VIM Responds to the Affordable Care Act

More than four years ago, I wrote for this paper, “While the nation struggles to find a solution to our broken health care system, there is a small group of people making a difference every day.” Four years later, our nation continues to grapple with this complex issue: debating the repeal, replacement or rebuilding of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But we in our community are faced with one reality, which is the continued need for the services provided by Volunteers in Medicine (VIM). 
Annually, approximately 500 families receive primary care, specialty care and medication assistance provided by 100-plus volunteers and staff from our Cape May County VIM clinic. Our new clinic in Egg Harbor Township will serve an additional 250 families this year. We not only provide care for our less fortunate residents but opportunities to serve for those more blessed.
The services provided to our neighbors are life-saving and life-changing. We at VIM are the community’s response to our local health care need.  We are putting our community over the politics that are being discussed in Washington. That is because for us and for our community, our people are our greatest asset.
Here in Cape May County, at least 14 percent lack health insurance, and countless others rely on an overburdened Medicaid system. Too many cannot afford their premium, deductible, and medication costs.
VIM is one of the 1,200 free and charitable clinics and pharmacies that are working at the grassroots level with no federal or state funding to provide health care to those who do not have access. As VIM has done for the last 15 years, no matter the discussions in Washington, we along with our counterparts nationwide will continue to work to build a healthy America, one person at a time.
Thank you and our generous community for your support.
The author is executive director for Volunteers in Medicine.