City Ends Be Generous Month with VIM Contribution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2006

Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan and Council President Chris Sturbaum announced today that they are proposing the City of Bloomington contribute $100,000 to the newly established Volunteers In Medicine (VIM) clinic.

The funding will be part of an appropriation ordinance the City administration will bring forward to the Council early next year. The proposed appropriations will be covered in part by additional County option income tax revenues the City learned would be distributed by the state, earlier this year.

"Our community character initiative, Be Bloomington, concludes this year with December being 'Be Generous Month,' and we want to support a group of physicians and community volunteers who are being generous with their time and talents as they serve the low income community," Kruzan said.

Area physicians have volunteered to operate VIM and provide free health care to low income citizens.

"Bloomingtonians are known for their generosity, and we want to acknowledge that with this contribution from City government," Sturbaum said.

Kruzan and Sturbaum said the funds are intended to help cover startup expenses for the new organization. VIM also will be eligible to apply for Jack Hopkins Social Services grant funds in the future.