Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic (JVMC) is a student-run clinic that targets intravenous drug users and sex workers in Sacramento. The clinic, run out of a 45 foot RV, is outfitted with two patient examination rooms and a dispensary. Since most of the patients seen at JVMC do not have health insurance, their high risk behavior often lands them in local emergency rooms. JVMC acts as an intervention service, reaching out to patients before their conditions drain limited ER resources, pose a public health hazard, or become fatal to the patient.

We listen to our patients and work with them, on their own terms, on ways to improve their health in light of their high risk behaviors. Students learn how to interact with a neglected and underserved patient population, who are often mistrusting of health care professionals. We rely solely on grants and donations to operate. The care that we provide comes completely free of charge. Our most important resource for patient care is our volunteers.