CENTRE VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
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Mission Statement
Centre Volunteers in Medicine will serve and advocate the medically underserved living or working in Centre County.
About This Cause
In the early 2000s, Reverend Dr. Joseph Faulkner and a group of visionary community members identified a critical need for free medical care in Centre County. Inspired by the first Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Hilton Head, CVIM was born in 2003. What began as a small primary care clinic on Westerly Parkway has since evolved into a comprehensive health center, expanding to include dental care, women’s health, specialty medicine, case management, prescription assistance, and behavioral health services. At CVIM, we believe everyone should have access to health care. However, many in our community—known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—struggle to afford even basic care. Our patients live or work in Centre County, are uninsured for the services they need, and fall below 250% of the federal poverty level. Many work multiple jobs but still can’t afford health insurance. Our Medical Assistance Program (MAP) plays a vital role in breaking down barriers to healthcare by providing access to free or low-cost medications. We believe that financial challenges should never prevent someone from receiving the treatments they need to live a healthier, fuller life. Through MAP, we’re able to make life-saving and essential medications accessible to our patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Last year alone, we dispensed over $1.2 million worth of medications—all while operating on a modest budget of just $20,000. This remarkable achievement speaks to the efficiency of our program and the dedication of our team. Our pharmacists work hand-in-hand with physicians to ensure that every patient not only receives the right medications but also has the knowledge to manage their conditions effectively. Education is key to empowering patients to take control of their health, and we’re here to provide guidance on proper medication usage, potential side effects, and how to optimize treatment outcomes. Since 2018, Centre Volunteers in Medicine has been committed to a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating behavioral health into our primary care services. At CVIM, we recognize that mental and emotional well-being are vital to a person’s overall health, which is why we’ve built a model that treats the whole person—not just their physical symptoms. Every patient we serve begins their care journey with a case manager, who conducts a thorough assessment to identify critical needs like housing, food security, financial stability, and insurance eligibility. This foundational assessment allows us to understand each individual’s situation and connect them to the right resources, both within CVIM and in the broader community. Our behavioral health services are seamlessly woven into our primary care model, ensuring that patients have access to support for issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our multidisciplinary team—comprised of a behavioral health case manager, psychiatrist, volunteer licensed counselors, and bilingual agencies—work in close collaboration with our primary care physicians. Together, they create personalized care plans to stabilize mental health, promote long-term well-being, and prevent the need for more intensive interventions. At CVIM, we believe that true health comes from treating the mind and body as one. By offering fully integrated behavioral health services, we empower our patients to navigate their emotional challenges while addressing their physical health needs, ensuring they receive comprehensive care that supports all aspects of their lives. Our case management service is designed to provide comprehensive, personalized support for every member of our community, regardless of their eligibility for other CVIM services. From the moment a new patient walks through our doors, we conduct a thorough basic needs assessment—covering essentials like housing, utility access, food security, and risks such as domestic violence. This foundational step ensures we understand each patient’s unique challenges. Navigating community services can be complex, but CVIM is here to simplify that journey. Our dedicated team collaborates with other agencies throughout the county, connecting patients to essential resources and affordable insurance options to promote access to vital healthcare. We believe in offering more than just a one-time solution. As patients' needs evolve, we continue to offer ongoing case management, providing support for benefit applications, behavioral health services, and more. We're committed to ensuring that no one navigates their challenges alone. Our dental program has grown significantly over the years to meet the increasing demand for oral health care in Centre County. Originally, we operated with four dental suites, but due to the ever-growing need, we've expanded to six operatories. This expansion has been instrumental in helping us serve more patients who otherwise have limited access to dental care. A grant allowed us to hire a full-time dentist, which has been a crucial step forward. However, with many patients requiring extensive care, the need continues to exceed what one dentist can provide, and we still rely heavily on the dedication of volunteer dentists. Many of the patients we serve have gone decades without seeing a dentist, and for some, their first visit to CVIM marks the first time they’ve ever received dental care. The impact of this care is life-changing. Through our dental services, we’re not just addressing immediate issues like oral infections—we’re transforming lives by providing dentures, restorative procedures, and preventive care that allow patients to eat, smile, and regain their confidence. Our focus on preventive dentistry remains a key priority. By preserving the teeth patients still have, we work toward long-term health, helping them avoid more invasive procedures in the future. Whether it’s routine checkups or reconstructive treatments, CVIM’s dental clinic is committed to improving the quality of life for our patients, helping them lead healthier, more confident lives. At CVIM, we provide a wide range of medical services with eight exam rooms, ensuring patients receive high-quality care from our dedicated team of volunteer providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, certified physicians assistants, nurses, and pharmacists. Our primary care services are complemented by in-house specialties such as dermatology, gynecology, rheumatology, chiropractic care, and more. We also have allied health providers in-house such as dieticians and physical therapists. For services we can’t provide in-house, such as cardiology or advanced imaging, we have strong partnerships with Geisinger and Mount Nittany Medical Health, ensuring patients receive the necessary care without disruption. In addition to these services, CVIM offers specialized programs to meet even more patient needs. Our voucher programs provide access to essential health services such as breast care, vision, and hearing aids, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care beyond the walls of our clinic. At CVIM, we provide a wide range of medical services with eight exam rooms, ensuring patients receive high-quality care from our dedicated team of volunteer providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, certified physicians assistants, nurses, and pharmacists. Our primary care services are complemented by in-house specialties such as dermatology, gynecology, rheumatology, chiropractic care, and more. We also have allied health providers in-house such as dieticians and physical therapists. For services we can’t provide in-house, such as cardiology or advanced imaging, we have strong partnerships with Geisinger and Mount Nittany Medical Health, ensuring patients receive the necessary care without disruption. In addition to these services, CVIM offers specialized programs to meet even more patient needs. Our voucher programs provide access to essential health services such as breast care, vision, and hearing aids, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care beyond the walls of our clinic. At CVIM, we provide a wide range of medical services with eight exam rooms, ensuring patients receive high-quality care from our dedicated team of volunteer providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, certified physicians assistants, nurses, and pharmacists. Our primary care services are complemented by in-house specialties such as dermatology, gynecology, rheumatology, chiropractic care, and more. We also have allied health providers in-house such as dieticians and physical therapists. For services we can’t provide in-house, such as cardiology or advanced imaging, we have strong partnerships with Geisinger and Mount Nittany Medical Health, ensuring patients receive the necessary care without disruption. In addition to these services, CVIM offers specialized programs to meet even more patient needs. Our voucher programs provide access to essential health services such as breast care, vision, and hearing aids, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care beyond the walls of our clinic.