Hometown Heroes:
Volunteers in Medicine
By Cindy Christy Fertsch
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is a volunteer-based free clinic that is providing an invaluable resource for the uninsured in our area. VIM provides high quality health care and preventative medical services to Atlantic and Cape May County residents. VIM began in 2002 in Cape May County and has since expanded into Atlantic County as of March 2017.
The Egg Harbor Twp. clinic servicing Atlantic County is comprised of volunteer doctors and nurses, some of which are retired while others are still actively practicing.Many of the volunteer health care providers have served in other countries and recognize the need for health care in our own community.
“We provide free health care to the people in the community that fall through the cracks, the working poor. Healthcare is complex and expensive. We are all one issue away from it happening to us, “ says Jacqueline Meiluta, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine of South Jersey.
In order to receive care, patients must meet specific criteria including having no usable insurance and no more than 300% of income above the poverty guidelines. Patients will typically receive an appointment within a week of calling VIM and see a doctor within two weeks.
The services offered at VIM are expansive and include orthopedics, cardiology, acupuncture, massage therapy and urology – all within the same building. If prescription medications are needed, VIM is resourceful in finding ways for the patients to get what they need.
VIM is supported financially by their thrift stores. Two stores, located on South Main Street in Cape May Court House and on Tilton Rd. in Northfield, raise the necessary funds to provide this service for the community. Information about VIM can be found in both thrift store locations.
“We are the world’s best kept secret,” says Jackie Meiluta.
Services like VIM are integral to the well being of our local communities. Preventative health is largely undervalued and VIM is doing their part to reconcile that through care and education.
