Community Impact
The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic practices under the philosophy of a “Culture of Caring.” This philosophy recognizes the strengths of those in need and respects their dignity. We seek to heal not only physical illness, but also the injury caused by bias, prejudice, and indifference.
Annual Appeal with Dr. Vance Wright-Browne
The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (VBA) represents “the possible” for the many uninsured residents living in our community who lack access to timely, cost effective and caring healthcare.
Run by a small staff and a legion of Volunteers, these amazing professionals give more than their best every day. The VBA embodies one of my most valued principles. Timely and effective health care, regardless of societal privilege.
Since serving on the Board, I was recently appointed as the new Volunteer Medical Director, following in the footsteps of our Interim Volunteer Medical Director, Dr. Paul Chupka. Our beloved Dr. David Klein, who passed away, held this post for many years and was a Co-Founder of the clinic. He will be in our hearts today and always. I am humbled and excited to have been asked to continue in this amazing leadership volunteer position.
To expand our mission, we plan to launch a Mobile Medical Bus, funded by the Charlotte County Commissioners, slated for the New Year to serve those most in need who cannot make the trip to VBA.
Essential to our work is the need to secure funding to keep VBA open. Without the consistent financial commitment from our Community, we could not keep VBA operational to be the healthcare lifeline that our community needs.
Even after a year, we are reeling from the costly needed repairs due to Hurricane Ian. Specifically, funding is needed for a new generator, electrical panel and roof.
Please join us, in whatever level of giving that you can support in empowering the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic to remain a “Beacon of Care” in our Community.
“It is in giving that we receive”.
Thank-you,
Vance Wright-Browne, M.D.
Volunteer Medical Director
The Story of Connie Martell
Connie reminds us that Today is the right time to say Thank You Life is so precious and goes by way too fast. We hear it, we know it and yet we procrastinate daily. Case in point: During the early days of the Pandemic, until just a couple of months ago, one of our...
Paula & Mike’s Story
Charlotte County’s under-served population has many faces... Paula and Mike were a hardworking couple. Though they struggled to make ends meet, they were proud that they were always able to pay their own way. Sadly, neither had health insurance, but they knew that...
The Youngest Philanthropist
Jackson Winkler is the youngest Philanthropist we know! For his 6th Birthday Party, Jackson asked his guests instead of bringing birthday presents for him, to bring items that could be donated to the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, “to help people in...
Barbara’s Story
As a single, working mother, Barbara Thomas was used to making sacrifices. The owner of a childcare service, Barbara made a career out of putting others before herself. One of these sacrifices included health insurance, a fact that culminated into a harsh reality for...
Jennifer’s Story
“I have been a patient at Virginia B. Andes for a number of years, and it has been an incredible God-Send for me. Whenever I have occasion to be there, I am flooded with gratitude that this amazing, much needed, facility exists - especially in a relatively small...
Meet James……
James is only 55 and has a history of alcohol dependence, anxiety, chronic back pain, and depression. The VBA physician noted that he had elevated liver enzymes and other abnormal labs that are affected by alcohol abuse. He spent a lot of time with him going over...
Debbie’s Story
Meet Debbie……… I had just moved here from Boston, Massachusetts and had taken my prescription to CVS to be filled. I was told that it would be $800 because my insurance did not cover me in Florida. I did some research with family & friends and learned about...
A Mission Message from Maggie
In honor of Virginia B. Andes, I would like to thank the organization for its superb volunteer work in the delivery and facilitation of Medical, Pharmacy and Wellness Services to the under-served in Charlotte County. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I am...
Another Success story at VBA… Diana
“Hi, my name is Diana and I have been utilizing the VBA Volunteer Clinic since 2005. It’s a wonderful program run by all Volunteers, very caring men and women. The limits they reach out to help you are amazing! And they have many services. But back to my weight...