CV Volunteers in Medicine

To provide no-charge healthcare and related services to low-income and uninsured, or underinsured, adult residents of the Coachella Valley and greater Morongo Basin.

Individual health is community health. At Volunteers in Medicine, we believe healthcare is a human right and that's why we provide primary healthcare services to low-income and uninsured adults from across the Coachella Valley and greater Morongo Basin. We also help our patients become aware of why health insurance is necessary; we help patients get health insurance whenever they can through MediCal, Covered CA and even some private insurane companies such as Kaiser Permanente who have a no cost plan for low-income residents.

Volunteers in Medicine never charges a patient for the services they receive, relying instead on the generous support of individuals, community organizations, and foundations. Services include one-to-one visits with a medical provider as well as no-charge laboratory tests, X-rays, and imaging services (MRIs, CT Scans, Ultrasounds). Other patient programs include General and Diabetes Care Management, Diabetes Coaching, Social Services, and medical outreach to unsheltered persons through our Street Medicine program.

Annually, an average of 1,300+ individual patients are seen through more than 5,000 medical visits and other encounters. All patients must have household incomes below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines and not have health insurance or be unable to pay the copays and/or deductibles to use it. Volunteers in Medicine has two clinics, our primary center in Indio and a second clinic in Palm Springs.

60% of patients are employed or looking for work but don't receive health insurance from their employer. Many of them work several jobs to make ends meet.

Testimonials

"I needed surgery due to a fall at work but I had to get my diabetes and high blood pressure controlled before they would schedule the surgery. Worker's Compensation would pay for the surgery, but my other issues were not related to my fall and I could not afford to purchase insurance or pay privately for the medical support needed to control them. Thankfully, I learned about Volunteers in Medicine, and they gave me the tests, instruction, diet and support I needed to bring my glucose levels and blood pressure down to a safe level for surgery. Now, I've had the surgery and returned to work, feeling better than ever because I also know how to manage my diabetes and high blood pressure!" - David

"Everything that Volunteers in Medicine did for me was wonderful! I didn't even know I was sick until I went there, and then they helped me get the tests I needed so they could help me get better. They are wonderful!" - Maria