MISSION, VISION, VALUES
Mission
Powered by passionate volunteers, BVMI meets the medical needs of low-income, working, uninsured adults in Bergen County by providing free, comprehensive, patient-centered primary healthcare.
Vision
To improve the health and well-being of those we serve, reduce the use of hospital emergency services, and serve as a model of improving access to healthcare through volunteerism.
Values
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
We treat patients and one another with
dignity, respect and compassion, and
we strive to meet the highest standards of medical practice.
“You can’t do anything if you can’t breathe.” These words from BVMI Nurse Practitioner Mary Granholm hit home for Alma, who has asthma. She came to BVMI about a year ago, after losing her medical insurance. CLICK TO READ MORE...
NON-DISCRIMINATION
Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age.
This policy of non-discrimination applies to hiring of personnel, election of board member, provision of services to patients, contracting for purchasing services and all other activities of BVMI.
THE LIVES WE TOUCH
Alma Can Breathe Easier
“You can’t do anything if you can’t breathe.” These words from BVMI Nurse Practitioner Mary Granholm hit home for Alma, who has asthma. She came to BVMI about a year ago, after losing her medical insurance.
She was using a ‘”rescue inhaler” as a daily medicine, instead of for short-term needs. BVMI prescribed a short-term oral steroid and provided a sample of the right type of daily medication. They added a dose of asthma education; for example, Alma learned that something as simple as breathing through a scarf in cold weather can be an act of kindness to the lungs.
During frequent follow-up visits, BVMI discovered that Alma was still having episodic attacks because she’d been trying to stretch her twice-daily asthma medication (and her budget) to once a day. “Alma needed more help, so we provided emergency treatments when she needed them and helped her apply for pharmaceutical patient assistance.” She obtained a one-year supply of maintenance medication, which will hopefully be renewed if Alma needs it again.
These days, Alma is in better health — and much better spirits. She still comes to BMVI for wellness visits, and is breathing easier in more ways than one.
