Our Impact
How We Help Our Community
Coastal Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) improves health outcomes in Ocean County by providing free primary care to qualified uninsured adults who are often excluded from the traditional healthcare system. We address more than symptoms by reducing barriers to care and treating every patient with dignity and respect.
CVIM helps families avoid impossible choices between medications and basic needs like food, housing, and utilities, while also easing the strain on local providers and hospitals that absorb uncompensated care. By delivering care in a family-care setting, we reduce avoidable emergency room visits, prevent minor issues from becoming emergencies, and support chronic disease management. The result is a healthier workforce and a stronger community built through volunteer service and compassion.
630+ patient visits in 2025
220+ uninsured individuals and families
1,960+ appointments in the last 3 years
Services We Provide:
Primary Care
Comprehensive primary care visits focused on prevention, diagnosis, and ongoing management of common health conditions. Patients receive continuity of care with follow-up support as needed.
Free flu & COVID vaccines (OCHD): Seasonal flu and COVID vaccinations are offered at no cost through our partnership with the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD). Vaccines help protect patients and reduce the risk of serious illness.
Vision screenings and free glasses (NJCBVI):
Vision screenings help identify changes in eyesight and potential concerns that require follow-up. Eligible patients may receive free eyeglasses through our partnership with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NJCBVI).
Nutrition counseling and diabetic education (SOMC and OCHD): Patients receive practical nutrition counseling and diabetes education through our partnerships with Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) and OCHD. The goal is to improve long-term health through realistic lifestyle guidance and self-management skills.
Cancer screenings (NJ CEED)
We provide screening referrals and support for cervical, breast, prostate, and colon cancers through our partnership with NJ CEED. Early detection services help patients take timely next steps for evaluation and treatment.
Blood pressure and diabetic monitoring supplies:
We help patients access essential monitoring supplies to support blood pressure and diabetes management at home. These tools reinforce day-to-day tracking and improve clinical follow-up.
Languages spoken/Translation Services: We provide services in English and Spanish. We have onsite translators and bilingual staff available. If needed, we use online translation services provided by Jeenie at $1/minute. We estimate approximately 80 - 85% of our patients speak Spanish.
Closing the Gap for the Uninsured
CVIM serves individuals who would otherwise delay care until a crisis occurs. We provide a trusted family-care setting that supports early intervention and long-term health, instead of relying on emergency rooms for routine medical needs.
Patient Stories
Our patients come from different backgrounds and circumstances, but the one thing they have in common is that they are all grateful for the services they receive from Coastal Volunteers in Medicine. We share a few of their stories so you may see how your support is so very helpful.
Paul lives in Beach Haven West with his wife Maria. A few years ago, he got hurt at his job, couldn’t work, and therefore couldn’t afford health insurance. When he heard of CVIM, he felt ashamed to reach out. He was ashamed he couldn’t afford health care. But the professional care, he received helped him to overcome his fears. More, the personal care and follow-up helped him to rise above any inhibitions and move on with his life.
Today, Paul is working and paying for his own health care. He is grateful to Coastal for helping him out during a most stressful time. He says,” I’ll tell everyone and anyone about the great care and attention I received.”
Bob credits the CVIM with saving his life. His symptoms were diagnosed correctly, and through the influence of the nursing staff, Bob was able to get two stents put in at Deborah Heart and Lung Center. The doctors were amazed he didn’t have a heart attack. He’s recovering and back to work.
Bob and his wife live in Forked River. They both work. They do not have enough disposable income to afford health care. He says,” I believe I’m sitting here speaking with you because of the intervention and professionalism of the staff. I have some friends who cannot afford insurance. One of them recently died because of lack of primary care.”
A female patient: “I live in Little Egg Harbor with my husband, who is six years my senior. When we moved here, I couldn’t find work that offered health care benefits. I wasn’t sure what to do. My husband was on Medicare, but we couldn’t afford care for me. Then, I saw an ad in the church bulletin for CVIM. I called and received an appointment. The care and concern I received was as good as or better than I’ve received in a traditional doctor’s office. I can’t praise them enough for their wonderful work”
FAQ’s:
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Coastal Volunteers in Medicine (Coastal VIM) is a clinic that provides free, non-emergency primary medical services to uninsured and qualified residents of Ocean County and neighboring areas. Eligible persons must have no health insurance and have an annual income equal to or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Coastal VIM is not a walk-in clinic or an emergency room. Pre-registration is required. Please call (609) 384-0102 to review your eligibility and to ensure that the services you require are available. You will then be able to make an in-person eligibility appointment to review your eligibility documents and schedule an appointment with one of our providers. -
Tax-deductible contributions from community members fund and sustain our efforts. This includes cash donations from individuals, organizations, businesses, and corporations, foundation grants, as well as in-kind services and gifts. The clinic does not rely on any government funding.
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Primary and on-going care
Physicals and health screenings
Mental Health Counseling
Adult Psychiatric Services for our current patients
Women’s Care and Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings through NJCEED
Diabetes and other chronic disease management
Diagnostic testing through Southern Ocean Medical Center
Prescription Assistance Program
Social service referrals
Health Education
Vision and Diabetic Eye Screenings through NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Free glasses
Flu Vaccines
