Our efforts to provide health care without cost to our medically uninsured neighbors are funded only by generous contributions from caring members of our community. We believe that our spirit of support for each other is the backbone of American society. Almost any one of us could at some time find that we are in need of VIM’s care within “a culture of caring”.

Ms. Betty is a quite pleasant single African-American woman with a winning smile. She earns a minimum wage without health insurance as a pre-school teacher. Although she has known diabetes and hypertension she has been unable to afford medical care. Within the thirty minute examination period, which VIM allows for each patient, appropriate laboratory studies were completed and her diagnoses were confirmed. She was placed on appropriate medication and follow-up appointments were scheduled. This quite possibly was life saving care since hypertension and diabetes are deadly killers of African-Americans.

Mrs. L is 59, her husband 63. Fifteen years ago she was mis-diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. During an expensive medical work-up, including three hospitalizations with surgery, her husband was downsized at his job and they lost their health insurance. Thereafter to pay their medical bills they sold their middle class home and most of their possessions. Mrs. L was suffering from severe pain in her jaw and neck and was terrified that her MS symptoms were returning. Our doctor found that she had two teeth which were infected and needed root canals. He prescribed appropriate antibiotics and arranged for dental treatment. Two weeks later she returned for a follow-up visit. She felt well and tearfully expressed her gratitude for a doctor who cared. She asked tentatively if her husband, who had been trying to manage his five cardiac medications alone after years of congestive heart failure, could be seen. He was – the next week.

Please help us to continue in our care of your medically neglected neighbors by sending a contribution in any amount to:

Volunteers in Medicine – San Diego
1465 E. Madison Ave
El Cajon, CA 92019

Your contribution will be acknowledged and is a deductible income tax expense.

We also welcome volunteers with medical and office skills to contact us at:

619-440-4591
Email: vimsd@cox.net