Detailed Introduction
The Rockbridge Area Health Center (RAHC) is a well-established non-profit organization, initially incorporated in 1992 as the Rockbridge Area Free Clinic (RAFC). It transitioned to a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in 2012, allowing it to significantly expand its services and reach. RAHC operates with a mission to promote and provide access to comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable healthcare, aiming to improve the overall health and well-being of the greater community in the Rockbridge area, which includes Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, Virginia.
RAHC offers a wide array of integrated healthcare services, including primary medical care, dental services, and behavioral health (mental health and substance use) care. Their medical services cater to patients of all ages, from newborns to adults, covering routine physicals, sick visits, immunizations, women's health (including family planning and prenatal/postpartum care), and chronic disease management. Dental services are available for the entire family across all life stages. Behavioral health services encompass individual, group, and couples counseling for a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and substance abuse.
A core principle of RAHC is accessibility and affordability. They serve all individuals regardless of their insurance status, accepting most major insurance plans, Medicare, and Virginia Medicaid. Crucially, they offer a sliding fee discount program based on household income and family size, making healthcare significantly more affordable for those with limited financial resources, even for insured patients. They also assist with health insurance enrollment.
RAHC is committed to community-directed care, exemplified by their continuous efforts to expand reach. This includes operating multiple physical locations (in Lexington and Buena Vista), utilizing mobile medical and dental units to reach underserved populations, and implementing school-based health center programs to provide on-site mental health care to students. They have received various recognitions, including the highest level of Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) rating and the Health Center Quality Leader Award, indicating their commitment to quality and coordinated care. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, RAHC relies on community support, grants, and government funding to sustain its vital services.
