News from Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine:

In the Coachella Valley, 31,000 residents lack health insurance and more than a quarter of the population live in homes that fall at or below the Federal Poverty Line. Until 10 years ago, these individuals had nowhere else to turn for their healthcare needs. Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM) provides no-charge primary healthcare services to adult residents who have no healthcare insurance or are underinsured. Since 2010, CVVIM has provided more than 30,000 direct patient visits to nearly 3,000 unique patients and assisted an additional 5,000 patients with related services such as education and case management.

Many CVVIM patients need help with their diabetes, chronic pain, high blood pressure, asthma and high cholesterol—all chronic diseases that can become life-threatening if not managed with regular healthcare. As the only no-charge medical and dental clinic in the Valley, CVVIM serves as a safety net for these individuals. More than 40 percent of CVVIM’s patients have jobs, are students, retired or looking for work. Services include routine doctor visits, chronic disease care, emotional wellness and dental care, and patient lab work.

A not-for-profit organization, CVVIM receives no federal funding and does not bill insurance companies. The clinic relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, community partners, grants and fundraising campaigns. Physicians, dentists, dental assistants, nurses, physician assistants and other citizens volunteer their expertise and services to support the clinic.