News

For the sixth year, we’ve earned a Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Quality Standards Program! The clinic has received this rating each year since the program’s launch in 2020.

The Free Clinic of Culpeper is a member of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC). The NAFC’s mission is to ensure the medically underserved have access to affordable quality health care. 

As an NAFC member, the Free Clinic of Culpeper voluntarily submits information to the NAFC on the various policies and procedures in place and pledges successful incorporation of these standards within the clinic. The standards apply to the following areas: Administrative, Clinic/Pharmacy Responsibilities, Credentialing and Privileging Systems, Patient Care, and Risk Management Systems.

In 2024, the clinic served more than 700 patients, and new initiatives expanded services available to patients. In partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, a Food Pharmacy was established on site to provide patients with convenient access to healthy foods. According to clinic director Tammy LaGraffe, “There is an education component also, thanks to the American Heart Association HeartCorps program. Our HeartCorps intern, along with volunteers and staff members, assists patients with choosing foods from the Food Pharmacy and selecting recipes that are good matches for their particular health needs.” LaGraffe also expressed appreciation for the Carver Food Enterprise Center’s Feeding 500 program that shares healthy meals with clinic patients.

 An affiliation in 2024 with the Virginia Telemental Health Initiative has made mental health services more accessible to clinic patients. Other patient services are regularly offered at the clinic by area non profits such as SAFE, Just Neighbors and FAHASS.

“The diverse programs and services we are able to offer our patient population can only happen through community support,” noted LaGraffe. “Our community’s generosity during Give Local Piedmont in May and our Oyster Fest fundraiser in October plays a critical role in supporting our patient services. These giving opportunities, along with other donations, comprise two-thirds of our budget. Receiving the Gold Rating reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff and volunteers, individuals as well as organizations, and their dedication to quality care and patient support.”

To learn more about the NAFC, please visit www.nafcclinics.org.