How Volunteers in Medicine is Changing the Face of Healthcare
The Challenge of Healthcare
The healthcare sector is infamously uninspiring, and being a part of it requires a lot of grit, determination and unwavering passion. Despite having a significant number of healthcare professionals who do an excellent job in providing care, there are still millions around the world who struggle with access to healthcare services mainly because of the high cost of treatment. In the United States of America, the situation is no different. while some have access to enough resources, many more struggle with healthcare access, with about 30 million Americans or more lacking health insurance. Not everyone has a network of providers, the ability to access affordable care, and now, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted even more inequalities that exist in health care delivery.
What are Volunteers in Medicine?
Fortunately, there are organizations like Volunteers in Medicine who are working hard to change this. Volunteers in Medicine is a non-profit organization that was founded in Hilton Head, South Carolina, by Dr. Jack McConnell. The organization and its networks bring together medical professionals who volunteer their time and skills in a bid to provide free medical care to the uninsured and underinsured populations. Free clinics are set up in many locations around the USA, and once established, provide healthcare services to several thousands of persons per year.
Volunteers are the backbone of this operation
Volunteers are the lifeline of any non-profit organization, and Volunteers in Medicine is no exception. Healthcare professionals, ranging from doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists, among others, are required to provide the optimal medical care to patients. Other volunteers are also needed to fill in administrative roles, handling logistics, marketing or fundraising. A significant appeal to this model is the fact that medical professionals who love to volunteer their services can be a part of the program, giving back to their communities without worrying about gaining financial rewards for their services.
Why Volunteers in Medicine Works
The mission of Volunteers in Medicine is simple but profound – to provide access to medical care, such that people won’t have to resort to emergency rooms or experience financial ruin in a bid to save their lives or that of a family member. These volunteer clinics have shown that the group effort helps ensure that vulnerable populations have access to comprehensive medical care. There isn’t a doubt that the area around healthcare activism is a vast one, but sometimes modest initiatives can have a massive impact.
The Impact of Volunteers in Medicine
Access to medical care should be an essential human right, but the fight towards providing it remains long. Thankfully, Volunteers in Medicine has demonstrated that, with sufficient effort and dedication, measurable improvements can occur. Clinics established by Volunteers in Medicine have been a game-changer for many Americans, opening previously closed doors to healthcare access. Various medical conditions are handled at these free clinics, from chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension to cancer, offering medical and prescription advice. In addition to providing free medical attention, the model offers preventative treatment options as well as health education programs, which helps reduce the resource burden on the healthcare system.
The Future of Volunteers in Medicine
Volunteers in Medicine continues to expand its reach, with strategic partnerships and funding assisting the organization to grow. The organization has also established various volunteer models in its quest to solve the medical crises prevalent in some parts of the world. While the organization’s ethos is based on providing access to free medical care, it offers an essential lesson on the power of collective action. Though everyone may not have the ability or resources to start free clinics, volunteering, and taking the occasional step towards healthcare activism can go a long way in changing the face of healthcare.
Conclusion
Volunteers in Medicine has brought hope to the world of healthcare. Their model and mission have demonstrated that with sustained effort, we can collectively improve our healthcare system. However, more significant organizations’ support and government funding for healthcare will need to be contiguous to the efforts that organizations like Volunteers in Medicine are making to ensure sufficient access to healthcare. Regardless of any reservations, the work Volunteers in Medicine is doing is a great one, and all hands are necessary to keep their light shining.
