Community Outreach Medical Program

“During a special board of directors meeting, held in february 2018 the board met to review the form 990 in detail. The treasurer provided each member of the board with a copy of form 990, then together the board members reviewed, discussed and together finalized the details. Particular attention was paid to the tax compliance and governance, management and disclosure questions. Filing of the form 990 as prepared was passed unanimously by the board.”

“The conflict on interst policy is considered to be monitored and enforced by way of discussion during regulary scheduled board meetings.”

“Neither the chairman of the board, nor any other board members are compensated.”

“The organization makes it governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request. This information is available at thompson palmer & associates, 275 east broadway, jackson, wyoming 83001. To make an appointment call (307) 733-5160 and ask for lee burbank.”

“Method of accounting is modified accrual”

“The teton free clinic was a dream that became a reality for retired orthopedic surgeon dr. Robert volz as he finished his tenure on the board of directors for st. John's medical center in jackson, wy. Dr. Volz was concerned that a portion of his community did not have adequate access to health care; meaning that they either did not heave health insurance or were low-income and could not afford to pay for the care they needed. After conducting a survey, he was shocked to learn that 25% of the population did not have health insurance. People were also asked where they go for medical care. Many stated that they would go the emergency room for even minor illnesses. Since an er cannot turn people away due their inability to pay as a result legislation passed in 1986, their departments have become overrun with this patient population. We know that the er is the most expensive form of health care and those unpaid accounts result in the rising cost of health care for the population as a whole. Dr. Volz researched this topic in great detail wondering how other communities are addressing this issue. He discovered an organization founded in hilton head, sc called the volunteers in medicine institute. Founded by dr jack connell, the vimi opened the first free clinic as a pilot program to see if volunteers could come together to offer primary care to those in need free of charge. It was a huge success and they branched out to spread the word. The vimi is now nationally recognized and currently supports over 50 free clinics nation wide. Using the vimi model, the teton free clinic was formed in 2003. Its mission is to provide primary medical care, and to understand the health and wellness needs of the medically underserved and their household members who live or work in teton county, wy. The teton free clinic was given a generous donation to provide the initial funding, and is now supported by donations made mostly through 2 local fundraisers. The clinic operates one evening per week. It is staffed by an executive director, and a physicians assistant who receive a small stipend to ensure continuity of care and many other volunteer physicians, nurses, social workers, and lay volunteer community members. The clinic sees approximately 750 patient visits per year. Patients must provide documentation stating that they are residents of teton county, wy, do not have health insurance and meet the income guidelines. Services that are offered are similar to those of any primary care facility; treating a wide range of diagnoses from diabetes to hypertension and minor accidents. Most laboratory and radiology tests are covered as well as prescriptions. The clinic's theme is the circle of caring and giving. We ask each patient to recognize that the services they receive are a gift to them out of love and concern from their community and they are in turn asked to offer an act of kindness to someone they encounter in life who is also in need. The clinic continues to be a success and it is heartwarming to see the direct impact that a program like this can have on the health and wellness needs of a local community.”