Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine celebrates its 13th year providing no cost, free health care to the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin’s uninsured and underinsured patients.
Now in two locations, Indio in the East Valley and Palm Springs in the West Valley, patients continue to get their primary medical care for routine health problems or preventive care without relying on costly visits to an Emergency Department at local hospitals.
“We are proud to serve our neighbors in the Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley, now that we have widened our service area to extend further west”, proclaims Doug Morin, VIM’s Executive Director. “Qualified patients access physical exams, laboratory testing, X-rays, cancer screenings and comprehensive diabetes and health management. We are the only place to do so without any bills, charges or payments.”
“Before, during and after the alliance of DAP Health, Borrego Health, Innercare and Neighborhood Health Centers, we have been, are and remain the only free medical service provider,” adds Morin.
“One of 93 Volunteers in Medicine clinics nationwide, a program of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, our mission remains clearly focused, and only made possible by the generosity of our supporters. Our volunteers, providers and Board give their time and guidance for our patients. It’s a perfect storm of care,” adds Charlene Montgomery, Board Chair.
It is notable that nearly 5,000 in-person and telehealth appointments and educational/outreach visits are made in a typical year and there is never a charge, co-pay or deductible.
About Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine
The mission of Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM) is to provide free healthcare services to low-income persons who have no health insurance, or who are underinsured. CVVIM is the only no-charge health care clinic in the Coachella Valley. Services include medical care, health education, case management, social services and homeless medical outreach. Patients never receive a bill for services received at CVVIM, including all associated costs necessary for diagnosis and treatment of illness, such as laboratory tests, imaging and x-rays. Scores of dedicated volunteers – doctors, dentists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants and support
volunteers, donate thousands of hours each year to accommodate more than 4,500 patient contacts a year.
