VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
July 2025
VMSN updates
MGM Resorts Foundation has awarded VMSN an $80,000 grant for Increasing Access and Equity in Women’s and Fetal Healthcare. This grant will support VMSN’s OB/GYN program that provides quality services to the low-income and uninsured population of Southern Nevada. Thank you, MGM!
We are proud to announce that VMSN has been awarded a $70,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation grant committee for our dedication to providing quality, affordable oral healthcare. We are honored to be selected this year and are grateful for Delta Dental and their support.
Our pharmacy has expanded! The recent physical expansion doubled storage capacity and greatly increased efficiency – adding a second pharmacy window, more room for staff and students, more shelving space and a second refrigerator.
This allowed us to receive more in-kind medications per shipment from donors, which improved consistency of medications dispensed throughout the month.
VMSN can now serve patients simultaneously, increasing efficiency filling prescriptions and consultations without compromising care and quality.
Additionally, staff have more capacity to apply for patient assistance programs, increasing the value and number of medications dispensed at no additional cost to VMSN.
Another project that has been completed this quarter was the new hallway at our Paradise Park Clinic. This improvement has now allowed our larger lobby to be utilized by both dental and medical departments and allows for patient check in to take place in one location.
Previously, the medical and dental offices were physically separated. With the hallway improvement, the open floorplan allows for a more efficient streamlined check-in process.
Our Paradise Park location sees OB patients, dental patients and medical patients Monday through Friday and we’re grateful for the improvements your generous donations have provided!
patient spotlight
“God bless you all for what you do, and may God care for you as you have cared for me.”
The Transformation of Gladys
Since becoming a patient at VMSN, Gladys’ quality of life has improved drastically. She has access to consistent medical care for her conditions, as well as life-changing dental services, for which she is deeply grateful. Her health had been a constant concern, as she suffered from high blood pressure, headaches, and other medical complications.
After losing sections of her lower and upper jaw due to cancer surgery 20 years ago, eating certain foods had become an increasing struggle and even a danger to her. The dental care provided here has allowed Gladys to eat comfortably again.
As a single mother working full-time, life is challenging at times. Despite this, Gladys has implemented significant lifestyle changes not only for herself but for her growing children. The entire family has become more active and health-conscious.
Gladys shares that she continues to inform other community members about VMSN and the kind-hearted, compassionate services provided. She is grateful she took the leap of faith to leave her home in search of a better future for herself and her two children.
community partners
Signs of HOPE, a local non-profit organization in Las Vegas, celebrated Denim Day by inviting community partners like VMSN to wear denim on April 24 to show support for sexual assault survivors and combat victim blaming. Their mission is to offer hope, help and healing to women in our community who have been impacted by sexual violence and trafficking.
Volunteer spotlight
Dina Gonzalez
Meet Dina Gonzalez, a passionate and driven biology major with a heart for community health. As an immigrant from Colombia, Dina brings a deep understanding of the challenges many underserved and Spanish-speaking families face when accessing healthcare. During her internship at VMSN this spring, she took meaningful steps toward her goal of becoming a doctor—and left a lasting impact on the clinic.
“Patients are treated with so much dignity, and the atmosphere is grounded in kindness and purpose. It reminds me why I want to work in medicine.”
Dina began her journey at VMSN as a volunteer interpreter, ensuring patients could communicate clearly and comfortably with their healthcare providers. Her role soon expanded to include front desk assistance and administrative support, all while continuing to bridge the language gap.
With encouragement from the VMSN team, Dina earned her scribe certification and began scribing during patient visits—an experience that further strengthened her clinical skills and commitment to medicine. For Dina, VMSN felt like more than just a clinic—it felt like family. “The staff welcomed me with open arms and treated every patient with dignity and kindness,” she shared. “This place reminds me why I want to work in medicine.”
One moment that stood out to Dina was seeing an elderly woman quietly place three dollars in the donation box, saying, “I know this is nothing compared to what I get from here, but I’m happy to do what I can.” That small act of gratitude deeply moved Dina and reinforced the importance of compassionate, community-based care.
