Workforce Initiatives

VHCF Workforce Initiative GraphThe most critical factor in making treatment available to uninsured and medically underserved Virginians is having a sufficient number of doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers and other health professionals in all corners of the Commonwealth.

How VHCF is helping

Utilizing a multi-pronged approach to help increase the number of providers in Virginia’s medically underserved areas, VHCF has:

  • Given $8 million in grant funding to community health centers throughout the state to hire medical and dental personnel;
  • Enabled 29 free clinics to increase patient capacity by hiring nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants;
  • Provided the financial wherewithal to attract more mental health professionals to rural areas.

In addition, VHCF-funded providers serve as training sites for a variety of health professions students. More than 4,800 students have participated in clinical experiences as a result of VHCF funding.

VHCF also is helping Virginia colleges and universities initiate innovative approaches to training health professionals, from underwriting dental preceptorships at free clinics to funding a program that pairs psychology doctoral students with medical residents to provide mental health care at an ambulatory care clinic.

Changing Lives ›

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Dentists Sorely Needed

In the most rural parts of the Virginia, dentists are scarce, making it impossible for everyone to receive care. Lack of education and access to dental care often turn minor dental issues into painful infections. A grant from VHCF helped The Northern Neck Free Health Clinic establish a dental clinic to help those who are in most urgent need.

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