Author: VTCC Volunteers

Flu Shots are now available at Villa Therese Catholic Clinic.

Please call (983-8561) or email the clinic to make an appointment for your flu shot. Flu shots are available for both adults and children. The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against the flu. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection.

Whether you’re enjoying a three-day weekend trip away or celebrating this Labor Day Weekend at home, remember to be safe while you’re having fun.

If you’re traveling, remember to carry an emergency supply kit in your car’s trunk and let someone know your travel route and estimated time of arrival. Buckle up and observe
speed limits — and don’t drink and drive.

And, here are some safety tips for your backyard grilling: keep the grill away from the house, tree branches or anything that could catch fire. Keep children and pets away from
the hot grill and NEVER add charcoal starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited.

The American Red Cross has a First Aid App for smart phones and tablets. The First Aid App will provide users with expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This
free app is available on Apple iTunes, Google Play stores or at redcross.org/mobileapps.

R.O.S.A. is an acronym for Reaching Out Serving All — a goal the staff, volunteer health care providers, and board strive towards each day to fulfill the clinic’s mission: to
serve the underserved with quality health care in a responsible manner continuing the mission the Sisters of Charity established in 1937. “Rosa” is also the Spanish word for
“rose.” And, roses are the favorite flower of St. Therese of Lisieux, the clinic’s patroness. St. Therese is often painted or sculpted holding an armful of roses. When she was still
alive, St. Therese had promised that when she died she would shower “rose petals” down from the sky, a sign of her intercession. “A soul inflamed with love can not remain
inactive … If only you knew what I plan to do when I’m in heaven … I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.” R.O.S.A will share the good that Villa Therese Catholic
Clinic does in our work, things we have learned, and how we strive to improve our compassionate service.

Last month VTCC had its 19th Pack-2-School program serving over 130 children and their families. When we went to Staples in Santa Fe to order the school supplies, we
introduced ourselves to the manager, Mario Mente. But the clinic itself needed no introduction to Mario because he and his four siblings all came to Villa Therese while
growing up in Santa Fe. Mario’s dad was a single father and worked three jobs to support his family. “The services at Villa Therese were a necessity for us,” Mario said, “and it was
awesome. It meant so much to our family.” Mario said that because of help from Villa Therese Catholic Clinic and St. Vincent de Paul, he and his siblings were the first
generation in his family to graduate from high school.

Mario, in turn, gave back to the clinic by helping the Pack-2-School program receive an additional discount for the school supplies from Staples and simplifying the ordering
process for us.