A remarkable achievement has been celebrated by ODU Community Care, which recently received the prestigious Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), marking the team’s commitment to excellence in patient-centered healthcare. This accolade comes just a year after the program earned a Silver Rating, highlighting its impressive trajectory and dedication to addressing the unique health challenges faced by rural and underserved populations.
The NAFC’s mission revolves around ensuring that individuals who are medically underserved have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Clinics participating in the rating process are evaluated based on their adherence to a rigorous set of quality standards that encompass various aspects of healthcare delivery.
This marks only the second year that ODU Community Care has been eligible for the NAFC ratings, making the achievement of a Gold Rating particularly noteworthy. According to Renee Love, Ph.D., D.N.P., dean of the Ellmer School of Nursing, this recognition underscores the dedication and hard work exhibited by the ODU Community Care team. “The Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is a monumental achievement and a testament to the outstanding dedication and hard work of our ODU Community Care team,” Dr. Love stated, emphasizing the program’s impactful role in redefining healthcare quality standards in community settings.
The NAFC standards encompass vital areas such as quality patient care, risk management systems, clinical and pharmacy solutions, and administrative efficacy. Tammy Speerhas, D.N.P., director of ODU Community Care, noted that the team has taken significant strides to enhance administrative policies, patient-care protocols, and collaborations with other free clinics, not only within Virginia but also across the nation. An improved data-collection process has been pivotal in measuring performance and health outcomes effectively.
Among the innovations implemented, ODU Community Care has launched an integrated behavioral health program that offers comprehensive evaluation, medical management, and both in-person and virtual counseling services. Additionally, dental services have been expanded to two of the clinic sites, further broadening the support available to patients.
The partnership with the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) has also strengthened ODU Community Care’s mission, granting access to resources from the EVMS Foundation. This collaboration plays a crucial role in enhancing the program’s capacity to serve the community efficiently.
Operating under the auspices of the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at ODU, ODU Community Care employs an integrated care model that addresses both the medical and social needs of its patients. The clinics are led by advanced practice nursing faculty and are staffed by students, providing a rich learning environment while simultaneously serving the community’s healthcare needs.
This latest accolade represents not just recognition for ODU Community Care’s past efforts but a commitment to continue striving for excellence in health service delivery to those who need it most.
