“These students are bright, passionate, resourceful, and connected,” said VIM-NH Founder Dr. Reiko Johnson, who works at Families First as a family physician. “In order for VIM-NH to succeed, we need to raise awareness about our organization and spread the word.”
VIM-NH is expected to open its first free mobile clinic for uninsured and underinsured families at Cross Roads House in Portsmouth in early 2023. VIM-NH will also collaborate with Families First to ensure their patients have access to ongoing care.
Participating students in VIM-NH’s organizational relaunch include UNH sophomores Grace Harpster and Emily Komerska, St. Thomas Aquinas High School senior Alyona Latsilnik, and UNH senior Christian Knightly. According to the students, VIM-NH’s mission is the key factor that led them to volunteer.
“My experience of working in healthcare has made me realize that quality care has turned into a privilege instead of a human right,” said Komerska. “I am so excited to work at VIM-NH to help give hope and options to those who have been let down by the healthcare system.”
Majoring in business administration, Knightly described VIM-NH’s mission as “heart-warming.” “I think it’s a great experience for me as I learn to navigate the professional world and have to adapt to working with new people in new environments that can change a lot,” he said. “I hope to give and to gain much from these experiences working with VIM-NH.”
With plans to major in Biophysics or Computational Biology on the premed track when she enters college, Latsilnik said volunteering at VIM-NH reflects her strong interest in healthcare. “I’m an LNA and I volunteer at the E.R. in Wentworth Douglass,” she said. “VIM-NH provides an amazing opportunity to give back to my community as well as gain valuable hands-on experience.”
Expressing gratitude for their collective interest and commitment, Johnson said the students are already playing a crucial role in several ways. “They are tapping into their networks, helping us market our organization on social media, and collaborating with the UNH and Durham community to do some much needed fundraising,” she said.
Recently, Alyona Latsilnik spearheaded a fundraiser at St Thomas High School’s final home football game where she sold close to 100 cups of hot cocoa and dozens of raffle tickets to raise nearly $500 to support VIM-NH. “Her friends and classmates, athletic department, and spectators all came together to support VIM-NH’s mission, which was really wonderful,” said Johnson.
Regarding the future, Johnson expressed enthusiasm in VIM-NH’s mission and the strength of its partners. She referred to Cross Roads House and Families First as “terrific organizations.”
“They understand the needs of the Seacoast,” she said. “They have been incredibly supportive. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with them.”
Volunteers in Medicine of New Hampshire (VIM-NH) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit mobile clinic that operates in partnership with community organizations to provide free health care visits and help connect uninsured and underinsured individuals to Community Health center practices.