When she’s not at the clinic, Dina enjoys playing piano—a passion she’s nurtured for over a decade—and staying active in her local church, Unidos en Amor. These moments of reflection and connection help her stay grounded in her values.
“Volunteering at VMSN has been life-changing,” Dina says. “It’s shown me the kind of provider I want to become—compassionate, committed, and community-driven.” We’re proud to spotlight Dina’s incredible journey and can’t wait to see the difference she’ll make in the future of healthcare.
celebrations
Welcoming new team members, celebrating work anniversaries and birthdays this quarter!
Employee Spotlight
Meet Kayanna, one of VMSN’s most dedicated dental assistants—and a true example of compassion, precision, and purpose in action.
Born in Belize and raised in Brooklyn, Kayanna moved to Las Vegas with her mom, Roselle, and brother, Kayvon, to begin a new chapter. Their tight-knit family is held together by the strength and love of Roselle, who, despite ongoing health challenges, always manages to take care of everyone else, especially during her famous Sunday dinners.
Kayanna Smith - Dental Assistant
At VMSN, Kayanna brings not just clinical skills, but heart. Inspired by her mother’s transformation through the clinic’s care, she knew she wanted to give back. “Hope is a powerful thing,” she says—and it’s that hope that fuels her work every day.
Outside the clinic, Kayanna is a student earning her bachelor’s degree in environmental science. She’s a true multitasker who also writes poetry, sews, and walks her adorable pup, Miko (who knows how to roll over and hug on command!). A lover of rock music, she collects vinyl records—Radiohead and Deftones top her playlist.
Fast Facts About Kayanna:
- Hidden Talent: Poet and seamstress
- Favorite Cuisine: Her mom’s homemade curry
- Weekend Vibes: Books, dog parks, and Miko cuddles
- Fun Fact: She once had a piping hot pizza land on her hand while working at Little Caesars. Worst of all, it was a Hawaiian pizza.
At work, Kayanna thrives on structure and efficiency. She’s incredibly organized—setting up trays the night before, running machines, and assisting with 15–20 patient appointments a day. Since joining VMSN, she’s cut her x-ray processing time from nearly an hour to just 3 minutes! Her favorite part of the job? The oddly satisfying sound of plaque buildup being removed—and the even more rewarding sight of a patient leaving with a radiant, confident smile.
One unforgettable patient, Veronica, left such an impression that she returned to the clinic on Kayanna’s birthday just to say thank you. “You changed my life,” she told Kayanna through happy tears. Kayanna is more than just a skilled assistant—she’s a listener, a problem-solver, and a source of light to our patients. We’re proud to have her on the team!
Upcoming events
Our annual partnership with Treasure Island Hotel and Casino for the Backpack Drive is coming up on the week of August 4th. Every year, Treasure Island employees host a school supply drive for donations to our families in financial need. We will distribute over 300 new backpacks full of school supplies for the children. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Treasure Island, and we are excited to help the students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed!
September 6, 2025 from 10-4pm
In partnership with Al-Maun (Neighborly Needs) of Las Vegas, United Healthcare, and the City of Las Vegas, we announce the 1st annual Youth Conference! This event is a collaborative effort to pour into our youth, providing them with the tools, resources, and inspiration to succeed in school and beyond. With engaging workshops, interactive experiences, and creative activities, this conference is designed to uplift, empower, and celebrate middle through high school students, creating a positive, lasting impact in our community.
How you can help: We’re looking for individuals and organizations who are passionate about working with young people to join us as sponsors, volunteers, and vendors. Please visit this link to sign up and learn more!
Areas of need
Ongoing Needs
- Prenatal Care $1,800/patient
- Medications $77/patient
- Colonoscopies $15,000/year
- Dental Supplies $36,000/year
Volunteer Clinicians – doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, cardiology, oncology.
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 us through our website or call 702-967-0530.