The Herald Times: Foundation a partner with VIM (Letter to the Editor, 5.10.18)

To the editor:

In reference to Angela Parker’s op-ed, “Change is coming; progress is an imperative” (April 30).

With its change in name and expanded purpose, the Bloomington Health Foundation offers Monroe County an excellent opportunity for new partnerships with local organizations dedicated to identifying and implementing innovative solutions to our community’s most pressing health and health care needs. At Volunteers in Medicine, we believe that health and health care should not be limited to people with the financial means to access services.

With its expanded mission, the Bloomington Health Foundation is committed to helping the people of Bloomington and surrounding communities lead healthier lives. Clearly, there is no greater investment made than one made in the health and well-being of a community — an entire community — the rich and poor, citizens and noncitizens, young and old.

VIM has long served as the safety-net free medical/dental clinic for medically underserved people of Monroe and Owen counties. During the 11 years of VIM operations, the Bloomington Health Foundation has been a significant partner providing fundraising and investment support, gift administration and accounting. We are pleased that the BHF will continue to support VIM moving forward, and we welcome that continued relationship.

Nancy E. Richman, executive director Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Monroe County

Bloomington