Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • September 21, 2011 Area In an effort to address the growing problem of the uninsured and to recognize physician volunteerism, the American Medical Association Foundation has awarded a $10,000 Healthy Communities/Healthy America grant to the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative. BVMI is one of only eight free healthcare centers in the nation to have received a Healthy Communities/Healthy America grant. The BVMI grant project will focus on a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes, including initial counsel- AMA Foundation awards $10,000 grant to BVMI ing, follow up visits, and group sessions that include cooking demonstrations, shopping tips, and a support group. Many services will be provided in both English and Spanish. AMA Foundation funding will support a certified diabetes nurse educator, a key component of this program. “Diabetes management practices are the key to preventing further serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and blindness,” said AMA Foundation President Owen Garrick, MD. “We are pleased to support the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative in its efforts to provide high quality health care and education to uninsured patients, who face even greater challenges in controlling their disease.” The AMA Foundation’s Healthy Communities/Healthy America program is one of the few national funding opportunities devoted solely to free healthcare centers. These non-profit, volunteer-based organizations provide a range of free or low-cost medical services to the approximately 46 million Americans without health insurance. The funding of these centers is generally raised on the local level with little, if any, government support. “Most of our patients have not seen a doctor in many years and have multiple medical problems,” said BVMI Medical Director Arthur R. De Simone. “Diabetes is a predominant chronic disease. The grant awarded by the AMA Foundation will help enormously in our effort to help patients to manage the disease and, thus, improve the quality of their life.” BVMI is completely dependent on contributions from individuals, community groups, and foundation grants. BVMI provides free primary and preventive medical care to working, low-income Bergen County residents who have no insurance of any kind. The BVMI Healthcare Center, a state-licensed ambulatory care facility, is located at 241 Moore Street, in Hackensack. For more information, contact BVMI at (201) 342-2478 or visit bvmi.org. The AMA Foundation offers a broad range of programs in public health and medical education. This year’s Healthy Communities/Healthy America program is supported by an educational grant from Lilly USA, LLC; additional funding is provided by Don Mitchell, MD, Mary Sue Mitchell, and other generous donors. To learn more, visit amafoundation.org. The Ramsey Farmers Market will hold an Apple Festival and Artisans Corner, along with special guest vendor Angela Logan, on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Main Street train station parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Logan is owner and founder of Angela’s Mortgage Cake. Her inspiring story of how she saved her home from foreclosure by baking and selling her rich and delicious cake landed her features on national TV. During the Apple Festival, vendors will offer apple-based baked goods, salads, teas, and more along with a wide variety apples and tips on cooking and baking. Children will Farmers Market hosts Apple Festival be treated to face painting and special apple-themed crafts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Several artists and crafters will join the festival in the market’s Second Artisans Corner, featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, and much more. The band Lenape Jive will entertain. Visitors are encouraged to join the Pay it Forward program by dropping off non-perishable food items at a designated market table. Along with donated produce and products from the vendors, all Pay it Forward donations will go to the Center for Food Action. For further information, call (201) 675-6866.