STUART — Volunteering comes from the heart. It doesn’t always require medical experience; sometimes just the passion to give back is good enough.
Jeremy Harris heard about Volunteers in Medicine Clinic through the Stuart/Martin Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast event. He was touched by our mission and was eager to help.
“Volunteering is a way for me to show gratitude and that’s a big thing for me. I’m thankful for the VIM Clinic. I’m not a doctor but I want to help, even if it’s moving boxes, fixing the supply closet, or helping out with graphics,” said Harris.
He feels it’s his obligation to help those without health insurance. There’s a great deal of support in the community, but there are still people who are uninsured.
Harris understands the importance of VIM because he knows people without health insurance. The ability for someone to come into the clinic and not have to worry about money is super important, Harris says.
“It’s a wonderful thing and it’s fulfilling because they’re folks who are missing the care they need. I think the mission and the way it’s being executed is great,” said Harris.
His talents have been essential to VIM. He’s designing and donating a retractable banner to enhance our outreach efforts. Harris is also assisting the administrative staff with fundraising events.
He was born in Georgia and spent most of his childhood life living in the South. He and his family moved to the Dominican Republic when he was 17 for two years to partake in missionary work. It was a life-changing experience.
“You get this whole other prospective coming from the (United) States and being very sheltered. That was one of the biggest changes in my life,” said Harris. “It was interesting for a kid growing up in the South moving to a Third World country and experiencing rolling blackouts. Everyday our chores was to carry 5-gallon water bottles from the local store for our water supply.”
Harris graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Central Florida. He was pursuing a career in finance, which led to marketing.
“I was going to school to be a financial planner. I was scheduled to take a marketing class and I fell in love with it. It allowed me to marry my creative side and my business side,” said Harris.
He runs his own digital marketing agency titled Growth Squad, serving the Treasure Coast and beyond. When he’s not working, he’s normally spending time with his two sons.
The VIM Clinic provides free health services for uninsured Martin County residents. Patients must have an annual income less than $24,120. For more information, contact us at (772) 463-4128.