Press Releases

Turning Points Earns Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC)

Updated on April 24th, 2023 Written by Turning Points

BRADENTON – Turning Points earned a 2023 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program. By self-attesting that the organization has certain policies and procedures in place, it is able to highlight its commitment to providing quality care to patients.

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinic’s mission is building healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare. The NAFC and its members are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive access to quality healthcare. To quantify and qualify the care provided at the Free and Charitable Clinic network, the NAFC formalized a set of Quality Standards for member organizations.

Turning Points provides, facilitates, and coordinates services to prevent and to reduce homelessness in Manatee County through several programs. The high cost of healthcare is one of the many factors contributing to homelessness and the free Turning Points Health Center was founded in 2009 to serve Manatee County residents without insurance.

“Our Health Center staff and volunteers pride themselves in giving the best quality care to our patients and work on a coordinated care model similar to the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic. We hold ourselves to the highest medical standards and it shows in the care for our patients but also on the administrative side”, said Turning Points Executive Director, Kathleen Cramer.  

NAFC Members voluntarily submit information to the NAFC on the various policies and procedures in place to attain their standards rating and attest/pledge that they successfully incorporate these standards within their organization.

NAFC Quality Standards elements include policies and procedures related to the following areas: Administrative, Clinic/Pharmacy Responsibilities, Credentialing and Privileging Systems, Patient Care, and Risk Management Systems.

About Turning Points

Turning Points provides a remarkable variety of services designed to assist individuals and families on their path to financial stability and independence. Turning Points is the one stop shop for preventing and reducing homelessness in our community. We provide day resource services (such as hot showers, laundry services, clothing, food), employment services, rental and utility assistance, veteran’s services (employment, housing and childcare), and free medical and dental care for the uninsured.  Over 9,100 people received help last year with critical services targeted to the essential needs of people in crisis.  For more information, visit http://tpmanatee.org/

About the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the uninsured and underinsured throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working towards healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare. For more information about the NAFC, please visit www.nafcclinics.org.