ViM Live 2026
ViM Live is a series of inspiring experiences and thoughtful conversations that bring communities together.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Thursday, July 16, 2026
What Would a Rational Health Care System Look Like, and Why Don’t We Have One?
Thursday, July 16th
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Barrington Hall
FEATURING
Jonathan Gruber
Jonathan Gruber is an MIT economist specializing in health economics and public finance. He played a central role in designing both the Massachusetts health reform (“Romneycare”) and the Affordable Care Act. He has published extensively and is recognized as one of the most influential contributors to modern U.S. health policy.
David Himmelstein
David Himmelstein is an internal medicine physician and distinguished professor of public health at Hunter College. He co‑founded Physicians for a National Health Program, a leading advocacy group for single‑payer healthcare. His research on medical bankruptcy, health costs, and patient dumping has significantly influenced U.S. health policy, including prompting the EMTALA law.
Sherry Glied
Sherry Glied is a health policy scholar who served as Dean of NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service from 2013 to 2025. She previously served as Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as Senior Economist on the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. A member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she is widely recognized for her work on health policy and mental health care, and is the author of several major books in the field. She now continues her work as a member of the NYU faculty.
Make an impact today.
Support our mission by underwriting the event today, underwriters get early access to tickets.
Seating is limited.
In lieu of a gala, these events will serve as ViM’s key fundraisers for 2026. This choice reflects our commitment to engage the community on issues connected to ViM’s mission while developing meaningful ways to support our healthcare centers in Great Barrington and Pittsfield.
Tickets are coming soon!
To purchase tickets by check or over the phone, or to underwrite by check, stock, or DAF, email nfernandez@vimberkshires.org or call 413-528-4014. Checks may also be mailed to ViM Berkshires, 777 Main Street, Suite 4, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
ViM Live is a new speaker series that brings powerful voices to the region to engage in vital conversations about the world we live in today.
Born from discussions with our dedicated supporters, ViM Live was created to encourage meaningful, community wide dialogue.
These events convene thought leaders, policymakers, and community members to explore pressing issues while offering enriching experiences.
We are creating an opportunity for a virtual paddle raise, since we aren’t having a traditional gala this year.
Our hope is to raise as much as, or more than, we raised at last year’s event:
$200,000.
A gift of $5,600 allows ViM to provide comprehensive women’s health services to four patients for one full year.
A gift of $2,800 allows ViM to provide chronic disease management to two patients for one full year.
A gift of $1,400 allows ViM to provide clinical and nonclinical care to one patient for an entire year. Your gift supports our whole health model, which includes their social determinants of health.
All paddle raise revenue will support ViM’s core programming, including primary care, dental health, women’s health and behavioral health.
Donations are 100% tax deductible.