VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
September 2024
PHARMACY
Pharmacy Expansion Has Begun
The pharmacy expansion at the Ruffin Family Clinic is officially underway! As we embark on this exciting 5-6 week project, we’ve temporarily relocated our pharmacy operations to the training room. This expansion is a direct response to the increased demand and growing patient population we’ve been experiencing.
More patients means more medications, more volunteers and more space! The updated pharmacy will have two service windows, more storage and counterspace which can accommodate a few more volunteers.
Construction is happening!
Temporary set-up in the clinic’s Training Room
“Thanks to the cooperation of everyone involved, the pharmacy expansion project is going extremely well. My team and I are grateful for the support of the VMSN staff, volunteers, as well as the Nevada Board of Pharmacy for coming out to approve the temporary site so that we may continue services with the least disruption to our patients. We’re looking forward to the opening of the new pharmacy in just a couple of weeks.”
– Managing Pharmacist, Samson Yimamu, Pharm. D
MEDICAL
Diabetes Treatment:
“We are addressing critical community needs.”
The pharmacy expansion at the Ruffin Family Clinic is officially underway! As we embark on this exciting 5-6 week project, we’ve temporarily relocated our pharmacy operations to the training room. This expansion is a direct response to the increased demand and growing patient population we’ve been experiencing.
More patients means more medications, more volunteers and more space! The updated pharmacy will have two service windows, more storage and counterspace which can accommodate a few more volunteers.
Nicole Cabrera-Heiring, APRN
Diabetes management classes are offered in Spanish every other Tuesday, 5:30-6:30.
Diabetes Information: September 10 & 24, October 8 & 22
Blood Pressure Monitoring: September 17, October 1, 15 & 29
PATIENT HIGHLIGHT
Finding Healing and Hope, An encounter with Raul
Finding Healing and Hope, An encounter with Raul Raul was daunted by being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol as well. However, thanks to VMSN’s comprehensive treatment approach that includes medication and education, his health has turned a corner. His A1C levels went from a high of 12.7 to 6.6 within a year, a testament to the efficacy of the treatments and the invaluable diabetes education classes offered by VMSN.
When asked about their experiences, both Raul and Guadalupe echo a chorus of gratitude. They highlight the unwavering support and compassion of APRN Nicole and the bilingual staff of the clinic and the pharmacy, making understanding health instructions effortless.
Raul and his wife, Guadalupe
Help us provide quality health care within a culture of compassionate caring. Please consider donating here.
We would also love to give you a tour of the Ruffin Family Clinic, the main clinic on Martin Luther King Way. Contact Lacey Frantz, Philanthropy Coordinator to schedule one today at LFrantz@vmsn.org, or call 702-800-7886!
DENTAL
Expanded Care with State-of-the-art Equipment
Simply because our care is 100% free for all patients, does not mean patients do not receive state of the art care. Earlier this year, our Dental department was granted the EZRay Air Portable X-Ray Machine thanks to Delta Dental. This new acquisition reduces wait times for our patients and lessens the stress on our dental staff. Its portable design allows our team to remain with patients throughout the procedure, helping to reduce anxiety and enhance comfort. In addition, this machine reduces radiation exposure by up to 40%, prioritizing patient safety. Moreover, its versatility increases oral health access for patients with special needs, as well as pediatric and geriatric populations.
With new technology like the portable x-ray machine, we are able to increase community access to dental care while simultaneously reducing the wait time for patient results and increase accuracy in restorative care diagnoses.
STAFF AND VOLUNTEER UPDATE
We welcome new staff!
Yarelis Martinez Pena – Diabetes Case Manager
Yesenia Castro Lopez – Volunteer Coordinator
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Gursharan Narwal
In 2016, Dr. Gursharan Narwal joined VMSN’s volunteer efforts. While she was beginning her volunteer journey with us, she was concurrently completing her undergrad studies at UNLV. While being both a full-time student and good Samaritan, Dr. Narwal dedicated over 160 hours as a volunteer, across five different specialties. Her hard work and commitment paid off, and she was accepted UNLV’s Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine. Dr. Narwal returned to VMSN in 2024 as Chief Resident of the UNLV Family and Community Medicine Residency program. During her rotations in 2024,
Dr. Narwal saw over thirty patients, and provided them with a comprehensive approach to their healthcare. Under Dr. Narwal, our scribes and interpreters had a chance to learn from her expertise. VMSN is so appreciative of all the compassion Dr. Narwal has given not only to our organization, but to our patients and community. We wish her the best in all she does, always.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Successful Backpack Drive:
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Our annual partnership with Treasure Island Hotel and Casino for the Backpack Drive served 300 kids with new backpacks and school supplies for the new school year. Every year Treasure Island employees host a school supply drive for donations to our families in financial need. Their continued support of our clinic has made a significant difference in the lives of many students and their families, alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with back-to-school preparations. Loyal partners since the clinic was created, we are again grateful that Treasure Island supports our patients. Together, we are helping to ensure that students start their school year with the tools they need to succeed through their employees’ generosity.
