In February, VIM welcomed Morgan Schmidt as the newest member of the board of directors. “Morgan is bringing her skills, passion, and creativity to our board and I’m excited to work with her to help provide health care for the uninsured in Central Oregon,” said Erika McCalpine, VIM’s Board Chair.

Morgan brings a wealth of experience to the VIM board and has dedicated her career to community building and collaboration. She’s a co-founder of the Clergy for Justice of Central Oregon, founded Pandemic Partners, Chairs the Presbytery of the Cascades Wildfire Response Committee, Chairs the Homeless Leadership Coalition’s Community Engagement Committee. She also serves as a member of the Larkspur Neighborhood Association Board, and an appointed representative for the City of Bend’s Neighborhood Leadership Alliance.

Morgan is a true believer in the power of board leadership to transform an organization and looks forward to growing the legacy of her predecessors at VIM. As an advocate for justice and peace, she has made it a priority to strengthen her community and provide a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. By joining the VIM board Morgan will be able to advocate for the underserved in Central Oregon and further strengthen the community through her service. Welcome Morgan!

VIM is also saying goodbye to two longtime board members, Reverend Dr. Barry B Heath and Kurt Barker.

Reverend Dr. Barry B Heath served as the board’s vice-chair last fiscal year and has brought a wealth of experience and insight during his term. Before serving on the board Barry served 15 years as Director of Pastoral Care at Salem Hospital and focused on Medical Ethics and Oncology and ICU patients. After “retirement” and moving to Central Oregon in 2008, Barry served as Administrator and taught courses for the Sacred Art of Living Center in Bend. He now enjoys serving in volunteer capacities with patient care and teaching and facilitating support groups.

Barry says of his tenure, “Serving on the VIM board has enabled me to work with outstanding folks and be in service to an important part of our Central Oregon community. I am grateful to the staff and board members I have worked with over the years who have provided outstanding time, skills, and energy. I hope that what I have been able to contribute has served our patients and community, and the hardworking staff and board continue to do the good work!”

Kurt Barker, with Best, Best & Krieger Attorneys at Law (formerly Karnopp Petersen), served as secretary and governance committee chair while on the board. He’s practiced labor and employment law for two decades and says, “It’s hard not to be inspired by the providers I’ve met who love their work at VIM, and by the stories of success that can be found there.” Kurt is involved with numerous other organizations, including the Human Resources Association of Central Oregon (HRACO), the Deschutes County Bar Association, and the Society of Human Resources Management.

 Kat Mastrangelo, VIM’s Executive Director, had this to say, “Both Barry and Kurt have been wonderful to work with and they will be truly missed. They have left VIM stronger because of their service. “

About Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades

Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades (VIM) is a nonprofit clinic in Bend that provides free medical care to low-income, uninsured adults from working families in Central Oregon. Our mission is “to improve the health and wellness of the medically uninsured or critically underserved through the engagement of professionals, community partners, and dedicated volunteers.” VIM is the only clinic in Central Oregon that cares for the uninsured without charge. Patients receive primary and specialty medical care, medications, mental health care, surgery, physical therapy, lab work, medical tests, and education programs. All care is provided through medical and support volunteers. www.vim-cascades.org