October 14, 2009

VAFC Welcomes the Pathways of Petersburg as a New Member Clinic

(Glen Allen, VA) – The Virginia Association of Free Clinics (VAFC) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the application for membership of Pathways in Petersburg, Virginia. The clinic has been serving patients in the area for two years through its Cardiac Care Specialty Clinic and its Rheumatology Specialty Clinic.

"We are pleased to welcome Pathways to the VAFC network of free clinics. This organization provides dedicated and exemplary service to patients in Petersburg,” said Lou Markwith, VAFC Executive Director. “It has been a pleasure to work with dedicated volunteers and staff and watch their vision 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. ”

“We are proud to be part of the Virginia Association of Free Clinics and to have met the high standard of excellence required by this organization,” said Dwala Ferrell, Executive Director. “The support and assistance of this network of clinics will be invaluable to us, and our patients and referring physicians can be assured of the quality of care we offer.”

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.

These efficiencies are possible because of the dedicated support of more than 10,000 volunteers who donated thousands of hours each year.  Since January, the Association has added seven new members and expects continued growth through 2010. Currently, there are new clinics being established in three communities across the Commonwealth.

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