COURT HOUSE – Calling all doctors. Would you consider volunteering your services four hours per month for Volunteers in Medicine?
Cape May County has a large population of what has been described at the working poor. There are a number of residents who are employed but do not have medical insurance provided by their employer.
For anyone who has spent January, February and March in this county, you are aware how many businesses are closed. Some folks work only during the busy summer season and into early fall if they are lucky.
Cape May County is the third poorest county in the state.
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) provides a clinic offering free general healthcare, eye care, pediatric medicine and prescriptions.
VIM’s Director of Development Jennifer Uselton said volunteer doctors see only three patients per hour, which means each patient gets at least a 20-minute visit. She said the pace may be enjoyable for a retired physician who wants to volunteer their services.
“You’ll find that the patients are very kind, they are very appreciative and they create a close knit community here,” she said.
The motto of VIM is neighbors caring for neighbors. A number of VIM patients have chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease and are unable to get check-ups from a primary care physician.
Useton said VIM tries to help those patients maintain better health.
While health care reforms have been passed on the national level, it won’t help most of those eligible for three years, said Uselton.
Nearly 46 million people in the U.S. lack health insurance. Eighty-two percent are adults (19-64 years of age) and more than 80% of the uninsured are from working families.
She said many VIM patients eventually find jobs that provide health care coverage or they turn 65 years of age and use Medicare. At that point, the patients often go to the doctors they met at VIM, said Uselton.
Any time a doctor can give to VIM is appreciated, she said.
VIM is also seeking those who would like to serve on its board of directors. She said the opportunity is open to residents or those who own a second home in this county.
The board meets once a month, said Uselton.
VIM has 70 clinics in 22 states. For more information, call VIM: (609) 463-2823 or email: juselton@vim.cmc.org
The clinic’s address is 423 Route 9 N. in Cape May Court House, 08243. For medical appointments, call (609) 463-2846.
Persons who live or work in Cape May County and their dependents are eligible for free care at VIM if they have no insurance and if their household income is equal to or below charity care level according to the State of New Jersey.
VIM has served over 12,000 persons since 2002.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
