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Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc. (VIM Chattanooga) is a primary care medical clinic which opened in May, 2005. It provides medical services to financially eligible individuals and families of Hamilton County who otherwise have no access to health care. The clinic is located in the 5900 Building at Eastgate and is based on a model established by former Chattanoogan, Dr. Jack McConnell in Hilton Head, SC.
News of Interest
Clinic Finalist for Award
For the second consecutive year, the Volunteers in Medicine clinic has been named a finalist for the WTCI Be More Awards. This year the clinic was named a finalist in the Collaborative category. The clinic was the recipient of the 2011 Be More Impactful Award (see article on this page). For the full text of the announcement, see news article.
A Patient Story
There are many instances where patients express their appreciation to the Clinic. This patient did so in a unique way. On July 25th, she brought in a large, decorated sheet cake to thank the VIM staff and volunteers for the the excellent medical care she had received over the past six years. For the rest of this inspiring story, see September 2011 newsletter.
WTCI Award
Clinic Receives WTCI Award. the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic was selected as the recipient for the Be More Impactful award under the community services category by public TV station, WTCI.
Gwen Ifill of PBS presented the award, one of WTCI's 2011 Be More awards, in a ceremony at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. "WTCI is trying to recognize the wonderful nonprofit community we have," said WTCI President Paul Grove. 
Clinic President Nancy Franks adds "VIM Chattanooga is the story of how God brought together a community to serve our friends and neighbors who fall between the cracks when it comes to medical care in our community. Led by the churches and with the support of the foundations, businesses, and individuals, our community saw the need and responded to that need." read newspaper article. For video of the event and an interview with Nancy Franks, see WTCI video. The VIM award is the first one after the introduction.
Calm After Storm
The Calm After the Storm - A Special Day. June 25th was indeed a special day for children who were traumatized during the storms on April 27th. Sponsored by Summit Counseling and Ridgedale Baptist Church, this event focused on letting children be children under the nurturing care of pastors, counselors and others. Read the full report from VIM Administrator, Pat Dennison.
Golf Tournament
Randy Smith Golf Tournament. The 5th Annual VIM Randy Smith Golf Classic was a success raising over $35,000 for the Volunteers in Medicine clinic after all the expenses were paid! The golf event was held Friday, July 29th at Brown Acres with over 140 golfers participating and 30 sponsors. Additional funds can be raised through an annoymous donor's matching funds up to $10,000 by Aug. 31, 2011. Make your donation to VIM Chattanooga, P.O. Box 81057, Chattanooga, TN 37414 and mark "golf contribution".
Band Aid Banquet
VIM Annual Band-Aid Banquet The Annual Band-Aid Banquet held April 25, 2011, attended by 275 people, was a complete success. Thanks to the matching funds by the McKenzie Foundation for the donations and pledges to the clinic the night of the banquet, we have netted over $125,000 for the clinic. Read newspaper article.
VIM President Subject of Winning Essay
VIM President Subject of Winning Essay. Rebecca Schmitt, Baylor Senior, is this year's Templeton Scholarship recipient. Her winning essay honored Nancy Franks, who led the way in opening the Volunteers In Medicine (VIM) Clinic in 2005. To watch the video of Rebecca reading her essay, click here.
Dr Bowers Award
VIM Medical Director to Receive Award. Dr. Robert Bowers, MD, the volunteer Medical Director for Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, received the prestigious 2011 Jack B. McConnell, M.D. Award
Jenneth Randell Award
Jenneth Randall named Volunteer of the Year. Jenneth Randall, a volunteer at VIM since 2003, was named as Health Volunteer of the Year in the Chattanooga area for 2009. This short video tells her story.
VIM Featured in Healthscope Magazine
Volunteers in Medicine featured in HealthScope magazine! Per Nancy Franks, “My husband and I went to see Dr. McConnell’s clinic to nominate him for a national award, not to start a clinic.” Click here to read this remarkable story of faith and commitment which marked the beginnings of VIM. chattanoogahealthscopearticle
Miracles - Not Just at Christmas
Miracles. "Miracles --- Not Just at Christmas" Click on Article