Volunteers are needed for both healthcare providers and non-medical positions. To learn more or to make a donation, visit vmsn.org. Volunteers in Medicine 4770 Harrison Dr., #105 Las Vegas 89121 967.0530 vmsn.org
The roster of supporters reads like a Who’s Who of
insurance premiums had increased by up to 400%.
“Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists
Las Vegas: Cashman, Fertitta, Hilton, and others.
She realized that in order to build a clinic, she and
VMSN receives no federal money. “People on our
other like-minded people would need to start by
were afraid to volunteer because
board are long-term, trusted members of the
reforming Nevada’s tort laws.
community who have a lot of friends who support us in this project,” says Jameson.
of high premiums for malpractice insurance and lawsuits.”
With California state law as a model, Jameson
need. VMSN recently won a zoning variance from
and others sought to take down barriers for
the City of Las Vegas to establish a downtown
A licensed OB/GYN practitioner, Jameson knows
medical personnel in Nevada. The Medical Injury
medicine; various supporters know fi nance, law,
Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) of 1975
and philanthropy. Jameson says all this well-focused
remains largely intact today in California. It limits
expertise eventually was enough to overcome
awards for plaintiffs in a medical malpractice
Nevada’s history of being a very litigious state.
suit, and it regulates attorney fees. In 2004,
The $2 million construction project is scheduled
Nevada voters passed a similar measure. With
for groundbreaking by the end of 2011. In addition
that important reform now in place, medical
to off ering services that patients receive at the
practitioners in Las Vegas have come forward to
Paradise Park location, the MLK wellness center will
volunteer their services. Related legislation at the
aim to address the number one health issue in our
national level has also helped the medical team at
community—addiction and alcoholism. “We want
VMSN recruit more volunteers.
to provide medical care and role models to help
That eff ort to rein in medical lawsuits started ten years ago when Jameson started approaching people about establishing a clinic that would provide free health care. “Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists were afraid to volunteer because of high premiums for malpractice insurance and lawsuits,” she says. According to Jameson, at that time
While national lawmakers decide additional
Nevada’s doctors—one-third of them OB/GYNs—
questions about health care reform, planners at
were retiring early or leaving the state because
VMSN are gearing up to reach more people in
b l vd s l v. c o m
location. The site will house a flagship wellness center that builds on the capabilities of the Paradise Park location.
them reconnect to their dreams,” says Jameson.
issue 24 m a k i n g i t B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 9
C O M M U N I T Y t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t
Volunteers in Medicine is looking for more people in the community who are interested in becoming involved.