Clackamas Volunteers in Medicine has announced it is moving its free health clinic to the Clackamas Community College Oregon City campus this spring.
CVIM’s facility is the only free medical clinic in Clackamas County. Since 2012, the clinic has provided safety-net health care to more than 3,300 people.
“Many of our patients are essential workers who struggle to make ends meet, and if there was no CVIM they would have to make a choice between health care and putting food on the table,” CVIM Executive Director Martha Spiers said.
CVIM has been operating out of a converted warehouse since it opened. Now, in partnership with Clackamas Community College, the clinic is moving its operations to a new space on campus: a community hub, with easy bus access.
The new clinic will expand services for patients in need of health care, while offering training opportunities for Clackamas Community College allied health students.
“By having CVIM on our college campus, not only will our students have easy access to health care, but students in our health care programs will have access to real-world experience and training at the clinic,” CCC President Tim Cook said.
The new clinic will be in Clairmont Hall, which will be remodeled starting in February. The clinic will have seven exam rooms, office space, work areas and consultation space.
Funding for this $3 million project comes from multiple sources, including a $650,000 Clackamas County community development block grant and $800,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated by Representatives Courtney Neron, Mark Meek and Andrea Salinas.
The Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care is providing $700,000 in matching funds, and the Collins Foundation is providing $150,000 to fund a full-time nurse practitioner. CVIM is still fundraising for the full amount needed to complete the project and expand service to the community.
For more information about Clackamas Volunteers in Medicine or to donate, visit clackamasvim.org.
