Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

Following Tropical Storm Helene's devastation earlier this month on communities throughout southwest Virginia, the MEL LEAMAN FREE CLINIC OF SMYTH COUNTY INC in Marion jumped into action with support from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield-Medicaid Health Plans to provided food, water and other essential items and services to community members in need. #FreeClinicsCare

A recent grant is allowing Mason & Partners Clinic to develop health services for Afghan survivors, refugees, and immigrants impacted by combat trauma and violence. The program will serve Afghan refugees residing in Northern and Central Virginia, where an estimated 95% of Afghans resettled in 2022. “We are implementing a care coordination model where individuals will receive screenings, and be connected with services that address their individualized care needs,” Rebecca Sutter, clinic leader and professor in the School of Nursing at George Mason University College of Public Health said. "What’s especially important is this program will be built not just for, but in partnership with actual Afghan survivors of combat and other refugees who are impacted by trauma and violence." https://lnkd.in/e2d4Bvhi

Richmond-based CrossOver Healthcare Ministry knows how essential vision care is to overall health, which is why they're excited to have an ultra wide retinal camera for their diagnostic imaging. This state-of-the-art equipment captures high-quality images of the back of the eye, which is crucial for detecting complications early and improving preventive care. Additionally, they rely on volunteers like Dr. Rapone (shown here), who works two full days per week in the vision clinic providing critical eye exams. "Dr. Rapone's blend of compassion and expertise has made her an instant hit with our patients!" shares Poliana Costa, Eye Clinic Program Manager. https://lnkd.in/eQcifnVU

Mental health is important in all aspects of our lives, including the professional setting. As we wrap up #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek, we spotlight our ongoing commitment to prioritize the wellbeing of the health workforce in Virginia's free and charitable clinics through the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) Safehaven program, providing the support and resources needed to thrive, address burnout, and reduce career fatigue. https://buff.ly/48SkRfR

As 501(c)3 nonprofits, Virginia's free and charitable clinics rely on the generosity of their local community to support the provision of high-quality healthcare services to vulnerable patients. Thus, we love to see the tremendous support from the WYTHE-BLAND FOUNDATION of the BROCK HUGHES MEDICAL CENTER who was recently awarded $461,000 to support their primary medical services, pharmacy program, and medical transportation assistance which provides long distance, non-emergency medical transport for patients traveling out of the area to access medical care. Learn more: www.brockhughes.org

Please join us in welcoming the Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic, managed by the Culpeper Wellness Foundation, as a Full Clinic Member of the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics. A mark of distinction, this higher membership level not only reflects their commitment to serving our state's sickest and most vulnerable patients at no or little cost, but also demonstrates their ability to meet best practice membership standards attesting to the clinic's soundness in nonprofit management and patient care. The dental clinic has been providing affordable dental care for more than a decade. This year, the clinic expanded its partnership with area medical-only free clinics to provide their patients with free quality oral health care. “We began providing free urgent dental services to area clinic patients this January with the goal of expanding the breadth and volume of our free service over time,” shares Shari Landry with foundation. Area free clinics include Orange County Free Clinic, Free Clinic Of Culpeper Inc, and MADISON FREE CLINIC INC. Services offered include routine dentistry for all ages, preventative care, and restorative care. The clinic is also equipped to provide language translation, adaptive help, and referrals to specialists. https://lnkd.in/eyg9YpGt

Haircuts, manicures and massages — self-care for many, a treat for many more — were part of a Patient Appreciation Day for patients of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington's Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinics. About 800 patients and their family members came to the Woodbridge clinic for some TLC — tender, loving care. They also received groceries, family portraits, and had a chance to win prizes while their children were entertained throughout the day. “Many of our patients and their families cannot afford professional services like photography, haircuts, facials, and makeup,” said Clinic Director Alexandra Luevano. She said one couple, both dealing with complex medical issues, said how refreshing the day was for them. Another patient who couldn’t work due to a recent surgery shared, “We truly needed this.” https://lnkd.in/eFBfTMP9

CHWs are making an impact in Virginia. Public health professionals who come from or have an unusually close understanding of the communities they serve, they help patients access important safety net services like food, housing and transportation assistance that contribute to a person’s wellbeing. Today, there are nearly 1,300 CHWs across Virginia. Many serve in free and charitable clinics where they encourage patients to access important health services like Health Brigade, formerly Fan Free Clinic's Emely Baez Salazar who visits with Latino community members. Her outreach is helping connect dozens of new people with comprehensive care at the Richmond-based free clinic. https://lnkd.in/e7q5R_Ce

The Virginia Health Care Foundation recently awarded more than $1.5 million to help fund Medication Assistance Caseworkers (MACs) in clinics who help uninsured patients obtain free and discounted prescription medicines. Grant recipients included BROCK HUGHES MEDICAL CENTER, Charlottesville Free Clinic, CHESAPEAKE CARE FREE CLINIC, CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, Health Brigade, formerly Fan Free Clinic, Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic, Orange County Free Clinic, The Dr. Terry Sinclair Health Clinic, and Western Tidewater Free Clinic. “Virginians can’t manage their illnesses without the medicines to treat their chronic diseases. For those who are uninsured and unable to afford their prescriptions, the free medicines available via the brand named drug companies’ Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) are often a lifesaver,” said Deborah Oswalt, VHCF’s Executive Director. https://lnkd.in/eW-WkBbK

The VAFCC is happy to announce that three new Associate Member Clinics have joined the association - Virginia Dental Association Foundation in Richmond, 10-7 Farms in Bowling Green, and BLAND MINISTRY CENTER AND DENTAL CLINIC. "We've served as a safety net dental clinic in SWVA for more than 40 years, but in our rural setting, it's easy to feel disconnected from our peers. Our dental program has seen tremendous growth in the last five years with the addition of a satellite clinic in Wytheville and a school-based oral health program. We're getting ready to replace our original clinic and expand our team even more in the next two years, so we want to make sure that with another season of growth on the horizon, we're stable, strong, and ready to serve our neighbors for another 40 years," said Special Projects Manager Susan Keene with Bland Ministry Center and Dental Clinic on why they joined the association. These three join a robust membership that now totals 71 free and charitable clinics across the state working towards a Virginia where all people have access to comprehensive, quality healthcare. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e8W7aG5E