VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
February 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
Volunteer/Staff Party
The Annual Holiday Party, celebrating our volunteers and staff, introduced exciting new activities alongside the beloved Great Bakeoff.
The Talent Show and raffle contests were such a hit that we’re already receiving requests to make them a regular part of future celebrations. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organize this festive event, bringing joy to the close of a remarkable year at VMSN!
Toy Drive
The VMSN Holiday Toy Drive was a heartwarming success this year, thanks to the generosity of Toys for Tots and the VMSN family of supporters who donated over 200 toys. Also, special thanks to Amazon employees who helped pick up the toys from the Motor Speedway, and to NV Energy for providing volunteers to help distribute the toys to the children. In all, we assisted 203 children and 75 families, providing them not only with toys but also nonperishable food items and clothing. This collaborative effort truly made the season brighter for those in need.
Special thanks to Toys for Tots, Amazon.com, and NV Energy.
New Partnerships
Exciting Collaboration with Consulate of Mexico Las Vegas
A few weeks ago, we had the honor of hosting members of the Mexican Consulate at the VMSN Ruffin Family Clinic for a comprehensive tour, and this time, we were graciously hosted!
During this visit, we shared valuable resources and information to ensure we are providing the best support for residents in need. From navigating education, healthcare, civil rights, and legal services, to helping with integration into the community, the Mexican Consulate will continue to be a vital resource for many of our patients.
A huge thank you to all of the members of the consulate for their warm welcome and commitment to working together for the benefit of all. We’re excited about the positive impact it will have on our community!
employee HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Mejia: A Story of Dedication and Impact
Dr. Claudia Mejia, one of our dedicated team members, has made a lasting impact at VMSN since joining in 2017.
A Journey of Service After starting the Behavioral Health therapy program at Ruffin Family Clinic, she spent five years providing therapy, training students, and leading workshops. After a brief break in 2023, she returned to VMSN in August 2024, continuing her vital work with our patients.
Why She Loves Working at VMSN
The most rewarding part of her work is supporting a vulnerable community who deeply appreciates the services provided. “Meeting people from all walks of life, with rich histories and stories of resilience, is truly a privilege,” she says. The bonds she forms with patients remind her of the importance of the work VMSN does every day.
Successes and Challenges
One of her proudest successes has been changing the perception of mental health within our patient community. When the therapy program began, many patients were hesitant to seek psychological support. Now, patients actively request therapy, which marks a significant shift in the way mental health is viewed and accepted.
However, there are challenges. As the only Spanish-speaking therapist on a part-time basis, there is a limit to how many patients can be served at a time. Despite this, her dedication remains steadfast, and she continues to offer as much support as possible.
A Memorable Experience
Reflecting on a particularly powerful moment, she recalls the VMSN team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The swift shift from in-person to virtual services was a challenge for everyone, but the VMSN community came together in remarkable ways. “Seeing how staff and volunteers rallied to support patients and each other gave me so much hope,” she says. During this time, her department worked tirelessly to connect with patients through phone calls and telehealth, offering a sense of connection and hope. The gratitude expressed by patients was profound, reminding her of the power of compassion.
A Message for Supporters and Young People
For anyone considering supporting VMSN, she encourages a tour to see firsthand the wide range of services we offer. Whether through donations or volunteering, there are countless ways to make a difference. “Changing lives isn’t an individual action,” she says. “It can have a ripple effect, positively impacting families and communities.”
For young people hoping to make a difference, she offers this advice: “Approach challenges with collective effort and know that your contribution, big or small, can change lives for the better.”
Her work exemplifies the essence of VMSN – compassion, resilience, and a dedication to making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
To schedule a tour, contact Philanthropy Coordinator, Lacey Frantz at LFrantz@vmsn.org or call 702-967-0530.
volunteer spotlight
Jeannettsey Mota Gutierrez
“Every patient interaction at VMSN confirms that I’m in the right profession. As a Mexican immigrant, serving my community is essential, and I’ve seen the powerful impact of culturally appropriate care. I’m proud to be part of an organization dedicated to compassionate care for a diverse patient population. VMSN goes beyond being a clinic; it’s a vital resource for individuals facing language and financial barriers. The care here is life-changing, offering both dental and medical interventions that transform lives. VMSN is a safe haven, and I hope the community continues to support it. I know I will.”
We are proud to shine the spotlight on Jeannettsey Mota Gutierrez. It was just two years ago that she came to us as a volunteer interpreter and scribe. Soon we offered her a full-time front desk job, and before we knew it, she’d applied to and started as a med student at the Kirk Kirkorian School of Medicine in July 2023!
Thank you for continuing to be a bright light for all who cross your path, Jeannettsey!
If you are bilingual in Spanish, a clinician, or are in dentistry, and you want to make a difference in the lives of individuals without healthcare, consider volunteering by going to our website VMSN.org. We would love to have you!
PATIENT spotlight
Margarito moved to Las Vegas from Mexico 24 years ago with his wife and four children. After a severe car accident, he suffered internal bleeding and, during his recovery, developed diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure. Unable to work, he cared for his children while his wife worked full-time. Despite the challenges, including one child with autism, Margarito cherished spending time with his family and cooking, a skill learned during his time in the Mexican military.
Without health insurance, Margarito struggled to access care until he was referred to Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN). His first visit was filled with anxiety, but he was greeted with warmth and respect. The staff explained his medications, lifestyle changes, and gave him a blood pressure monitor and a food gift card to help with his health. Margarito was deeply moved, saying, “I am beyond grateful. I feel like they truly care.”
Unlike his painful hospital experience, where he was humiliated due to his immigration status, VMSN treated him with dignity and compassion. With their support, Margarito continues to fight for his children and feels confident in facing the future.
Margarito receiving food gift card from Diabetes Case Manager, Yareris, courtesy of the American Heart Association.
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 702-967-0530!
