Free Clinics throughout the country are known for their ability to adapt to the unique needs of their communities. Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) has done just that, by remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we value human dignity and access to quality, compassionate health care for all the uninsured. We do this in a culturally competent manner and through our mission and programs help to eliminate the barriers to health equity. We are a community health resource center providing medical care, dental care, behavioral health, case management, and medication assistance to those living or working in Centre County without health insurance and whose household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Centre Volunteers in Medicine has seen a significant uptick in the number of patients qualifying for services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many families losing their employment, many no longer have the financial resources to afford private health care insurance. We provide these critical services at no cost to the patient from highly qualified physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, social workers, and other licensed clinicians who volunteer their time at our clinic and continue to do so while maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Here are just a few of the many steps we have taken as we adjust to the new norm:
In the medical and dental clinics, staff and volunteer providers switched to telemedicine in order to triage and treat patients whenever possible.
Cleaning equipment and dental equipment have been purchased and/or upgraded to meet new guidelines.
To prevent patients from making frequent trips to the clinic, three months of medications are being dispensed.
Training on additional safety measures have been provided to volunteers as they have begun to return to the clinic.
The development team has been busy switching in-person fundraising events to virtual events while getting the word out about the increased need for funding.
The administrative team has been busy applying for any funding available because of COVID-19.
We continue to monitor the situation each day and will continue to adapt as necessary. We are committed to remaining open to serve our patients and we hope you will consider making a gift to help your uninsured friends and neighbors during this current healthcare crisis. Visit our website at www.cvim.net to find more information about the services and programs we offer to serve and advocate for the medically underserved living or working in Centre County.
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