VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
April 2025
upcoming events
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Saturday, April 26th | 5pm-8pm
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Volunteers and their plus-one are invited to VMSN Volunteer Appreciation Party. It will be held at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and this year’s theme is Night at the Museum: History of VMSN. We will have artifacts and stories to go with them, and a commemorative T-shirt to volunteers who attend the event. Please RSVP using this QR code. If you have any questions, please contact Paula Diaz, Volunteer Manager at PDiaz@vmsn.org, or call 702-967-0530, ext 243.
volunteer spotlights
Ophthalmotry Dream Team
Ophthalmologist Dr. Dave Reddy and his wife, Megan Reddy, Ophthalmic Technician, have begun seeing patients at VMSN. After two years of verifications, equipment procurement, program implementation, and general preparations, we are Reddy! We are deeply grateful to this dynamic duo for helping out our community and teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals, such as UNLV Medical Student, Min Ju Kang, shown here with them.
Sona Alexander
We are thrilled to highlight our Dental Assistant, Sona Alexander, DDS from Iran who has been volunteering at VMSN since October 2024. Incredibly, she has already logged nearly 400 hours! Sona hopes to become a licensed U.S. dentist, providing patient-centered, high-quality care. She is also passionate about spending time with her family through various racket sports, exploring the outdoors and sharing her love of photography.
“My experience within your clinical environment has been overwhelmingly positive. The staff are respectful, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The dental assistant staff and receptionist, especially Kayanna consistently demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and a strong sense of teamwork. Dr. Ibrahim, whose mentorship and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me adapt to a new professional and cultural environment.” – Sona
patient highlight
Nicolasa – A Life of Resilience and Love
At 103 years old, Nicolasa radiates warmth and positivity. Surrounded by her family—granddaughter Anely, great-grandson Jorge, and great-great-grandson Benjamin—she proudly celebrates her incredible milestone. Despite facing personal tragedies and health challenges, including pneumonia, diverticulitis, and breathing difficulty, Nicolasa remains resilient.
Under VMSN’s care, Nicolasa receives the support she needs, including oxygen therapy, and continues to inspire those around her with warmth and grace. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and compassionate healthcare, and we are privileged to be part of her journey.
Nicolasa’s spirit touches all who meet her, and we celebrate her remarkable life and enduring positivity.
staff appreciation
Celebrating on Staff Appreciation Day
VMSN enjoyed a moment celebrating Staff Appreciation Day over lunch and cupcakes! Recognizing each other’s birthdays and anniversaries is a fun way to decompress and enjoy the incredible people we get to work with on a daily basis.
community interest
LGBTQ Center’s HIV Rapid Start program team toured VMSN to learn about our mission. With the goal of eliminating cases of HIV in Las Vegas (and a couple of other counties including the one in Arizona that borders Nevada), HIV Rapid Start is looking for partners to screen for HIV. Once diagnosed, the extraordinary team is literally a phone call away to guide patients through treatment and robust support.
new partnerships
VMSN had the privilege of participating in a heartwarming Humanitarian Day event at Masjid As-Sabur in the Historic Westside. Organized by Al-Maun Neighborly Needs, the event brought together diverse communities and organizations to share hope and provide life-sustaining resources to those in need.
Folks in our community were able to access essential items like diapers, formula, clothing, showers, and barber services while VMSN and UMC were there to answer questions about access to free healthcare. Special thanks to Dr. Saima Khalid of Olive Healthcare who shared our booth to provide requested hands-on services. It was a beautiful day of connection, compassion, and community support.
employee spotlight
Camila Martinez – Senior Pharmacy Tech
12 Years of Dedication at VMSN
Camila has been with VMSN for 12 years, starting when the clinic was a small team of just six staff members. Over the years, as VMSN grew, so did Camila’s passion for helping others. What began as a tough first month quickly turned into a calling when a patient’s urgent need deeply moved her. “That moment made me realize the immense need in our community, and my job became more than just a job—it became a passion.”
What Camila loves most about her work is seeing the real-life impact she has on patients, like when they achieve health goals such as lowering their A1C or controlling their blood pressure. “It’s incredibly satisfying to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”
One memorable story is about a patient who, after receiving dental care through VMSN, transformed his life. “He got dentures, started dating, made new friends, and even got a better job with health benefits. His smile was contagious!”
Camila’s message to supporters: “Every dollar helps. The good you do has a ripple effect, and it can transform lives.”
Areas of Need
Volunteer Clinicians – doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, cardiology, oncology.
Scholarship Funds – We would like to start a VMSN Scholarship for staff and volunteers who wish to further their education.
Funds
- Medical and Dental
- Supplies Medications
- Social Services
- Volunteer Appreciation
Help us provide quality health care within a culture of compassionate caring. Please consider donating. We would also love to give you a tour of the Ruffin Family Clinic, the main clinic on Martin Luther King Way.
Contact Lacey Frantz, Philanthropy and Culture Manager, to schedule one today at LFrantz@vmsn.org or call 702-967-0530!
