Oakwood Church and New Braunfels Christian Ministries (NBCM) celebrated today the grand opening of the new Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) clinic building in October 2024.
Jim Wesson, NBCM executive director, said access to medical care is a growing problem, and the U.S. Census indicates that 13.3 percent of residents, or more than 25,000 individuals in Comal County, are uninsured.
“VIM may not be the complete solution, but it is one solution,” he said. “It may be the solution that helps someone manage their diabetes, control their high blood pressure, treat their asthma or COPD. It is a solution for more than 700 patients a year who come to over 7,000 appointments annually.”
He said the new facility was made possible by the members of Oakwood Church, who contributed $2.5 million for the construction of the building. Use of the building is provided rent-free to VIM, allowing the New Braunfels-based charitable clinic to provide quality medical and dental care to local uninsured patients with income levels less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level at no charge.
“We are deeply grateful for Oakwood Church and their leadership team for their vision and heart for people, and for their encouragement and support,” Wesson said. “They continue to make a difference in people’s lives every day.”
Ray Still, Oakwood Church senior pastor and NBCM board chair, said Oakwood members gave generously to provide this building as a gift celebrating the church’s 40th anniversary.
“This clinic stands as a living testimony to the glory of God. It is a place where the vulnerable of our community will experience the love of Jesus Christ, rediscover hope, and find healing,” Still said.
The new 9,400 sq foot facility located on W San Antonio St was designed with patient privacy and efficient care in mind. Wesson said the facility is equipped with six exam rooms, three dental operatories and a patient education classroom. It also provides additional workspace and increased capacity to support future growth.
“So much has gone into this clinic. We are deeply grateful for the many generous donors who have helped make it a reality. It will no doubt be a legacy in our community for years to come,” Wesson said.
Reflecting on the last 15 years, Wesson explained that physicians, nurses, dentists, and others have worked and volunteered in the former building, providing for 88,000 appointments. Their investment represents a staggering $41 million worth of medical and dental care.
“Now it is a new season,” Wesson said. “It’s a season where more volunteer opportunities will be filled, more appointments will be made, and more patients will be seen, treated, cared for and made whole. But we need your help.”
Wesson explained that our community is at a critical juncture of unprecedented growth, rising uninsured rates and increased costs. While the new clinic building increases efficiency, more clinical volunteers – primary care doctors, nurses, dentists, and specialists – are needed to fill this growing need and improve the quality of life for those in our community.
“VIM is so much more than a free clinic, and this is not just a building,” Wesson said. “It is a place where lives can be changed.”
