CVIM was founded in 1998 to provide healthcare, hope and healing to local uninsured working adults and their children. Inspired by the work of Dr. Jack McConnell and supported by community leaders connected to Paoli Hospital, a primary goal was to increase access to high quality healthcare and thereby reduce costly emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

CVIM has treated thousands of patients since its opening and last year cared for about 4,000 patients during 36,420 visits. Primary and specialty medical care, comprehensive dental services, and free prescription medicines are provided to uninsured individuals and families earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level. Care is given in a comfortable setting by compassionate volunteer licensed healthcare professionals, support volunteers, and a core staff. Our operating budget is supported entirely by a generous community of philanthropic individuals, foundations, corporations, faith-based organizations and civic groups.

CVIM welcomes clients without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, handicap, or ability to pay for health care services.

We treat every patient with the dignity, respect and compassion that we expect for ourselves.

We take time with each patient to consider the “whole” person in a comprehensive manner.

We are committed to providing state-of-the-art quality care.

We celebrate learning and teaching.

We welcome the contributions of time, treasure and talent that everyone brings to CVIM.

We recognize and foster the inter-connectedness of everyone in the Chester County community and beyond.

1993 – Dr. Jack McConnell founds the Volunteers in Medicine model for charitable clinics in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

1996 – Paoli Hospital Foundation and its Auxiliary set aside funds to serve as venture capital for the development of CVIM to address the need for high quality care for low income, uninsured families in the area.  Betty Moran, Buck Bell. and Gordon Hattersley spearhead the project.  Helen Heidelbough serves as the first executive director.

1998 – CVIM, the first community-based volunteer clinic in Southeastern Pennsylvania, opens in a small storefront in Frazer, providing medical care and medications.  Dental services are added in July.

2001 – CVIM consolidates its services into a renovated warehouse in West Chester, providing services five days per week.

2008 – Founding President and CEO Helen Heidelbaugh retires, and the Board of Trustees names Maureen Tomoschuk as her successor.

2009 – The clinic undergoes an extensive expansion adding two additional exam rooms, more efficient workspace for dental professionals, and private space for patient counseling.

2014 – CVIM secures its home by purchasing the building at 300 Lawrence Drive and expanding the clinic to provide additional clinical, administrative and educational space essential to high quality and personal care.

2015 – CVIM launches its Mobile Dental Program with satellite locations at Surrey Services for Seniors in Devon and St. Rocco’s Mission in Avondale.

2019 – CVIM renovations improve clinic space and patient services by upgrading its dental suite, improving patient safety features, and adding additional administrative space.

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic forces CVIM volunteers to stay home while the health center remains open and adds COVID-related services.  Telehealth begins.

2023 – CVIM celebrates its 25th anniversary, growing from a small storefront to a major health center where 331 volunteers provided 41.412 patient visits to 4,377 patients in Fiscal Year 2023.