STONE HARBOR – Executive Director Jackie Meluta of Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) updated the Cape May County League of Municipalities Oct. 26 on the medical services the organization provides to about 450-500 county residents lacking adequate health coverage.
“We’re still the best kept secret in Cape May County,” Meluta said. Some who are served there knew next to nothing about the organization or services it provides, she said.
Meluta said next year’s operating budget will be $237,000, up $13,000 over previous years’ amounts. That’s funded by $70,000 from the county and approximately a like amount from various municipalities.
The remainder is made up of “$5 and $10 checks that come in the mail,” said Meluta. That’s the way it has been for the 15 years VIM has been in operation in the former Arbutus Masonic lodge building at 423 North Route 9 in Court House.
At that location, there are five examination rooms where patients see volunteer physicians.
Also bolstering the organization’s finances is a thrift shop on South Main Street in Court House which generated $75,000. Meluta urged those with unwanted items to consider donating them to the store.
While many assume that everyone has adequate health insurance, Meluta said that is not always the case. Many residents who work in the hospitality and tourism-related industries, are often part-time, working paycheck to paycheck, and hold several jobs to make ends meet. If work ceases, they are often lost in paying bills.
They have no primary care physician to attend to ongoing medical conditions, she said. Because of that lack, when a medical emergency arises, they often report to the emergency room for charity care.
Through an agreement with Cape Regional Medical Center, which offers the building rent-free to VIM, and arrangements with local pharmacies, which give prescription drugs that are nearing their expiration dates, but can still be safely given, VIM cares for its patients.
Most are adults, but there are some children, Meluta said. Those youngsters are cared for at a local pediatric practice without regard to their parents’ ability to pay, she added. “There is no stigma attached,” she said.
There is an active roster of about 100 volunteers who offer their time, four hours a week or a month. More are welcome regardless of training or age; there are many tasks to be performed.
She cited one volunteer, a senior, who rides the county’s Fare Free Transportation to the site weekly and sorts patient charts.
Eligible parties include those earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, or $28,000 annually for a single person and about $38,000 for a married couple who live or work in Cape May County.
The organization expanded into Atlantic County when a family foundation, impressed with the operation, sought to replicate it in that county. Thus, a satellite site is located at 3073 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township.
“Everyone should have a primary care physician,” Meluta told the elected officials gathered at the Reeds at Shelter Haven. She added that VIM provides that service to its patients.
Additionally, VIM offers a free, monthly eye clinic for senior citizens through the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The usual income requirements do not apply for seniors to take advantage of that program, Meluta said. She noted that many seniors do not have eye examination coverage with their health insurance, and this service can provide them with exams.
Meluta said there are other VIM clinics in the state, all independently operated, in Red Bank, Barnegat and Bergen County.
Lower Township – Who are these people that are obvious experts on trash cans and leaf pick-up? Maybe they don't have any trash to put out or leaves in their yard!!
