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HJR 548

Memorials, Recognition - Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc., 20th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Greg Vital

Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc. is formally recognized for 20 years of providing free primary care to uninsured residents, highlighting its community impact.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 548

Summary of House Joint Resolution 548 (HJR 548)

Quick overview

  • Type: Joint resolution (constitutional ceremonial measure)
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition – Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc., 20th anniversary
  • Sponsor: Vital
  • Status: Signed by the Governor (completed action)
  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Purpose: Recognize and commend Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), Chattanooga, Inc., on its twentieth anniversary for its community health work

Purpose and intent

HJR 548 honors Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc. for two decades of providing primary care to uninsured residents in Hamilton County and nearby counties. The resolution acknowledges VIM’s resilience through challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and commends the clinic’s mission to deliver accessible, affordable care without imposing financial burdens on patients.

Key provisions and content

  • Recognition: The resolution states that VIM has offered free primary care services since opening in May 2005, supported by community foundations, churches, and individuals.
  • Service impact highlights:
    • More than 100 volunteers (physicians, nurses, clinicians) contributing to care
    • Clinic staff: 2 full-time and 6 part-time employees
    • Over 82,000 patient visits, valued at $29 million at clinic rates and nearly $114 million at emergency department rates
    • Approximately $20 million in dispensed medications
    • Over $6.5 million in donated laboratory services
    • Volunteer contributions totaling over 170,000 hours
  • Patient demographics and needs:
    • About 70% of patients are aged roughly mid-50s to 60s
    • About 80% have income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level
    • Many patients do not qualify for ACA policies or state Medicaid
    • Patients are often employed in part-time roles and live with chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity)
  • Legislative action: The resolution concludes with a formal acknowledgment and a provision that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation.
  • Nature of measure: Purely ceremonial; no new programs, mandates, or funding appropriations are created.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc., its staff, volunteers, and patients
  • Broader impact: Community stakeholders and the public who benefit from VIM’s services and the recognition may inspire continued support for community health initiatives

Legislative history and status

  • House actions culminated in adoption and transmission to the Senate in April 2025
  • Senate actions followed, including the sponsor addition and concurrence
  • Governor signed the bill (April 24, 2025) after transmission on April 21, 2025

Practical impact

  • Formal statewide recognition of VIM’s 20-year service
  • Public acknowledgment of the organization’s contributions to community health
  • No fiscal impact or policy changes to state health programs; primarily ceremonial and inspirational in nature

If you’d like, I can extract the exact date-by-date timeline or provide a concise one-page briefing for policymakers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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