VIM INSTITUTE

Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc. is a proud memberof the Volunteers in Medicine Alliance. Volunteersin Medicine is a national organization that has launched over 100 free clinics accordingto a proven model. Each year, Volunteersin Medicine clinics like ours provide care to tens of thousands of patients whootherwise would have gone without essential medical services due to a lack ofadequate health insurance. Learn more about the Volunteers in Medicine movementhere: www.volunteersinmedicine.org. We chose Volunteers in Medicine as our model and received assistance from the Volunteers in Medicine national office to create a sustainable free clinic that is woven into the fabric of the community.

The VIM national office supportsthe long-term sustainability of VIM Alliance members by providing relevantdata, education programs, a discount group purchasing program, networking and funding opportunities.

What s the Volunteers in Medicine Model?

May we have eyes to see those rendered invisible and excluded,
Open arms and hearts to reach out and include them,
Healing hands to touch their lives with love,
Andin the process heal ourselves.

The Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Model promotes a “Culture of Caring” while emphasizing the use of medical and non-medical volunteers. Being inclusive and welcoming to all is the foundation of the VIM Model. The “Culture of Caring” recognizes the strengths of those in need and respects their dignity. It prompts the idea that the manner in which people are treated during a visit to a VIM clinic is as important as the medical care they receive. Volunteers in Medicine clinics offer their services free of charge to patients and do not bill third-party payers.