FAYETTEVILLE – For its work to ensure the medically underserved have access to affordable health care, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) North Street Clinic in Fayetteville earned a 2020 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC).
The NAFC and its members are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive quality health care. The UAMS North Street Clinic is a free clinic for Marshallese patients who have diabetes or high blood pressure and don’t have insurance.
“The North Street Clinic is a shining example of how the collaboration inherent in UAMS interprofessional education benefits our underserved patients, who have significant health disparities, and provides them with the highest-quality care,” said Thomas Schulz, M.D., co-director of the North Street Clinic and an associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in the UAMS College of Medicine.
To attain their standards rating, NAFC members submit information on NAFC policies and procedures they have in place and show that they successfully incorporate these standards within their organization.
“The North Street Clinic Student Advisory Board should be commended for implementing and incorporating operational policies and procedures within the North Street Clinic. Their actions demonstrate this is first and foremost a ‘student-led’ clinic,” said Maryalice Kelly, M.S.N., APRN, co-director of the North Street Clinic and a clinical assistant professor in the UAMS College of Nursing.
NAFC Quality Standards elements include policies and procedures related to Administrative, Enhanced Access and Continuity of Care, Identifying and Managing Patient Population information, Planning and Managing Care, Providing Self-Care Support and Community Resources, Tracking and Coordinating Care, and Measuring and Improving Performance.
“Our Marshallese Community Health Workers are critical to our successes in meeting standards in these areas. The North Street Clinic simply could not function without them,” Schulz said.
