The Volunteer Voice
E-Newsletter
June 7th, 2019
VIM's 2019 "Stay at Home" Gala
The event is imaginary; but the need is real.
Friday, June 14th , the imaginary event date, of VIM's 2019 "Stay at Home" Gala is only one week away! The clinic is inviting our friends and supporters to put on your lounge wear, prop up your feet and enjoy a relaxing evening at home.

This is the best event you don't have to attend and the easiest way for you to make a difference! All sponsorships and donated funds will go to direct patient care. Just think of the difference you can make !
Sponsorship opportunities are still available!
Please contact Amanda Ankner at [email protected] or
570-970-2864 to become a sponsor or for additional information.
Take two! After the clinic's Community Live segment was bumped due to tornado warnings last week, Kelly Ranieli , Executive Director, and Amanda Ankner , Development Manager, were on PA Live on Tuesday, June 4th to discuss the 2019 "Stay at Home" Gala. Click the link below to watch the segment.
Staff Attends Pathways Out of Poverty Conference
On Wednesday, May 22nd, Kelly Ranieli , Executive Director, and April Lennon , Social Care Coordinator, attended the Pathways Out of Poverty Conference hosted by Misericordia University and Aetna Better Health. During the conference, April was asked to be a panel moderator. This inaugural event highlights the excellent work of the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program . The partnership in hosting this event between Misericordia and Aetna Better Health demonstrates the priority of addressing the poverty issue impacting Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The mission of the Women with Children Program is to empower single mothers through educational achievement and personal growth; working toward future professional success that only a college degree can provide. To date, twenty-eight women have successfully completed the program, with 100% placement in their respective career paths.
VIM Selected as a Finalist for Business Partner of the Year Award from
Wilkes University
On Wednesday, June 5th, Mike Wood , Special Assistant to the President at Wilkes University, came to the clinic to present the staff with a finalist award for Business Partner of the Year . Each year, five finalists are chosen from local businesses and organizations that demonstrate outstanding quality , value and service to Wilkes University. VIM was nominated for this award by Dr. Kathleen Hirthler , Assistant Medical Director at VIM and Associate Professor/Chair of the Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University, and Dr. Deborah Zbegner , Dean of the Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University. The winner will be chosen within the next few weeks.
Save the Date - the Maven Project Teleconference Sessions
In conjunction with the clinic's partnership with the Maven Project , educational teleconference sessions will be provided by physicians across the country. Each session will be from 12 pm to 1 pm in the clinic's conference room and are open to volunteers and providers.

Save the date for these upcoming teleconferences:

  • Tuesday, August 6th - Update on Hypertension

  • Tuesday, August 20th - EKG Interpretation of Common Outpatient Findings
Welcome to Our New Students
and Volunteers
Haley Stackhouse is a Physician Assistant student from King's College. She spent time at the clinic this week observing Dr. Frances Feudale , VIM's Medical Director. Upon completion of her program, Haley would like to work in the plastic surgery field.
Lauren Merli is a pharmacy student from Wilkes University that also began her advanced pharmacy practice experience at the clinic. She hasn't decided which specialty area she would like to practice in but is hoping to determine that based off the different clinical rotations she has. Lauren is excited to continue her education and learn about the different areas of pharmacy. She also adds that she spent 14 years swimming competitively !
Meghan Dixon is a pharmacy student from Wilkes University that began her advanced pharmacy practice experience at the clinic. She is interested in practicing in a community or ambulatory care pharmacy upon graduation. Meghan enjoys traveling and art. She even met her husband while studying in Ireland !
David Moll is a pharmacy student from Wilkes University that also began his advanced pharmacy practice experience at the clinic. He is interested in practicing in a community pharmacy upon graduation. David is happy to be at VIM because - "the clinic helps people that are truly in need and provides them free care ."
Healthy Smiles Program
Visits Local Preschools
On Tuesday, June 4th, Darcie Schaffer , Dental Clinic Manager, and Madison Yech , Dental Clinic Volunteer, presented the "Healthy Smiles for a Healthy Start" Program to children at the Bloom Early Education Center in Swoyersville. The children enjoyed learning about the proper way to brush and what foods and drinks are healthy for them!
Victims Resource Center Presents
at Monthly In-Service
On Tuesday, May 28th, Tammy Burke , Manager of Community Services at the Victims Resource Center spoke to staff and volunteers at the clinic's monthly in-service. Tammy provided information on the services that are available to victims of crime including Victims Compensation Assistance which provides financial reimbursement for out of pocket losses due to emotional and physical injuries .
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 Ashley at  [email protected]  or 570-970-2864.
 Tuesday, June 18th
Candy's Place
Patient Centered Medical Home Update
During this week's PCMH call with the Americares team , the staff reviewed Phase 1 of the certification process. Multiple items that were submitted for review by the Americares team were approved for submission to the National Committee for Quality Assurance , the organization that grants the PCMH certification. The next step is to complete Phase 1 in its entirety and begin Phase 2.
Let's Get Social!
@VolunteersInMedicineWB
Volunteers  in  Medicine 
 190 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Wilkes-Barre PA 18702
Phone: 570-970-2864 | email: [email protected]
website www.vimwb.org