The Volunteer Voice
E-Newsletter
October 19th, 2018
October is National Dental Hygiene Month
VIM is proud to have Shelby Goss as our staff dental hygienist but due to high demand the clinic is always in need of volunteer hygienists. The clinic is an educational host site for students in Luzerne County Community College's Dental Hygiene Program . The students treat patients at the clinic every Wednesday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a volunteer dental hygienist, please call Darcie at 570-970-2864.
Patient Success Story
VIM's dental clinic created another beautiful smile! The patient above came to the clinic after an injury resulted in a missing a front tooth . Unfortunately, the accident occurred right before the patient was offered a new position as a salesman. He was very concerned about his appearance and the color of his teeth when he came for his first appointment.

Dr. Mahima Singh , Dental Clinic Director, took impressions before extracting three additional, loose front teeth. The patient then received an immediate denture. He was extremely grateful to the dental staff for his new smile and excited to start his new job.
Upcoming Flu Clinic
On Monday, October 22nd , from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, VIM will host an on-site flu clinic for patients. VIM also received free flu vaccinations from the Wilkes-Barre City Health Department . We're grateful for their continued partnership.
Misericordia University Students to Teach ESL Classes at VIM
Two Misericordia University students will be teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at the clinic on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Providers, staff and volunteers that may be aware of any patients interested in attending the classes can contact Chelsea Collins , Social Care Coordinator, at chelsea-vimwb@hotmail.com to schedule.
Valley Santa Available for Patients
Believe it or not, the holiday season is right around the corner! Valley Santa , a program in Luzerne County, provides Christmas gifts to children of eligible families. An application is required. Interested patients can schedule an appointment with Sara Herr , Master of Social Work student, for assistance with the application process, which takes 20-30 minutes to complete.
Development Manager Attends Legislative Breakfast
On Friday, October 5th, Amanda Ankner , Development Manager, attended a Legislative Breakfast at the Genetti Hotel & Conference Center hosted by the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce . State representatives in attendance included Eddie Day Pashinski and Michael B. Carroll . Luzerne County representatives included C. David Pedri , County Manager, and Tim McGinley , County Council Chairman. Participants had the chance to ask the officials questions on topics ranging from the opioid crisis to vocational job training.
Executive Director Attends Non-Profit Human Resources Training
On Wednesday, October 10th, Kelly Ranieli , Executive Director, attended the Scranton Area Foundation's Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence's "Talent Management and Human Resources for Nonprofit Managers" training presented by Nonprofit HR hosted at the Scranton Cultural Center. The day-long training helped to gain a greater recognition of how HR policies, procedures, systems, and tools can align with organizational culture to advance strategic priorities .
Welcome to our New Students
VIM welcomes Julia Usefara and Erin Bratton from Luzerne County Community College's Dental Hygiene Program .
Patient Centered Medical Home Update
During this week's call with the Americares team, staff reviewed the Comprehensive Health Assessment . Staff also reviewed the challenges the clinic faces with patient engagement in their own health and wellness.

The next assignment is to complete a Gap Analysis Worksheet on the Comprehensive Health Assessment. This will identify additional information providers will collect from patients to assist with reporting and continuing to provide the highest quality of care.
Save the Date
Upcoming Educational Community In-Services
Learning about other Luzerne County  community agencies in order to refer patients  is one of the many ways that VIM provides case management services. If you would like to join us for the next presentation, please RSVP to Chelsea at  chelsea-vimwb@hotmail.com  or 570-970-2864 .
T uesday, October 23rd
9:00 am to 10:00 am
Strategic Plan
Presented by Kelly Ranieli, VIM's Executive Director

Tuesday, November 27th
9:00 am to 10:00 am
Adopt a Single Mom Project
Presented by Donna Nelson
Let's Get Social!
@VolunteersInMedicineWB
Volunteers  in  Medicine 
 190 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre PA 18702
Phone: 570-970-2864 | email: vimwb@hotmail.com
website www.vimwb.org