About LVIM

Mission
LVIM provides free medical, dental and mental health services to eligible working uninsured residents of Polk County through the volunteer participation of doctors, various health specialists, technicians and administrative volunteers.

LVIM currently has over 400 medical and lay volunteers who donate their time and expertise to care for LVIM patients. Now in its seventh year of operation, LVIM has more than 13,800 patients enrolled and has totaled 130,000 patient visits. In addition, LVIM has provided 30,000 lab tests, 10,000 x-rays, 1,000 screening mammograms and has filled more than 140,000 prescriptions. These astounding numbers have been accomplished through the generous donation of time from volunteers and
financial support from donors.

Vision Statement
“May we have eyes to see those that are rendered invisible and excluded
Open arms to reach out and include them
Healing hands to touch their lives with love
And in the process, heal ourselves.”

History
Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine began as the dream of various community and organization leaders in 1999. Led primarily by Watson Clinic physicians and the Watson Clinic Foundation, Lakeland leaders came together to find ways to meet the healthcare challenges of the working uninsured in Lakeland. In 2000, a fund-raising campaign was launched. The community responded with a great deal of support, paving the way for the dream to become a reality. Thanks to the generous donation of the Polk County School Board and the City of Lakeland, LVIM took up residence in the historic building that was formerly the John Cox Grammar School on Lakeland Hills Boulevard. LVIM opened on Valentine’s Day, 2001, and is now an independent non-profit organization with a Board of Directors.

Services
LVIM provides medical, dental and counseling services to qualified patients. In 2008, LVIM expects 25,000 patient visits. These patients receive doctors’ visits, lab work, ultrasound scans and x-rays. Extensive diagnostics, such as CT’s and MRI’s, are also available through a participating network of local ancillary providers who volunteer their facilities, staff and professional time. Additionally, LVIM
operates a full service pharmacy filling approximately 20,000 prescriptions each year.

Volunteer Doctors
LVIM has more than 100 volunteer doctors from many specialties and 300 nurses andsupport volunteers who
provide medical services at LVIM’s 10,000 square foot medical clinic. LVIM emphasizes utilizing the vast experience and skills of retired physicians and clinical workers. A third of LVIM volunteer physicians are in active practice. Additionally, a number of physicians and other medical technologists provide ancillary services such as radiology and pathology studies at no charge to LVIM. The clinic also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in the medical field.