Supporting Clinic Leadership

• By: VAFCC
• On: 08/07/2025 16:39:22
• In: News

The VAFCC continues its partnership with the Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA) to deliver an innovative program designed to support current and future leaders in Virginia's healthcare safety net. The Community Health Center University, a year-long program delivered through the University of Richmond, offers participants a range of essential leadership skills from evaluation and compliance to strategy and growth as well as one-to-one leadership coaching.



This year several free clinic leaders participated including (from left to right) Arlenys Diaz with Access Now, Sophie Parson with Augusta Regional Dental Clinic, Kaitlyn Henderson with CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, and Ashley Greene with Western Tidewater Free Clinic (also shown is Rufus Phillips, VAFCC CEO on the far left and Rebecca Butler, VAFCC VP in the center right).

Arlenys Diaz, Program Director with Access Now:

"Participating in CHCU has greatly boosted my confidence as a leader and manager. It provided me with practical tools, valuable insights, and a supportive network that I continue to benefit from. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone looking to strengthen their leadership skills and make a lasting difference in their organization and community."

Kaitlyn Henderson, Director of Nursing with CrossOver Healthcare Ministry:

“CHCU has been a great opportunity to network with other leaders in safety net clinics. I've been able to connect with other nurses in similar roles. Every month, we learn from experts about a different topic related to running a healthcare organization. These topics have created space for discussion within our groups, and I've been very encouraged by meeting others in the same line of work. I am very thankful for this rewarding experience!”

The VAFCC is excited to offer a fourth cohort in 2026 to clinic leadership.