Area October 5, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 17 The Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Inc. will mark the second anniversary of the opening of the BVMI Healthcare Center at the “Celebrating the Culture of Caring Reception and Buffet Supper,” Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Seasons in Washington Township. Volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals provide free primary and preventive medical care to low-income Bergen County residents who have no health insurance. The BVMI Healthcare Center, a statelicensed ambulatory care facility, is located at 241 Moore Street, Hackensack. BVMI is guided by a “culture of caring” – a belief that the way a person is treated is as important as the medical care received. Six physicians will receive the Community Leadership Award for their commitment to BVMI’s patients. The physicians are representative of the 300 doctors throughout Bergen County who have offered to see BVMI’s patients on a referral basis at no fee in their private practice and the regular staff of volunteer doctors at the center. The honorees are Paul E. Berman, O.D., optometry, Focus Eye Health and Vision Care, Hackensack; Richard S. Goldweit, MD, cardiovascular disease, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center; Scott D. Lippe, MD, gastroenterology, Bergen Regional Medical Center; Lisa Ann Miller, MD, gynecol- BVMI to present awards at anniversary event ogy and obstetrics, Hackensack University Medical Center; John Poole, MD, general surgery, Holy Name Medical Center; and Mitchell J. Rubinoff, MD, gastroenterology, The Valley Hospital. The Corporate Spirit of Giving Award will be presented to Brach Eichler, LLC, the Roseland-based law firm whose Healthcare Group has guided BVMI in its development and continues to provide pro bono counsel to BVMI. The firm has sustained the valued relationship which BVMI enjoyed with the late Burt Eichler, Esq. Medco Health Solutions will also receive the Corporate Spirit of Giving Award for its support of healthcare education and strong commitment to ensuring access to affordable, high-quality prescriptions for low-income Bergen County residents. A Special Tribute will be given to Bernard M. Weinstein, MPH, immediate past chair of the BVMI Board of Trustees for his leadership. Weinstein, a resident of Fair Lawn, is a former executive director of Bellevue Hospital in New York, and former commissioner of hospitals in Westchester County. His knowledge of healthcare systems was critical in the development of the BVMI Healthcare Center. Since opening in November 2009, over 800 patients have been treated at the center. BVMI, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, is completely dependent on contributed income from individuals, businesses, community groups and foundation grants. The “Celebrating the Culture of Caring” reception is the annual fundraising event. “BVMI has demonstrated that we can make a huge difference for people who lack health insurance while also offering a model for prevention, coordinated care and reduced cost in the long run,” said BVMI Board of Trustees Chairman Michael W. Azzara. “We are grateful to all our donors and volunteers. Their continued involvement and the welcome addition of new participants will insure our ability to meet the increasing community need for our services.” BVMI Founding Chairman Samuel A. Cassell, MD and volunteer Joan Cowlan are co-chairs of the Journal Committee. Trustee Heidi Ahlborn, MD is heading the Auction Committee supported by Friends of BVMI. For reservations or information about the journal and auction, contact Executive Director Norma Gindes at (201) 342-2478, extension 8484. Reservations are $175 per person. The organization’s website is bvmi.org.