VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
April 2023
Looking Ahead with CEO, Desiree Zapinsky, RN
Over the last 15 years, VMSN has been providing free medical services to underserved southern Nevadans. We’ve been so fortunate to have had the support of generous donors and committed volunteers who help keep our clinic doors open! I also feel tremendously privileged to work with dedicated staff, who at every turn treat patients, volunteers, and students with deep care and compassion. This year, we have been fortunate to bring on board George Ibrahim, DDS as a staffed dentist and administrator. Dr. Ibrahim has already made a tremendous impact on patients’ smiles as José below will attest! A healthy and vibrant community starts with healthy people. This is the impact you are helping VMSN make. Thank you!
With deep gratitude,
CLINIC UPDATES
Maternity Care Clinic
VMSN’s new Maternity Care Clinic is aimed to help care for pregnant women in our community to have access to free prenatal care. Started by our founder, Dr. Florence Jameson, and facilitated by Drs. Elizabeth Buechler & Cookie Bible this program will fill the gaps in care for all VMSN’s patients. We have partnered with CPL and other members of the Las Vegas Community to bring forth the best care for expectant mothers to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy and birth.
Dental Clinic
Thanks to recent grant funding, our Dental Clinic has acquired the most updated equipment including a milling unit, 3D printer and scanner. We’re so excited to have this new technology and invite professionals to work with us so that we can learn it together. We’ve also partnered with Adopt-A-Vet Dental Program and are excited to be helping veterans in our community right here in our clinic one Saturday a month.
PATIENT VOICES
“Working with you in the diabetes program has helped me control my diabetes and become educated on what to eat and do better for my diabetes; I recently lost 9 lbs. and lowered my A1C levels. I am eternally grateful!”
– Anonymous, 2/8/23
“The people here gave me upper dentures and a new smile that I have to get used to. VMSN helps the community get services to low-income people and people with hardships financially. VMSN will help.”
– Jose, 3/2/23
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
The Giving Machine
Presentation Director Joyce Haldeman (pictured in red) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Giving Machine visited the clinic with a presentation of the funds collected at Downtown Summerlin during the Holiday Season. We were thrilled to receive a donation of $47,985! Thanks to the generosity of the southern Nevada community, we were able to purchase necessities like these:
• 330 Nebulizers
• 721 Pairs of Compression Socks
• 53 Specialist Visits
• 481 Blood Pressure Monitors
• 180 Bus Passes
A big thank you to the Giving Machine sponsors, donors, and volunteers, who helped run the show by standing next to the machines in the winter weather!
Walk for Real Autism Difference
On a gorgeous February Saturday, VMSN staff was out interacting with community members, supporting, and raising awareness for the organization, Real Autism Difference. It was wonderful to see the community come together to support such a fantastic organization! We enjoyed the opportunity to connect with potential volunteers and providers, while raising awareness for our own cause. Thank you, RAD!
Teach For America Las Vegas Opportunity Fair
VMSN was one of TFA’s network of invested & mission-aligned organizations in attendance. Our goal was to expand the opportunity for youth in our community to serve through interning, volunteering, or working.
“There were multiple organizations willing to share information about the services they provide. The event was well coordinated and organized. Staff was friendly and I enjoyed talking to the participants and share information about VMSN and how they can become a patient and/or volunteer with us.“
– Lariza Soto, SBIHS Director
Staff Spotlight:
Ariel Lopez,
Medical Assistant
Dedicated, dependable, eager are just some of the words staff here at VMSN use to describe Ariel Lopez. Ariel has been working at VMSN as a Medical Assistant for two years, and she has been a steady and spirited presence. She’s willing to lend a hand whenever anyone needs help, whether it’s for a patient, provider or the administrative staff planning the holiday party! She shares a little bit about herself here.
VMSN: Where are you from?
AL: I was born in El Paso, Texas raised in Las Vegas, and went to Pima Medical Institute here in Las Vegas.
VMSN: Why did you choose to work at VMSN?
AL: To help those who are underserved in our community.
VMSN: What do you like most about working here?
AL: Everything! Our patients are so kind, my co-workers are AMAZING. Also, I am grateful to be able to work alongside such caring providers and all they have taught me.
VMSN: Is there a particular patient story or memory that you would like to share?
AL: I have so many! I especially love working in OB, and that I can be on the journey of pregnancy with our patients from when they find out they are expecting, to delivery, and then to be able to see the baby as they grow.
VMSN: What do you like to do to decompress from work?
AL: Spend time with my children and family.
VMSN: What books are you reading or what TV shows are you watching?
AL: Currently I’m watching The Last Kingdom and Vikings Valhalla.
VMSN: What is your favorite comfort food?
AL: I love chicken and Hot Cheetos.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
“Patrick” (name changed for anonymity) has been volunteering at VMSN for close to a year, coming to us via University Medical Center Southern Nevada. Staff and volunteers alike agree that he is a ‘work machine’, helping the clinic with scribe interpreting, dental scribing, and interpreting for Ask a Pharmacist. He feels lucky to be able to work with caring providers who give him advice and encouragement as he navigates his medical career. In his free time, he likes to study ancient Greek history, especially Linear B. We are so appreciative of his work and are happy to have him come in on a regular basis.
To learn about how you can volunteer at VMSN, please click here. We would love to have you!
Please consider making a donation here to further our cause of providing quality health care to people without access to health care in Southern Nevadawithin a culture of compassionate caring.
Thanks to the generosity of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians,
we were able to support over 1,000 patients in 2022!