What people want to know
How did Volunteers in Medicine get started?
The Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades is based on the first VIM clinic started by Dr. Jack McConnell in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. A group of community leaders from Bend who heard Dr. McConnell speak, made a visit to Hilton Head and decided that they wanted to help start a similar clinic in Bend. The group formed a steering committee in April of 2001 to investigate the need and feasibility of such a clinic in Central Oregon. In November 2001, the group filed and received the 501(c)(3) non-profit designation for VIM and the project got underway.
When Is the Clinic open and where is it located?
The Clinic began providing patient care in March, 2004 and is open weekdays except Wednesday. It is located near the Ronald MacDonald House and East Cascade Women's Clinic on Neff Road, just west of St. Charles Medical Center. Daytime and evening appointments are available.
How did you get the money to build a Clinic?
Early on in the project, the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic got a huge shot in the arm from an anonymous donor couple who offered to pay for the majority of the construction costs. After that, many other businesses and individuals stepped forward to donate medical equipment and furnishings for the Clinic. St. Charles Medical Center donated the 1.5 acres on which to build the Clinic. VIM leases the land for $1 per year.
What services do you provide? Who provides the services?
VIM provides outpatient preventive and acute care, management of some chronic and long-term medical conditions, health maintenance, specialty referral, health education, psychosocial assessment and referral, and some prescription assistance. Services are provided primarily by licensed medical professionals who donate their time without charge to VIM patients.
What services are not provided?
We do not provide routine HIV and STD screening, drug testing, obstetrics, paternity testing, routine immunizations for children, eye exams on-site, travel medicine, fertility testing, chiropractic or naturopathic care, family counseling, substance abuse treatment, emergency or major trauma services. We are not an urgent care or walk in clinic.
Who is eligible for services?
Patients are required to be a resident of Deschutes County for a minimum of 90 days, not covered under OHP, Medicare or any other medical insurance provider. Patients must be able to show that their income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Due to the demand for services, VIM's guidelines may change in the future.
Do you provide services to out-of-town visitors?
No.
Are services available outside of Deschutes County?
Not at this time. Although we hope communities will decide to adopt the model and start a VIM Clinic of their own.
What does it cost to come to the Clinic?
Visits are free of charge. However, we ask for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of prescription medications or supplies. Patients may have to pay for lab tests or for medications not in our dispensary. If you need special attention that cannot be provided at VIM, we will try to help you find the medical care you need. We cannot, of course, guarantee that it will be provided free of charge.
Can I see the same doctor or nurse each time I come to the Clinic?
Not necessarily. Since the doctors, nurses and other health professionals who work at VIM volunteer their time, you may not be able to see the same practitioner each visit.
Are services available for non-English speaking patients?
When making an appointment, please let us know if you need services in another language. We will try to find an interpreter to assist during the visit.
What other community resources are available?
Community Clinic of Bend
409 NE Greenwood Suite 101,
Bend 541-383-3005
Deschutes County Health Department
2577 NE Courtney,
Bend 541-322-7400
Planned Parenthood
2330 NE Division Suite 7,
Bend 541-389-9973
Deschutes County Mental Health
2577 NE Courtney,
Bend 541-322-7500
|
