For the fifth 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.
Clinic director Tammy LaGraffe said, “We are always thrilled to receive this top rating, which reflects the commitment of our staff and volunteers to providing quality care for our patients through adherence to the NAFC policies and procedures. Our success also reflects involvement of many individuals and organizations who support our patient community by generously offering food, clothing, and expertise in areas such as health testing and informational services.”
“2023 was a busy year,” noted LaGraffe. “We kicked off the year with a partnership with the Less Cancer program and Culpeper Police Department to promote the importance of cancer screening. Many of our existing programs continued from previous years, such as our mothers’ health education program at Powell Wellness Center, and our outreach to the guests at the Culpeper Heat Shelter to ensure they are aware of clinic services. Friends such as the Minority and Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont and Virginia Cooperative Extension – VA Tech donated a bounty of fresh food, and our own garden boxes produced 300 pounds of veggies and herbs for our patients and neighbors to enjoy.” Looking ahead, LaGraffe said that in 2024 the clinic will start providing extra counseling support on behavioral health to patients via telehealth.
The clinic served nearly 600 patients in 2023.
To learn more about the NAFC, please visit www.nafcclinics.org.
