in order to refer patients  is one of the many ways that VIM provides case management services. All in-services are from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and are held at the clinic. If you would like to join us for the next presentation, please RSVP to Amanda at  amanda-vimwb@hotmail.com  or 570-970-2864.
 Tuesday, May 28th
Victims Resource Center
Patient Centered Medical Home Update
During this week's call with the Americares team , staff gained feedback on policies and procedures that have been prepared for submission to NCQA, the organization that grants the PCMH certification . Supplemental evidence verifying the standards of care provided at the clinic have also been submitted. This process will continue until all six modules have the required documentation.
Let's Get Social!
@VolunteersInMedicineWB
Volunteers  in  Medicine 
 190 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre PA 18702
Phone: 570-970-2864 | email: vimwb@hotmail.com
website www.vimwb.org