The Volunteer Voice
E-Newsletter
February 15th, 2019
Thank You For Supporting VIM's
Cocktails for a Cause Fundraiser
The clinic would like to thank all who joined us at our Cocktails for a Cause event on February 5th at Bistro on the Ave! We greatly appreciate the businesses & individuals that contributed items to the silent auction, and all who stopped by and provided a donation.

Special thanks to our celebrity bartenders - Frances Feudale, Neela Patel, Richard Grossman, Marie Thomas, Loren Grossman, Kathleen Hirthler, Lynn McCarthy, Gene Lucas and Chris Gaughan!

The support from the Valley with a Heart is truly commendable!
Event Tee Shirts are still Available!
Weren't able to attend? You can still support Cocktails for a Cause by purchasing a tee shirt from the event. Shirts are $20 each and can be purchased at the clinic.
Thank You Again to the Sponsors of VIM's Annual Meeting & Appreciation Luncheon
The clinic would like to again thank all of the businesses and individuals that sponsored the Annual Meeting & Appreciation Luncheon on
January 29th, 2019.
HOPE SPONSOR
Chief Joe Coyne & Family
Dr. Frances Feudale
John & Lynn McCarthy
​Passan Family Foundation
HEALTH SPONSOR
Jim & Marie Thomas
HEALING SPONSOR
Bender Family Foundation
Susan Prusack
Dr. Christopher & Mrs. Bridget Kotchick
​Bedwick's Pharmacy
FRIEND SPONSOR
Dr. Susan Sordoni
​Dr. Leo & Mrs. Debra Hartz
Maureen Bufalino
Ken & Patricia Lee
Jack & Maureen Snyder
Dr. Michael Rupp
Patte's Sportsbar
Linda Barrasse
Tammy Ondeck
Elfrieda Nelligan
Dr. Richard & Mrs. Fran Grossman
William & Kathleen Buck
​Michael & Patricia Last
​Dr. Kimberly Ference
February is National Heart Health Month
By Frances Feudale, DO, Medical Director of VIM
February is here and what do you think of? We hope you said HEARTS! No, not for Valentine’s Day, but for National Heart Health Month . Volunteers in Medicine wants you to be heart healthy not just for February but all year long. Here are some simple tips to help:

1) Ditch that New Year’s Diet . (You probably already have!). Each month make one change to your eating habits and stick with it for the whole month. For example, try using a salt substitute or other seasonings for cooking. By the end of the month, it will become routine.

2) Exercise. Studies have shown that just walking is good for your heart so get up and walk (briskly) for at least 30 minutes a day. Or you can walk longer at a leisurely pace with your kids or you pets; go to an art gallery or a mall. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park as far away from your destination as possible.

3) Okay, you don’t exercise. Maybe you hate exercising, you’re older or have physical limitations. You can still add healthy movement to your life. The National Institute of Health (NIH) describes yoga, tai chi and qi gong as centuries-old, mind-body practices that can help reduce stress, decrease blood pressure, promote better sleep, improve your mood and help you lose weight.

4) And finally – quit smoking! Yes, you heard it before and you’ll hear it again until you quit.
Honesdale National Bank Visits VIM
On Thursday, February 7th, officials from Honesdale National Bank stopped by the clinic for a tour. The staff had the opportunity to show all the services available to patients at the clinic. We thank them for their time!
Pictured above from left to right: Dr. Frances Feudale , Medical Director, Kelly Ranieli , Executive Director, Karen Decker , HNB Branch Manager, David Raven , President of HNB, and Karen Labbate , HNB Mortgage Advisor.
Check Out What Patients
Have to Say About VIM
A 37 year old male come to VIM in July of 2015. Recently, he shared his experiences at the clinic with the staff - "I moved to this the area without any connections or any health insurance. Volunteers in Medicine was the only facility that gave me access to a doctor who determined I had high blood pressure. I received immediate treatment, saving my life before I had a heart attack. The staff and volunteers are very concerned with holistic care. They train new medical professionals and students, making them aware of folks that would otherwise do without. The services at VIM truly saved my life !"
Welcome to Our New
Students & Resident
Zara Mirza is a pharmacy student from Wilkes University that began her clinical introductory pharmacy practice experience at the clinic last week. She is interested in the clinical side of pharmacy and helping the under-served population. "I am amazed at what a great organization VIM is!"
VIM welcomes Becky Jo Kurowski , a medical billing & coding intern from Luzerne County Community College . Becky is excited to complete her associate's degree and begin a new career. "VIM is a great place to volunteer your services! The staff are helpful and kind. I would like to thank the clinic for allowing me to complete my internship here."
Atith Saheba , a Geisinger Family Medicine Resident, spent time seeing patients in conjunction with Dr. Feudale at the clinic last week. Upon completion of his program, Atith would like to practice medicine in Texas or Pennsylvania. He's happy that his residency program includes volunteering at VIM because it is a way "we can stay connected to the under-served community ."
Students Love VIM!
Ashley Rood , Physician Assistant Student from King's College, completed her six-week rotation at the clinic this week. Ashley said, "this was a great learning experience ! I particularly enjoyed the staff and learning how to care for the under-served population. I also loved the fundraisers!" We wish her success in all her future en devours.

Pictured above are Dr. Feudale and Ashley reviewing a patient's chart.
February is National Children's
Dental Health Month
February is National Children's Dental Health Month ! This initiative promotes the benefits of good oral health to children, adults, and caregivers. VIM is proud to present, in partnership with the United Way of Wyoming Valley, the "Healthy Smile for a Healthy Start" program year-round to children at area preschools and elementary schools, educating them on healthy foods, proper brushing techniques and the importance of visiting the dentist.
Healthy Smiles Program
Visits Local Preschools
On Friday, January 25th, Darcie Schaffer , Dental Clinic Manager, stopped by the Little Big People Learning Center in Edwardsville to present the "Healthy Smile for a Healthy Start" program to children at the center. The children loved practicing brushing on Katie the Kangaroo .
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. All in-services are from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and are held at the clinic. 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, February 26th
The Importance of Pharmacology
Presented by the Wilkes University Pharmacy Students
 Tuesday, March 26th
Volunteers of America
Patient Centered Medical Home Update
The staff are working diligently to complete the self-assessment on the clinic's Electronic Medical Records system. The current modules are Patient-Centered Access & Continuity and Care Management & Support . These sections will be reviewed with the Americares team during next week's PCMH conference call.
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