Mission and Vision

CVIM Mission

CVIM provides free, high-quality healthcare to uninsured working people with low incomes to help them live healthy, productive lives and to assure health equity in the Chester County region.

Who is CVIM?

CVIM was founded in 1998 to provide healthcare, hope and healing to local uninsured working adults and their children. Inspired by the work of Dr. Jack McConnell and supported by community leaders connected to Paoli Hospital, a primary goal was to increase access to high quality healthcare and thereby reduce costly emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

CVIM has treated thousands of patients since its opening and last year cared for about 4,000 patients during 36,420 visits. Primary and specialty medical care, comprehensive dental services, and free prescription medicines are provided to uninsured individuals and families earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level. Care is given in a comfortable setting by compassionate volunteer licensed healthcare professionals, support volunteers, and a core staff. Our operating budget is supported entirely by a generous community of philanthropic individuals, foundations, corporations, faith-based organizations and civic groups.

Our Values

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CVIM welcomes clients without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, handicap, or ability to pay for health care services.

We treat every patient with the dignity, respect and compassion that we expect for ourselves.

We take time with each patient to consider the “whole” person in a comprehensive manner.

We are committed to providing state-of-the-art quality care.

We celebrate learning and teaching.

We welcome the contributions of time, treasure and talent that everyone brings to CVIM.

We recognize and foster the inter-connectedness of everyone in the Chester County community and beyond.

History

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1996 – Cognizant of the burden of hospital emergency room visits for non-emergency problems from uninsured individuals, the Paoli Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Paoli Hospital Women’s Auxiliary set aside funds to serve as venture capital for the development of CVIM.

1998 – CVIM, the first community-based volunteer clinic in Southeastern Pennsylvania, opens in a small storefront in Frazer.

2001 – CVIM consolidates its services into a renovated warehouse in West Chester, providing services five days and two evenings each week.

2008 – Founding President and CEO Helen Heidelbaugh retires, and the Board of Trustees names Maureen Tomoschuk as her successor.

Winter 2009 – The clinic undergoes an extensive expansion adding 1,700 square feet including two exam rooms, more efficient workspace for dental professionals, and private space for patient counseling.

2014 – CVIM secures its home by purchasing the building at 300 Lawrence Drive and expanding the clinic to provide additional clinical, administrative and educational space essential to high quality and personal care.

2015 – CVIM launches its Mobile Dental Program with satellite locations at Surrey Services for Seniors in Devon and St. Rocco’s Community Center and Parish in Avondale.

2018 – CVIM celebrates 20 years of providing free, quality coordinated care to uninsured patients in the Chester County region.

2019 – CVIM renovations improve clinic space and patient services by upgrading its dental suite, improving patient safety features, and adding additional administrative space.