Dear Family and Friends,
On June 30th, I will join a group of local bicyclists to ride in the fourth annual “CVIM Cycling for Care” to raise money and awareness for Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM), Centre County’s only free medical and dental clinic. CVIM is the medical home for qualified, uninsured friends and neighbors in Centre County.
Most patients at Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) haven't been able to prioritize their healthcare for years due to high costs and lack of insurance. Because of this, CVIM is treating increasingly more complex health issues.
- In fiscal year 2011, CVIM provided more than 1,800 medical visits and 1,200 dental visits.
- CVIM partners with the community to advocate for the uninsured in Centre County.
- CVIM is funded primarily from the community. During the past few years, CVIM has seen a rise in the number of individuals and families that have sought a medical home with CVIM. Currently there are over 2,000 on the waiting list for dental care and 200 for medical care.
- CVIM takes a holistic approach to medical care, not only offering medical and dental care, but also providing medication assistance and case management. CVIM has dispensed approximately $579,000 worth of free medications since January 1, 2012. Case managers help patients seek other help, such as LHEAP and medical assistance. In addition, they offer Tobacco Cessation classes.
CVIM is a community effort to help our neighbors in need. These neighbors work as drivers, restaurant workers and cashiers; others are recent college graduates looking for jobs; while still others are entrepreneurs starting up new businesses. They do not have access to health insurance or are unable to afford it.
In today’s challenging economy, these workers are finding their limited resources stretched even further as they try to pay for ever more expensive food, gasoline and heat for their homes. Thanks to the generosity of neighbors like you, CVIM is able to lessen the burden on these families by providing health and dental care, case management and medications at no charge.
Now more than ever, CVIM needs our support. Will you join me in the challenge of raising $50,000 for our neighbors without health insurance by sponsoring me with a donation? If each cyclist raises $1,000 we will easily reach our goal.
On behalf of the patients at CVIM, we thank you for your consideration.
