ABOUT

About Coastal Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM)

Coastal Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) is a nonprofit, volunteer-powered free health clinic providing high-quality, no-cost primary care for qualified uninsured adults in our community. Founded in 2009 to meet a critical need for accessible health care in Ocean County and surrounding areas, Coastal VIM helps uninsured individuals and working families receive consistent medical care in a professional, respectful setting. Our clinic is powered by volunteer physicians, advanced practice nurses, and dedicated support teams committed to compassionate, patient-centered care, regardless of insurance status.

What began with humble roots at King of Kings Church in Manahawkin has grown into a trusted community health resource and essential safety net. Through charitable support and strong partnerships, CVIM helps prevent avoidable emergency room visits and complications from unmanaged chronic conditions by offering ongoing primary care, health education, monitoring supplies, and access to screenings and vaccinations. Supported entirely by donations, volunteers, and community partners, Coastal VIM remains focused on one mission: delivering dependable, dignified health care at no cost for uninsured neighbors.

Who We Serve:

Alice is an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals who earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford a minimal household budget. They earn too little to afford out-of-pocket insurance costs but also are not eligible for federally-subsidized healthcare programs. ALICE is your child care worker, the cashier at your supermarket, your gas attendant, the salesperson at your big box store, your waitress, a home health aid, an office clerk etc. ALICE cannot always pay the bills, has little to nothing in savings, and is forced to make tough choices such as deciding between putting food on the table, paying the electric bill, paying the rent or paying for medication, lab work or a doctor's visit.

Our Mission

Since 2010, our primary mission has been to understand and serve the health and wellness needs of the uninsured, medically underserved population in Ocean County, NJ. We accomplish this by providing free primary health care through volunteer clinicians and support staff, following a “Culture of Caring” model.

Our Philosophy

The “Culture of Caring” is the heart and soul of our clinic. It is based on an ethical standard in medicine. We believe that how people are treated during a visit to the clinic is as important as the medical care they receive. We respect the diversity of our local population, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, creed, disability status, employment status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other status. We practice treatment with respect and dignity in a nurturing and non-judgmental environment.

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.

The majority of patients being treated at CVIM for chronic conditions are being treated for hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity and joint pain.

Goals: Provide management of chronic medical conditions to

Improve the quality of life and mortality of our patients
Decrease the inappropriate use of urgent care for primary care issues
Reduce emergency room visits by controlling chronic conditions before they reach emergent levels
Support the social and economic news of our patients by providing them with information about other available resources
Give our patients autonomy over their care

FAQ’s:

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.
- 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