Fall 2024 Newsletter
Fall is just around the corner, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. We're getting ready for the cooler weather by welcoming our new Volunteer Coordinator and gearing up for flu season, along with some upcoming events.
Welcome Libi, our new Volunteer Coordinator!
Libi Kavanah is a passionate advocate for social justice, with a keen interest in addressing homelessness, affordable housing, and healthcare reform.
With a background in Gerontology and cultural psychology from University of Oregon, Libi brings a unique perspective to the intersection of societal justice regarding health, human services, and social equity. Additionally, Libi is a retired 30 year school teacher. Her years of teaching and curriculum development brings an additional element to her role as a community engagement coordinator.
Libi has been an Americorps volunteer coordinator, where she organized thousands of volunteers in Silicon Valley. The goal was to change the heat Island effect current in SV to a cooler healthier one for all. This is accomplished by planting trees and healthy environmentally cleansing plants and shrubs throughout silicon valley.
In her role as volunteer coordinator, Libi saw the primary goal was environmental education. She accomplished this through outreach events in schools, faires, markets, faith groups and neighborhood meetings.
For the past few years, Libi has been a case manager for chronically homeless adults. Many have had a behavioral health diagnosis. Many are older adults, documented and undocumented. Many are homeless veterans.Libi has a history of caring and connecting. She creates a support network within the community to create a strong foundation for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Her goal is to meet people where they are and then to uplift them so they can be the person they want to be. She does this by deep listening and compassionate caring.
Her motto is
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Our new Volunteer Coordinator Libi at an event for environmental education
Good times and good friends at the Ice Cream Social
We had a great time at our annual Ice Cream Social, held by Chapel of the Valley Foothills UM Church every year. This year was the usual fun and sun and frosty treats! Thanks so much to everyone who came out to join us!
Thank you, Grossmont Healthcare District!
The Grossmont Healthcare District has been a key partner of VIM for many years, and we continue to work closely with them to provide care to people in need. Again this year, they generously provided a significant donation through a grant that allows us to continue providing free healthcare to the uninsured.
We are happy to share that the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) board of directors unanimously approved our grant submission for 2025. Their level of support for this coming year indicates how vital VIM is to the community. Thank you for your continued support of the community we serve!
Ahora en español!
Fantastic news - thanks to Jennifer Doan, mistress of all things website related, our website is now in Spanish!
You can check it out by clicking the button at the top right of any page to switch between English and Spanish.
This has been one of our goals for the website, as it helps patients (and future patients) who speak primarily Spanish access our information and resources.
Thank you so much Jen!
Sylvie's Tips For Good Nutrition
Whether it's hot or cold outside, your body needs water! It's easy to forget to hydrate, or substitute sugary coffee drinks and sodas, but nothing beats plain old H2O. Fun fact: your body itself is 60% water. It's true what they say - we really are all just cucumbers with nicer shoes. Swapping out drinks with added sugar for plain water (or water flavored with berries, a slice of lime, or some mint leaves) can help reduce your sugar intake - and since excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cavities, and gout, that's another good reason to rethink your drink.
Not convinced yet? Here are a few reasons to drink more water:
It lubricates the joints
It delivers oxygen throughout the body
It boosts skin health
It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues
It regulates body temperature
The digestive system depends on it
It helps maintain blood pressure
The airways need it
It prevents kidney damage
It boosts performance during exercise
Read the full list here
Volunteer Spotlight - Haya Al Shakkakee
Volunteer: Haya Al Shakkakee
Number of Years with VIM: 1
Role: front desk manger/ Arabic interpreter
Please briefly describe your role at VIM. What do you do?
At VIM (Volunteers in Medicine), my role involves assisting at the front desk, where I manage various administrative tasks and patient interactions. Additionally, I sometimes serve as an Arabic interpreter, helping to bridge the communication gap between Arabic-speaking patients and the clinic staff.
What motivated your volunteer commitment to VIM? What brought you here?
I am committed to volunteering at VIM because I have a strong desire to contribute to my community and support those in need, especially in healthcare. My background as a doctor and my ability to speak Arabic motivated me to use my skills to help ensure that language barriers don’t prevent anyone from receiving the care they need. The opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and work alongside other dedicated professionals brought me to VIM.
Why do you give your time and talents to support our free clinic?
I give my time and talents to support our free clinic because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation. Volunteering allows me to use my time and language skills to directly impact the well-being of those who might otherwise struggle to receive care. It's incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a cause that aligns with my values and to be part of a team that is committed to making a tangible difference in our community.
What impact do you think VIM San Diego makes on our community?
VIM San Diego provides vital healthcare access to those in need, bridging gaps in the system and improving the overall well-being of our community. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can receive best care.
Do you have any personal stories that you would like to share as the result of working with VIM?
One memorable moment was when I helped a patient who spoke only Arabic navigate a complex medical issue. Seeing her relief and gratitude after finally being understood made me realize the profound impact of my volunteer work. It was a reminder of why I’m here.
Are there other areas or programs that you would like to see us include in the future?
I’d love to see VIM create a mobile clinic program that brings healthcare services directly to underserved areas. This would increase access to care for those who may have difficulty reaching the clinic, ensuring that more people in our community receive the help they need.
Flu Season Is Coming - Look Busy!
One last quick reminder - cold and flu season is on the way. Now is a great time to get your boosters. Check with your Doc, or your local pharmacy, or keep an eye on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages - we'll be sharing and posting local resources for flu, RSV, and Covid vaccines as they come up.
Thanks to the Grossmont Health District and the California Association of Free & Charitable Clinics for their ongoing support!
