Page 89 - FLIPBOOK ALL SOM WINTER 2022_Neat

NOT JUST A WALK-IN CLINIC

Worth
VALLEY IMMEDIATE CARE SERVES ITS COMMUNITY

“Compassion is an action word with no Worth
the wait!
boundaries.”
-Prince the wait!

A common perception of clinics such as Valley Immediate Care
include terms such as urgent and emergency. While they do han-
dle on-the-spot medical events, Valley Immediate Care is about
far more. In their Southern Oregon locations—two in Medford,
and one each in Ashland and Grants Pass—they also offer derma-
tology (screening, management, surgery, pathology), orthopedics
(sprains/strains, fractures, joint injections, sports medicine),
occupational health, and aesthetics services.

However, the clinic also has programs that deal with bigger
pictures in people’s lives. In 2015, they started Ink Out, a free
tattoo-removal clinic that serves at-risk youth. Many of these
young people have “bad” tattoos, such as location on the body It’s life. It’s live. Don’t miss it
or symbols that give messages the kids no longer claim as theirs.
Although society has come to mostly accept tattoos, youth who
JimWitter’s
Starring
were once involved in gangs but now choose a different path, feel Jim W itter ’ s Joel Murray,
their tats hold them back—employment barriers, ongoing suspi- PIANO MEN Jeff B. Davis,
PIANO MEN
Ryan Stiles
cion of gang affiliation. Some of these kids become so discouraged & Greg
they feel they might as well stay in their gang. Brent Kell, CEO, Proops
is proud of this program that helps them move forward after bad WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?
decisions. “We all make mistakes,” he says. The music of Elton John & Billy Joel
The music of Elton John & Billy Joel
LIKE THE TV SHOW, ONLY LIVE!
sponsored by Marjorie Overland & Andy J.
There are adults who also want their tattoos removed and can Kranenburg, M.D./Southern Oregon Orthopedics sponsored exclusively by Southern Oregon Subaru
afford it, and their payment helps fund Ink Out. Some might say Saturday, January 8, 7:30pm Sunday, January 16, 7pm
that these kids made their choices, now they have to live with them. $32, $35, $38, Youth/Stud. $22, $25, $28 $47, $50, $53
Valley feels otherwise. This service to 140+ people (mostly youth) FRIENDS! NORTH
and counting is changing lives. Sebastian’s story is a perfect exam- JESSE COOK AMERICAN
ple of why Valley Immediate Care believes in this program. He was THE MUSICAL PARODY TOUR
involved in a gang in Southern California, was shot and paralyzed. TEMPEST II
He wanted out, so he and his mother moved to this area, where his
mom heard about the program. His gang tattoos still made him a TOUR
target, however, and he feared for his safety. After tattoo removal,
Sebastian enrolled in RCC and earned a degree in computer sci- sponsored exclusively by Southern Oregon PBS sponsored by S. Oregon Magazine & Jim & Valerie Root
.
ence. He is a young man who has turned his life around. Sunday, January 23, 7pm Wed., January 26, 7:30pm
$29, $32, $35, Youth/Stud. $20, $23, $26 $32, $35, $38
During COVID, Valley has administered 10,000+ vaccines, some
by hosting drive-through clinics in partnership with churches,
synagogues, and other organizations. They also work with health Drummers of Japan Storm
Storm
departments in Jackson and Josephine counties. The departments

L
rge
a
have the funding, but need assistance with the logistics. Large
Statistics show that many of today’s workers frequently change
jobs. In order to combat the time, energy, and disruption of hir- sponsored by Precision Electric & sponsored by Southern Oregon Magazine &
Medford BMW/Nissan/Volkswagen
The Rogue Valley Messenger
ing and training, Valley allows its employees to change positions Wed., February 9, 7:30pm Friday, February 11, 7:30pm
within the clinic. The benefits are many—employees gain new $42, $45, $48, Youth/Stud. $30, $33, $36 $37, $40, $43
skills and there is continuity within the workplace. Because of this
practice, the company thrived and grew through the last couple Visit craterian.org or call 541.779.8000
of years of pandemic. for more details or to purchase tickets.
winter 2022 | www.southernoregonmagazine.com 87