Fundraiser check for VIM: Nancy Bartlett, president of the board of the Lehigh Acres Citizens Center, presented a $902.52 check to Andrea Benda, the director of the proposed Volunteers In Medicine office to be opened in Lehigh. Others shown are after Benda, Dr. Stephen Schroering, who heads up the VIM project, Ed Bishop, Paula Mycoff, Sharon Howen, Teresa Perkins, Peggie Halvorsen and Chester Olson. All are members of the board. Olson is vice president and Perkins is the Center’s executive director. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Andrea Benda, the recently named director of the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic that may be open within three months in Lehigh, was all smiles Friday when she accepted a check for more than $900 to help operate the new clinic that will soon open.

It is designed for people who have no money to pay for medical expenses, no insurance and many who are under insured.

Dr. Stephen Schroering, who has been one of the masterminds behind the project, said Friday he and Benda are talking with local business people and once it has been decided, it will be announced that a space has been located to house the clinic.

“We’re waiting for our 501 c(3) status and once that comes through, we will be ready to go,” Schroering said.

Benda, who has been working at Schroering office now for a few months, is working with people and talking to local leaders about the possibility of donating a space for the clinic, that she says will not only serve Lehigh Acres, but all of Lee County.

“There’s nothing like it and we need it badly with the economy being the way it is,” she said.

The new clinic will be staffed with volunteers from the medical profession who will give a few hours a week to staff the medical facility.

Benda said there are already about 42 physicians who have promised to volunteer at certain times once the clinic is open. There are also others clinical people such as a dentist, and a psychologist who are planning to donate their time, and maybe a couple of nurses.

“We need more people to help us make this all possible,” Schroering said. “I think we are going to be successful in our endeavor. It will happen,” he said.

The contribution from the Lehigh Acres Senior Citizens Center on Plaza Drive is one of the first major contributions to the clinic and Schroering and Benda are hoping for more. She said individuals may help and so can businesses in Lehigh who would like to see VIM become a reality.

Anyone who is interested in donating their time, from front desk to medical people are encouraged to give a little of their time each week. You can call Benda at 674-7056 or you can go on the website: www.leecountyvim.com to see how to give and how to help.

Schroering said clinics like the one planned in Lehigh are needed in this stressful economy.

“People don’t have jobs and they don’t have insurance. As a result, they are unable to get medical treatment. Often they end up in the ER and are sicker than they would have been had they been seen by a physician, all because they were unable to pay to get immediate medical help.

“At our clinic, there are no charges. It will be designed for those in our community and in Lee County who don’t have the funds to see a doctor and for those who not insured and for those who are under insured, meaning money out of their pockets for medical treatment is more than they can even afford.”

Other groups such as churches, clubs and organizations may help to make the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic a reality.

As for the Senior Citizens Senior Center on Plaza Drive, the money came from a fundraiser they held two weeks ago.

“We are very grateful for their help,” Schroering said.