‌
The Volunteer Voice
E-Newsletter
January 4th, 2019
Happy New Year from VIM
The staff at VIM wishes you a happy, healthy
and prosperous New Year !


As we reflect back on 2018, we are grateful for all of our dedicated volunteers and supporters that assist the staff at VIM in providing care to low-income families. The "Valley with a Heart" has aided VIM in continuing to care for patients like Patricia who says - "Volunteers in Medicine saved my life! If Dr. Sandra Mattison and Dr. Durelle Scott didn't care about their patients, I would not be here today. I started coming to the clinic two years ago and now I feel so much better. I am now able to enjoy time with my family and am able to continue to work."

We thank you all for your continued support of our mission and we look forward to another year of keeping our uninsured neighbors healthy,
well and working !
Senator Lisa Baker Visits VIM
On Tuesday, December 18th, Senator Lisa Baker spent the morning touring the clinic. Senator Baker learned how the clinic has evolved over the past ten years and the new projects for 2019.

Pictured above is Kelly Ranieli ,  Senator Lisa Baker  and 
Dr. Susan Sordoni .
VIM Receives Grant from NAFC &
CVS Health Foundation
The clinic is proud to announce that we have been selected as a recipient of a 2019 Coordinated Care Grant in the amount of $20,000 from the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics and the CVS Health Foundation. Grant funds will be used to assist the clinic in increasing access to quality care and support the management of chronic diseases. VIM had previously been selected as one of three clinics throughout the country that received the inaugural grant in 2013.
Join Us for VIM's 2019 Annual Luncheon
Have you made your reservation for our 2019 Annual Meeting and Appreciation Luncheon ? The luncheon will be held on Tuesday, January 29th from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre. We will recognize outstanding volunteers and supporters in ten special categories.
Sponsorship opportunities  are still available and greatly appreciated. Click the link below for the sponsorship levels and form. If additional information is needed, please contact Amanda Ankner  at amanda-vimwb@hotmail.com or 570-970-2864.
Save the Date!
Cocktails for a Cause
Our winter fundraiser, Cocktails for a Cause , is only one month away! The event will be on Tuesday, February 5th at Bistro on the Ave in Kingston from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Our celebrity bartenders for the event include Chris Gaughan , Dr. Loren Grossman , Dr. Rich Grossman , Dr. Kathleen Hirthler , Gene Lucas , Lynn McCarthy , Neela Patel & Marie Thomas .

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it! Our online auction has some wonderful items and gift certificates to bid on for your special someone while supporting our low-income neighbors in need.

Can't attend the event? There is still time to be a sponsor by providing a gift certificate, monetary donation or gift item for our silent auction, please contact Amanda Ankner at amanda-vimwb@hotmail.com or 570-970-2864.
Patient Success Story
Another beautiful smile created at VIM! The above patient came to the dental clinic with pain throughout her mouth in April 2018. Over the course of three appointments, Dr. Mahima Singh , Dental Clinic Director, completed six extractions on her upper teeth. After the last extraction, Dr. Singh was able to give the patient an immediate upper denture in November 2018.

Now that the patient is out of pain, Dr. Singh has put together a treatment plan to work on her lower teeth. Dr. Singh was able to save a number of those teeth which will provide a stable anchor for the partial denture that she needs, completing her full smile restoration.

The patient has been so thankful for her beautiful new smile that she has even been participating in the clinic's Band-aid Fundraiser at her place of employment. What better way to start the new year than with a new smile !
Welcome to Our New Students
VIM welcomes Briana Engle (left) and Shlonda Branton (right) from Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center's Practical Nursing Program. The students began their six-week clinical rotation last week and will be assisting with patients on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Students Love VIM
Nancy Shukry , a physician assistant student from King's College , recently completed her clinical rotation at the clinic. She made the most of her time at VIM - "This was an amazing experience with wonderful people! I particularly enjoyed the inclusive environment and variety of cases ."

Pictured are Nancy and Pedro , one of the many patients
she treated during her time at VIM.
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 Chelsea at  chelsea-vimwb@hotmail.com  or 570-970-2864.
 Tuesday, January 22nd
The Importance of Pharmacology
Presented by the Wilkes University Pharmacy Students
Patient Centered Medical Home Update
During the last PCMH call with the Americares team, the staff reviewed the remainder of the Population Health module. Upon completion of the review, VIM was informed that the clinic officially graduated that stage of the PCMH Certification process.

The next step for the staff is to complete a multi-level self assessment on the clinic's Electronic Medical Records system and care coordination procedures. This process will occur over the course of the next several weeks.
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