Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Catholic Charities of Central Florida Free Medical and Dental Clinics have been awarded the Gold Rating by the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program for the second year in a row.

“This rating, from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, affirms that our staff and healthcare professionals succeed in providing the highest standard of care possible to the individuals we are privileged to serve,” stated Deacon Gary Tester, president of Catholic Charities of Central Florida. “It is a tremendous affirmation of our clinic teams and serves to assure our donors and supporters that this ministry is truly a blessing to those individuals it serves.”

The evaluation process includes patient care, credentialing, quality care measures, as well as clear explanation of administrative policies and responsibilities.

According to NAFC, “These standards allow us to demonstrate the quality care provided to our patients to policymakers, partners, funders and stakeholders. Additionally, the standards assist the NAFC in developing benefits and resources that will help our members enhance the care (clinics) provide to patients.”

Catholic Charities operates six clinics located in Marion, Sumter, Lake, and Osceola counties: Lazarus Medical Clinic in Wildwood; Lazarus Dental Clinic in Leesburg; La Guadalupana Medical and Dental Clinics in Ocala; St. Luke Medical Clinic in Eustis; and St. Thomas Aquinas Medical Clinic in St. Cloud.

The mission of NAFC is to ensure access to affordable healthcare for medically underserved populations. To assess the quality of care provided at its member organizations' clinics nationwide, NAFC has established a set of Quality Standards.

By Glenda Meekins