VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

February 2026

VMSN updates

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has awarded VMSN a grant to support the Maternity Care Clinic’s OB and women’s health program. These programs provide free OB/GYN services, prenatal diagnostics, and essential medications for uninsured women and children in Southern Nevada. Thank you for supporting compassionate maternity care for those who need it most.

Canarelli Family Foundation has awarded VMSN a grant for Medical and Dental Health Services. This grant will support VMSN’s free, high-quality medical and dental services to the low-income and uninsured population of Southern Nevada. We are grateful for the Canarelli Family Foundation’s support in uplifting the most vulnerable population in our Southern Nevada community.

We’d like to thank Intermountain Health for the grant to support free laboratory testing for uninsured VMSN patients. This grant will be used to support covering diagnostic and monitoring tests for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Thank you, Intermountain Health, for your dedication to improving avoidable chronic health outcomes in the community.

patient spotlight

“I don’t know how I would live if it weren’t for VMSN because it’s more than a clinic to me. It’s a place I come to for comfort.”

Roberta's Story

Roberta has been a patient at Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN) for six years after being referred through the Women’s Health Connection. She receives ongoing care for diabetes, hypertension, and uterine fibroids, and says the compassionate environment at VMSN makes all the difference.

“What I appreciate most is how humble and helpful everyone is,” Roberta shares. Living alone, the kindness and support she receives at VMSN mean even more to her. Before coming to the clinic, she only received a yearly mammogram, despite living with diabetes. Today, she is grateful to have consistent access to medications and coordinated care to manage both her diabetes and high blood pressure, working closely with Yarelis, VMSN’s diabetic case manager.

Roberta also values the attentive care she receives for her uterine fibroids. When symptoms arise or monitoring is needed, Dr. Jameson ensures she is comfortable and supported throughout treatment. In addition, Roberta has received excellent dental care at VMSN. Under the care of Dr. Ibrahim, she has received dental implants and regular cleanings, allowing her to maintain her oral health without ongoing dental issues.

Outside the clinic, Roberta works at a laundromat that services casino hotels. To relieve stress, she enjoys knitting seasonal decorations, which she lovingly gives to coworkers and friends. Looking ahead, she plans to take free English classes offered at local libraries.

“I can’t recommend VMSN enough,” Roberta says. Although her employer offers health insurance, the high cost of living makes it unaffordable for her. “I don’t know how I would live if it weren’t for VMSN because it’s more than a clinic to me. It’s a place I come to for comfort.”

community partners

Our holiday toy drive was a great success! Thank you to all who donated. We were blessed to be able to distribute OVER 300 toys to VMSN families! We’d like to thank the wonderful organization Bright Young Girl Las Vegas @brightyounggirl.lv, who donated a bulk of the toys. We appreciate your generosity and thank you for bringing joy to our community this holiday season.

Volunteer spotlight

Dr. Coffey's Favorite Place to Practice

For more than a decade, Dr. Coffey has been a dedicated volunteer Psychiatrist with VMSN, contributing over 575 hours of service to patients at both of VMSN’s free clinics. During that time, Dr. Coffey has seen firsthand what makes VMSN truly special: a mission-driven organization where compassion, competence, and teamwork come together to deliver exceptional care to uninsured patients.

“While anyone can technically write a prescription,” Dr. Coffey notes, “it’s the pharmacists and staff who turn that order into something meaningful.” From ensuring medications are filled on time, to helping patients organize pill boxes, set reminders, or access food assistance, VMSN’s staff make treatment possible in real, tangible ways. Creative problem-solving is often required — adjusting dosing due to limited supply or helping patients find affordable options elsewhere — but at VMSN, no patient is ever left unserved.

Having practiced medicine across the country — including DC, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Nebraska, and Las Vegas — Dr. Coffey says VMSN stands apart. “This is the only place I’ve worked where the dedication to serve is truly matched by the competence to execute. It’s my favorite place to practice.”

As a physician in private practice, Dr. Coffey takes pride in providing high-quality care, while also recognizing the many patients who fall through the cracks due to lack of insurance or affordability. VMSN fills that gap by offering uninsured patients access to some of the best care in the city — at no cost — while allowing physicians to practice in the truest spirit of the Hippocratic Oath. Free from rigid time limits and insurance bureaucracy, clinicians can spend the time patients actually need and order what is medically appropriate, trusting that VMSN will do everything possible to make treatment accessible.

Through this comprehensive approach, Dr. Coffey has watched patients improve not only medically but also gain confidence and agency in their lives. “That,” she says, “is healthcare too.”

Delivering this level of care comes at a significant cost, and VMSN relies on community support to sustain its services — especially its Pharmacy program. Dr. Coffey emphasizes that access to medication is essential: “Medicine works best with medicine.” Continued partnerships and philanthropic support help ensure patients receive the highest standard of care possible.

For Dr. Coffey, volunteering at VMSN is both a professional privilege and a personal calling — and a powerful reminder of what healthcare can be when compassion, collaboration, and community come first.

celebrations

We had a blast at the annual VMSN Holiday Party! Staff, volunteers, family, and friends all came together to celebrate the holiday season, and we especially enjoyed the annual Talent Show! Shout out to Negin Sabet, a VMSN volunteer, who wrote and performed her beautiful poem Winter Heat.

Employee Spotlight

Joan - The Super Nurse!

If there’s one thing guaranteed to put our Nursing Director in a good mood, it’s a traffic-free drive to work. In Las Vegas, that’s no small gift!

An Air Force brat growing up, she traveled often before her family landed in Las Vegas when her dad was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. Constant change taught her flexibility, something she now uses every day while leading our medical team.

Nursing is truly in her blood. With a grandmother, mom, and sister all in the profession, she was surrounded by compassionate role models from the start. Today, her favorite part of the job is exactly what inspired her in the first place: helping others. She believes VMSN is a special place that supports the underserved and helps people in Southern Nevada get healthy and stay healthy.

She says the best part of being Nursing Director is working with an incredible team that shares the same heart for service. The hardest part? Finding enough hours in the day to get everything done. One experience she’ll never forget is meeting VMSN’s CEO, Desi, and having the opportunity to work alongside her as the organization has grown. Watching the clinic evolve while remaining true to its mission has been both inspiring and deeply meaningful.

When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find her with a good book. Her ideal weekend includes the beach, long walks, and cake. She jokes that she can’t live without coffee, but she’s quick to say she’s most thankful for her family, her friends, and her job.

VMSN has helped her grow as a nurse, and it’s the people here who keep her inspired. Their shared passion for helping others makes coming to work each day something she truly enjoys.

Upcoming events

Upcoming events at Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada include our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party in the Spring! We love celebrating our amazing and generous volunteers, pictures above are from last year’s party hosted at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. More details to come!

Areas of need

Ongoing Needs

$50 provides bloodwork for 7 patients to accurately diagnose
$100 provides 40 prescription medications for good health
$250 provides 125 crowns to save teeth and maintain a good diet
$1,000 provides 700 patients with medical supplies

Volunteer Clinicians – doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, cardiology, oncology, therapy.

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.