October 14, 2009

VAFC Announces the Accreditation of the Chesapeake Care Free Clinic

(Glen Allen, VA) – The Virginia Association of Free Clinics (VAFC) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the accreditation of the Chesapeake Care Free Clinic. To receive accreditation, a free clinic must meet or exceed all standards designated by the VAFC.  The standards address organizational structure, governance, administration, and program service areas.  The accreditation process involves a detailed inspection of the center’s facility and policies. .

"We are pleased that the Chesapeake Care has achieved this designation. The Clinic is one of seven clinics to achieve this milestone since the program was initiated in December 2008.  The staff and volunteers in the clinic have spent many hours in meeting the criteria for this recognition.  This organization provides dedicated and exemplary service to patients in Chesapeake,” said Lou Markwith, VAFC Executive Director. “It has been a pleasure to work with dedicated volunteers and staff and watch their vision continue to develop.  Their service model focuses on patient service delivery and rigorous follow-up with every patient.  The site evaluation team was impressed by the success of this volunteer/staff program and positive spirit that exists throughout the clinic.”

“Accreditation isthe hallmark of quality and trust.  It providesstrong assurance to the community and others in the health care field that the services the Clinic provides are in accordance with high standards and ethics,” Markwith said. “Pursuing and achieving accreditation from the Virginia Association of Free Clinics means that Chesapeake Care hasmade a commitment to establish and to maintainquality health care services topeople in the community who cannot afford health insurance.  Importantly, accreditation supports and reinforces the goalto improve the health and well-being of patients through access to primary health care across the Commonwealth.”

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, the patients, volunteers and staff of Chesapeake Care, I would like to express our pride at having achieved accreditation. This credential enables us to demonstrate to our community, our funders and our patients our ongoing commitment to excellence in care,” said Cathy Revel, Executive Director. “It demonstrates strong governance, administrative and clinical competence as well as organizational strength. We will begin to cite this credential in all of our communications with stakeholders, funders and community contacts. We will use it to attract needed resources, both financial and human. But probably, most importantly, we will hold it as affirmation of the excellent work that is done each and every day at Chesapeake Care.”

The Association has experienced rapid growth in the last two years.  The number of patients served has increased by 8.2 % in 2007 to more than 61,000.  In 2008, the number of patients increased by 12% to more than 67,900.  The network provided more than 308,000 patient visits and dispensed more than 731,000 prescriptions.  The Free Clinics provide $5.50 worth of medical services for each $1 expended.

Founded in 1993, the VAFC is the oldest Free Clinic association in the U.S. Its mission is to support, strengthen, and advocate for Free Clinics to deliver quality health care services to Virginia’s low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents. More information about the VAFC and Virginia’s Free Clinics is available at www.vafreeclinics.org.

Phone:
(804) 340-3434

Fax:
(804) 340-3435

Email:
lou@vafreeclinics.org