A Key Update from Bluffton-Jasper Volunteers In Medicine

Posted by Lisa Carroll

on Oct 08, 2014

Executive Director, Pam Toney recognized the support of our Rotary Club for this vital community organization. She shared an overview of where they are today. Bluffton Jasper VIM is a free clinic for uninsured residents of Bluffton and Jasper Counties. The clinic has 5 exam rooms and though they are a free clinic, they give all the medical services you would normally find in a doctor’s office. There are 9 physicians, 13 nurses and over 100 volunteers. There is a committee for grant pursuits and an administrative staff. The average patient profile would be female ages 40-63 in the Greater Bluffton area – single or divorced. All patients donate something when they come in. This year to date, they have served 1810 patients. The clinic does not handle pregnancies, but on Wednesdays they have a mobile van that comes to assist and provide care. They also have quarterly dental services.

Goals include the need to improve their IT system and development/introduction of their first diabetes education program. Challenges faced by BJVIM include cash flow (because both donations and grants fluctuate), volunteers, translators and transportation.

Their mission statement includes a focus on preventive medicine and health education.