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The Volunteer Voice
E-Newsletter
November 5, 2019


One Day Away....

Cocktails for a Cause
Wednesday, November 6th

On Wednesday, November 6th , the clinic will host the "Cocktails for a Cause" fundraiser in partnership with the Luzerne County Medical Society from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Kevin's Bar & Restaurant in Kingston. The event will feature celebrity bartenders, celebrity servers and a silent auction. Donations are welcome at the door.


ONLINE BIDDING NOW OPEN AT...

WWW.BIDDINGOWL.COM/VIM2019


Many great things to bid on while keeping our community healthy, well and working.



The Staff at Kevin's Bar and Restaurant are ready to serve at the Cocktails for a Cause event on Wednesday! Make your dinner reservations to ensure a table.
Patient Experience: VIM Provides Hope When Help was Thought to be Lost
A 52 year old female sought care at the clinic on October 17, 2019. She had a stroke seven years prior and returned to full function a few years later. The patient stated that she suffered another stroke in July of 2019 and did not seek any medical care , since she did not have health insurance. She has a deficit on the right hand and is unable to grasp or close her hand into a fist. Upon her initial evaluation, her blood pressure was extremely elevated and she informed the physician that she was never placed on any blood pressure medication at any given time following her strokes.

Dr. Frances Feudale ordered a hypertensive medication, and the patient will be monitored closely until her blood pressure is controlled. Orders were also given for lab work and a mammogram; which she has never had. An appointment was also scheduled with Dr. Kimmy Nugyen, PharmD for smoking cessation and disease management for her hypertension.

This patient profile is not an unusual occurrence. The clinic finds that most people without health insurance do not seek medical attention , even with the most serious conditions.

This young woman was extremely grateful for the care she received, especially on an initial visit and was in awe of the respectfulness she deserved.

Dr. Susan Sordoni receives Award and Speaks at the Health Symposium
On October 17, 2019 at the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery on the campus of Misericordia University, Dr. Susan Sordoni accepted the second annual “ Excellence in Health Care Award” , which is given to an alumni in recognition of making significant changes in the health care field. The "Arts in Healthcare" exhibition that examines the benefits of art in the health care environment was on display in conjunction with the 10th Annual Health Care Symposium. Kelly Ranieli and Chris Gaughan attended the event to support Dr. Sordoni and enjoyed the diversity of artists and styles . Dr. Sordoni also spoke at the Health Symposium on October 18th.


Staff Attends the 10th Anniversary Health Symposium at Misericordia University


Dr. Frances Feudale and April Lennon attended the Health Symposium at Misericordia University on Friday, October 18, 2019. The theme this year was focusing on health and wellness in a patient-centered model . The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Paul Grundy, who is known as the ‘Godfather’ of the Patient-Centered Medical Home model, a certification that VIM is currently working toward obtaining. Dr. Grundy spoke about the benefits of creating a patient centered environment as well as his work overseas.
New Paved Parking Lot at VIM
After eleven long years, V olunteers in Medicine finally got their parking lot paved. The building that houses the VIM clinic was purchased in 2008 along with three abandoned houses in the adjacent lot. In 2009, the City of Wilkes-Barre assisted in demolishing the houses, and since then the clinic has had half dirt and half paved parking lot. The winters were the most difficult with much of the dirt lot freezing into a small pond. Now the parking lot is smooth, safe, paved, and looking great! Thank you to Smith Paving for all their hard work on the project!
Flu Vaccine Clinic offered at VIM

Walgreen’s Pharmacy and Americares hosted a free flu clinic at VIM on October 23, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm.   Fifty (50) patients were given flu vaccines by Michael Hummel, RPH, Pharmacist from Walgreens and assisted by Shawn Washington, Manager at the Wilkes-Barre Walgreen’s Pharmacy.  The process proved to be efficient and effective for all who were vaccinated for the upcoming flu season.  
VIM Dental Clinic visits
Childcare Centers
Darcie Schaffer and Natalie Pierre, volunteer, attended the West Pittston Childcare Center to educate children on the importance of good oral hygiene.
Darcie Schaffer and Veronica Bolsar , Fortis Medical Assistant Student, visited the children at When I Grow Up Children Learning center last week. The children were excited to meet Katie the Kangaroo.
VIM is a Weinberg Food Bank Agency
As an agency member, VIM is now authorized to make online orders to the Weinberg Regional Food Bank. This expansion means that the weekly food program will now include not only fresh produce, but dry goods as well. The food program has become very popular among VIM patients and each week, they look forward to the free food that awaits them in the waiting area. Patients have expressed gratitude for this program and the assistance that it provides for their families. VIM is in the process of expanding this program even more in the future. 
Staff attends "Tackling Addiction" Lecture
On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, Social Care Coordinator, April Lennon, and King’s PA student, Matt Mantilla, attended the Community Education Lecture Series at Misericorida University. The lecture was titled “Tackling Addiction” by Jason Harlen (pictured), the Chief Executive Officer of Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services. Mr. Harlen spoke to the audience about the services provided at his agency and education on substance use disorder . Topics such as Narcan, the opioid crisis in Luzerne County, barriers to treatment, and stigma, were covered during the lecture. Afterwards, April and Jason discussed options for treatment to VIM’s patient who struggle with addiction. Jason mentioned that there is funding available for those who do not have insurance and that his agency would be happy to take referrals from VIM. 
Welcome to Our New Students & Volunteers
Alexa Flood is a 5th year Pharmacy student at Wilkes University and hopes to practice as a pharmacist in a clinical or hospital setting. She chose to volunteer at VIM to perform research with her professor and help with the impact pharmacists have on the patients here.
Dana Miller is also a 5th year pharmacy student at Wilkes University and hopes to practice in an ambulatory care setting. She chose to volunteer at VIM because our organization increases medical access for residents of Luzerne County who may not get the medical help they need otherwise.
Derek Donaldson is a sophomore pharmacy student at Wilkes University who intends on going to medical school to become an anesthesiologist and working in the Harrisburg area. He is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in Spanish and is an organist for two churches in his hometown. He chose to volunteer at VIM because he is happy to play a small role in our organization that benefits many people.
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Michelle Phares is a registered nurse and a senior at King's College. She hopes to practice acute care in a hospital setting, mainly oncology. Michelle chose to volunteer at VIM to obtain experience in community health, and learn about services available for people in Wilkes-Barre.
VIM Welcomes Visitors
On November 1st, VIM welcomed Angeline Abraham, Assistant Director at Educational Opportunities Center in Edwardsville and Anthony Melf, Career Navigator at PA Career Link in Wilkes-Barre. April Lennon, Social Care Coordinator at VIM, learned about new programs both agencies have available to the community.
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 April  at  april-vimwb@hotmail.com  or call 570-970-2864.
 Tuesday, November 12th
Family Service Association
Presented by Atty. Gert McGowan
 Tuesday, December 3rd
Robinson Counseling Center
Presented by Jessica Budzak
 Tuesday, January 14th
2020 U.S. Census
Presented by Katie Derhammer
Maven Project Educational
Teleconference Sessions
In conjunction with the clinic's partnership with the Maven Project , educational teleconference sessions will be provided by physicians across the country. Each session will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm in the clinic's conference room and is open to volunteers and providers.
The upcoming teleconferences sessions are:

  • Tuesday, November 26th - Evaluation of Back Pain

  • Tuesday, December 3rd - Atrial Fibrilation, the Most Common Arrhythmia Seen in Clinical Practice
If there is a topic you would be interested in learning about, please reach out to Dr. Frances Feudale, VIM's Medical Director, at
drfrances-vim@hotmail.com .
Donate to VIM
VIM is not a federally-funded clinic and does not charge for services . The clinic operates solely from donations from businesses and individuals, grants from foundations and proceeds from special events. Any contribution you are able to make assists VIM with keeping our low-income neighbors healthy, well and working .
Let's Get Social!
@VolunteersInMedicineWB
Volunteers  in  Medicine 
 190 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre PA 18702
Phone: 570-970-2864 | Fax: 570-9702868
email: vimwb@hotmail.com
website www.vimwb.org