Business Details
22 Years
experience
Medical Care for the Uninsured in Central Oregon
Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades (VIM Cascades) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthcare to low-income, uninsured working adults in Central Oregon. Founded in 2004, we leverage a community-driven model with over 200 in-clinic volunteers and 300 local medical partners to deliver primary and specialty care, prescription medications, and mental health services. Our patients, aged 19+, include construction workers, hospitality staff, artists, and small business owners, many managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Services are funded through patient donations and community support, with every $1 raised generating $4.88 in care. We emphasize accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, ensuring care remains available to those who cannot otherwise afford it.Our partnerships with local providers and referral networks expand access to diagnostics, surgeries, and specialty treatments. VIM Cascades operates with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to reducing healthcare disparities. We prioritize patient education, preventive care, and long-term wellness, fostering trust through consistent, compassionate service. Our volunteer-driven approach allows medical professionals to focus on patient needs without financial constraints. By addressing gaps in the healthcare system, we strengthen community resilience and improve quality of life for underserved populations.
Services
Chronic Disease Care
Acute Condition Treatment
Preventative Care
Mental Health Counseling
Prescription Assistance
Diabetes Wellness Classes
Referral Specialty Care
Charitable Pharmacy Services
General Women's Health
Lab & Diagnostic Testing
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer care through 200+ volunteer medical professionals and 300+ local partners.
- Our services include chronic disease management, mental health care, and prescription assistance.
- We serve Central Oregon residents with incomes under 300% of the federal poverty level.
- Donations to VIM are tax-deductible under our 501(c)(3) status (EIN: 93-1327847).
- Our model leverages every $1 donated into $4.88 in healthcare services.
What people say
Lifesaving care
Affordable medications
Caring staff
Access to specialists
Community-focused
Services
Chronic Disease Care
We provide long-term treatment for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Our team offers regular monitoring, medication assistance, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications. Patients receive personalized care plans to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Mental Health Counseling
Our volunteer counselors address depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions through individual and group sessions. We emphasize accessible care, with bilingual support available to accommodate diverse patient needs.
Charitable Pharmacy
We distribute donated medications and assist with prescription assistance programs. Patients pay minimal fees or receive drugs at no cost, ensuring affordability for those without insurance coverage.
Preventative Care
Our clinic offers vaccinations, health screenings, and physical exams to prevent illness progression. These services focus on early detection and health education to reduce long-term medical costs.
Referral Specialty Care
We coordinate access to external specialists for services like surgeries and diagnostics. Patients receive discounted rates through our partner network, with case management support for follow-up care.
People
Sarah Hall
Board Chair
With 20+ years in finance and small business ownership, Sarah leads VIM's board. She contributes strategic leadership and community engagement expertise to advance healthcare access in Central Oregon.
Dr. Ronald Carver
Founder
A retired OB-GYN and Vietnam veteran, Dr. Carver co-founded VIM Cascades in 2001. He pioneered volunteer physician licensing reforms and electronic medical records adoption in Central Oregon.
Cody Michael
Treasurer
A US Bank wealth management advisor, Cody brings financial expertise and DEI advocacy to VIM's board. He focuses on sustainable funding models and community partnership development.
Dr. Thomas Bordieri
Board Member
A dentist with Red Rock Dental Group, Dr. Bordieri expands VIM's oral health services. He previously developed free dental clinics in San Diego and advocates for holistic healthcare integration.
Austin Buskohl
Vice Chair
An IT specialist and former St. Charles employee, Austin manages clinic operations and volunteer training. He coordinates eligibility screenings and electronic health record implementation.
Questions
What services does VIM Cascades offer?
We provide primary care, chronic disease management, mental health services, prescription assistance, and referral specialty care for uninsured adults in Central Oregon.
How do I qualify for care?
Qualify if you're 19+, live/work in Deschutes/Jefferson/Crook counties, have no insurance, and income below 300% of federal poverty guidelines.
Are there costs for services?
Basic care is free with voluntary $10-20 donations. Medications and specialty services may have minimal fees based on ability to pay.
Can I get emergency care?
We're not an emergency clinic. For urgent needs, visit St. Charles Immediate Care or ER with your VIM ID for discounted rates.
How do I schedule appointments?
Call (541) 330-9001 to make appointments. Provide 24-48 hours notice for cancellations to maintain eligibility.
Do you accept medical volunteers?
Yes! We welcome licensed providers and support staff. Volunteers set flexible schedules and receive liability protection under Oregon law.
