News

For the seventh 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 2025, the clinic served nearly 600 patients. “We’re operating in a space that limits how many patients we can see,” said Clinic Director Tammy LaGraffe. “We’re greatly looking forward to an expansion that will help us meet growing demand and serve patients in the way they deserve.”

The new facility will expand the clinic from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet, allowing for increased patient capacity, reduced wait times, and improved clinical efficiency. Renovations are focused on creating a space that protects patient dignity, enhances privacy, and supports high-quality care. The clinic anticipates moving into the new facility in early 2027—provided the remaining campaign funds are secured this summer.

A key component of the project is the planned integration of dental services, helping address a critical gap in access to care. Currently, patients are referred to Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic in Orange, also managed by the Culpeper Wellness Foundation.

The new location will also provide improved accessibility, additional parking, and greater visibility, while maintaining proximity to the hospital for important follow-up services.

This year the clinic established a peer-focused recovery program that connects adults navigating addiction with trained peer recovery specialists and community‑based treatment resources. This program is funded through a $500,000 grant awarded to the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC) in 2023 supporting program growth across Virginia’s free and charitable clinic network.

To deliver the program locally, the Free Clinic of Culpeper has partnered with Encompass Community Supports, the region’s community services board. This collaboration brings together clinical care and community‑based behavioral health services, an innovative approach proven to reach individuals who may otherwise struggle to access support, especially in underserved areas.

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

“We’re very appreciative of the hard work and commitment of our staff and volunteers and their dedication to quality care and patient support. They all have a hand in the gold rating,” observes LaGraffe.

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