Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades (VIM)

VIM provides healthcare on a donation basis to working adults in Deschutes County with no medical insurance or means to pay for care.

We use a community approach, where 544 in-clinic volunteers and over 400 local medical partners collaborate to provide patients with necessary primary and specialty medical care, prescription medications, mental health care, and/or basic dental care.

Our patients are our neighbors – construction tradespeople, hospitality workers, fast-food employees, ski instructors, artists, veterinary technicians, real estate brokers, waiters, small business owners, river guides, bank tellers, landscapers, ranchers, bicycle mechanics, self-employed entrepreneurs, home health care workers, retail clerks, craftspeople, part-time employees, and students, just to name a few.

All are age 19 – 64. All fall into the healthcare gap – making too much money to qualify for federal assistance programs such as Medicare or the Oregon Health Plan, but not enough to afford their own medical care.

The majority of VIM’s patients have one or more chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and mental health diagnoses that can be managed with medical oversight and access to care.

This is where we come in. At VIM, patient costs of about $35 per month are funded by local and regional supporters, and patient donations. 

Because of the dedicated efforts of our volunteers, every $1 raised is leveraged 11 times, generating $9.83 million in healthcare services and community benefits per year, or over $57 million in care since we opened in 2004.

There are many ways to become involved with VIM – as a patient, volunteer, partner, or donor. Our work is far-reaching, positively affecting employees, employers, a wage-earner’s family and other local support services.

If you’re looking to feel appreciated, VIM is the place to be. “Thank you” is the phrase we hear most often. It is also the phrase we say most frequently, knowing that so many people giving from their hearts makes our community a better place for all. We invite you to join us!