PRESS RELEASE

October 16, 2025

 VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE EXPANDS “EDIBLE” PARKING LOT: MAKES ROOM FOR MORE PATIENTS AND MORE PLANTS

 HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. – On October 16, 2025, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Hilton Head Island (VIM) cut the ribbon on its new and expanded parking lot for clinic patients and staff.

In the parking lots and green spaces at VIM, you will see a host of banana trees, citrus and nut trees, as well as various herbs for preparing meals. VIM also operates a hydroponic “Farm-acy” that produces 30,000+ leafy greens yearly.

 “VIM not only treats illness, but champions prevention and wellness,” says Dr. John Newman, the clinic’s executive director.  “Every patient receives personalized counseling on nutrition, physical activity and healthy habits. VIM’s wellness program and innovative Food as Medicine initiative is helping our community thrive from the inside out,” says Newman.

 The land for the new “edible” parking lot was donated to VIM via a land lease from the Town of Hilton Head Island and provides an additional 58 parking spaces. VIM has grown over the years, and the existing parking lots were simply not large enough for its growing patient and volunteer base. 

Over 35 people attended the ribbon cutting event.  Speakers included Dr. John Newman and Diane Wilson from VIM, Mayor Alan Perry and Ray Deal from the Chamber of Commerce.

VIM thanks the Town of Hilton Head and the many contractors and donors who helped make this expansion possible.