By Doug Gardner
A year after 98 Community Care won national acclaim for its dedication to quality care, the team has outdone itself.
In 2024, the program earned a Silver Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) for its patient-centered model addressing the health challenges of rural and underserved populations. This year, it struck Gold — receiving the organization’s highest honor.
The NAFC works to ensure the medically underserved have access to affordable, quality healthcare. The organization rates clinics on their adherence to a set of quality standards.
This is only the second year of eligibility for Community Care to participate in the ratings. The achievement of the Gold Rating reflects an unwavering commitment to its patients, said Renee Love, Ph.D., D.N.P., dean of the Ellmer School of Nursing.
“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 98 Community Care team,” Dr. Love said. “This recognition not only highlights our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare to the underserved but also underscores our role as a leader in redefining quality standards within community health. We are incredibly proud of our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in healthcare delivery, which continues to positively impact the lives of those we serve. Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this remarkable milestone.”
NAFC standards include quality patient care, risk management systems, clinical and pharmacy solutions and administrative tasks.
Tammy Speerhas, D.N.P., director of 98 Community Care, said the Community Care team has worked diligently to strengthen administrative policies and procedures, bolster patient-care protocols and build relationships with other free clinics in Virginia and nationwide. An improved data-collection process has enriched the team’s ability to measure performance and health outcomes.
Community Care has implemented an integrated behavioral health program — including full evaluation, medical management and in-person/virtual counseling — as well as added dental services to two clinic sites.
Speerhas said the integration with EVMS also enhanced the team’s mission and vision and provided access to resources from the EVMS Foundation.
98 Community Care, an award-winning program of the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at 98, follows an integrated care model that includes holistic care to address both the medical and social needs of patients. Clinics are led by advanced practice nursing faculty and run by students.