Fan Free Clinic (FFC) is delighted to announce that it has received accreditation from the Virginia Association of Free Clinics (VAFC). FFC was the first free clinic established in Virginia—and now is among the first free clinics in the state to receive accreditation. The Virginia Health Care Foundation provided funding to the VAFC for the adoption of the newly-established accreditation process. The accreditation standards were developed over several months by free clinic leaders in the state in consultation with the Virginia Department of Health. Virginia has the second highest number of free clinics and one of the strongest free clinic associations in the nation.
John Baumann, Fan Free Clinic’s executive director, stated, “We are grateful to be accredited and to have been part of the process that will result in better and more streamlined care for all free clinic patients. With the adoption of standardized clinical procedures throughout the state, we are even more accountable to our patients and to each other.” Measurements for accreditation include VAFC and peer-to-peer review of medical clinic policies and procedures, financial strength and stability, stewardship, governance, and overall quality of care. “Ultimately, we are better positioned to meet ever-growing patient demand,” he said.
Founded in 1993, the VAFC is the nation’s oldest free clinic association. It is a private, nonprofit membership organization that provides training and technical assistance, research, resource development and advocacy to free clinics throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. It represents and supports Virginia’s network of 55 free clinics, which are one of Virginia’s largest providers of health care to the uninsured.
