James Wierman, DO, recently received the Michiana 55 Plus Volunteer of the Year Award at the Windsor Park Conference Center in Mishawaka, Ind.

He was also the winner in the Health and Medicine volunteer category.

Dr. Wierman was among several individuals recognized at the 13th annual event established by Teachers Credit Union.

“Dr. Wierman has been and continues to be a pillar of this community,” said Joy Strand, administrator and chief operating officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “He has been a selfless advocate for our patients, as well as those in need around the world. We sincerely congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”

Nominated by the Cass County Council on Aging, Dr. Wierman was central in founding the Cass County Free Health Clinic in 2003.

Through the clinic, Dr. Wierman cared for about 25 uninsured adults per week.

In addition to serving as the clinic’s primary physician, he performed mission work on many occasions, especially in Haiti.

During the last 10 years, Dr. Wierman has taken four medical groups on week-long trips to Haiti to deliver care and support.

In 2010, he traveled to the country to help earthquake victims.

Currently, he is on the board of the Episcopal University of Haiti, a four-year baccalaureate School of Nursing.
Dr. Wierman founded the Scholastic Clay Target Program that teaches sportsmanship and hunter safety to youth groups from third grade through high school.

He is also very active in his church and served patients at his 400 W. Division St. practice for more than three decades until retiring June 30.

Alan Smiy, MD, and Kim Torres, family nurse practitioner, assume his responsibilities.

The annual event honored volunteers in five categories: Education, Health and Medicine, Cultural Arts, Children and Families and Community. Each category had an overall winner and honorable mention recipient.