Virginia Health Care Foundation

03/09/2026

Join us in welcoming Maureen Neal, CFRE to the VHCF team!

Maureen will serve as Advancement & Communications, Senior Consultant providing leadership and strategic expertise to strengthen the Foundation’s advancement strategy, communications, and cross-sector engagement.

She brings more than three decades of executive leadership in nonprofit advancement, health care strategy, and organizational governance. A CFRE-certified advancement executive, she is widely recognized for guiding mission-driven organizations through growth, transformation, and complex funding environments, particularly within community health and safety-net systems.

Maureen’s disciplined leadership, strategic insight, and deep commitment to healthcare access will be a tremendous asset to the VHCF team.

03/06/2026

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program is accepting applications!

Who is eligible?
✔️ Licensed primary care providers in eligible disciplines who serve in a Health Professional Shortage Area
✔️ Licensed behavioral health within a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area
✔️ Oral health care providers within a Dental Health Professional Shortage Area
✔️ Maternity care health professionals in Maternity Care Target Areas, which are specific areas within primary care HPSAs that have a higher need for maternity care services

The application closes Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 pm ET. Read the full application instructions, and sign up for an informational webinar on HRSA’s website: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program

🔔 Save the date! We will notify all applicants of their status by September 30, 2026.

But first, submit your application before it’s too late: https://ow.ly/ZS7b50Y5HsK

03/03/2026

Augusta Resources for Resilience, Opportunity, and Wellness- ARROW Project's Executive Director Sabrina Burress was featured on 29News WVIR this week highlighting the importance of mental health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals across the Commonwealth. As an It Takes a Village grantee, the ARROW Project provides both in-person and virtual counseling services as well as therapeutic and peer-led support groups to ensure pregnant and postpartum Virginians can find a resource that best meet their needs.

📺See the full story: https://www.29news.com/2026/03/01/doctors-advocates-work-improve-maternal-mental-health-across-virginia/

To make a referral to The ARROW Project: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVfdRTMV-nlbfi9e_8wIvfhl2zbT7DVdbG1zOQifMlG2EPdw/viewform

It Takes a Village is a special initiative of the Virginia Health Care Foundation made possible through the generous support of the Virginia General Assembly.

To see a full list of It Takes a Village providers: https://www.vhcf.org/ittakesavillage/

03/02/2026

March is Social Work Month!

VHCF is grateful for social workers and the meaningful impact they have on individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth. From the pre‑licensees in the Boost! program motivated to obtain licensure and provide mental health services, to leaders strengthening our safety net, to practicing Licensed Clinical Social Workers serving underserved Virginians, we appreciate all that you do. We’re proud to count one among our own staff, too!

Learn more about Boost!: https://www.vhcf.org/boost200/

02/26/2026

Thank you, Cardinal News, for highlighting the progress Virginia has made in improving access to maternal mental health services. VHCF is honored to work with our wonderful It Takes a Village grantees to provide maternal health services, both in person and via telehealth, for pregnant and postpartum Virginians.

To make a referral or to learn more about It Takes a Village: https://www.vhcf.org/ittakesavillage/

New initiatives aim to improve access to women’s health services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

02/25/2026

VHCF welcomes Bella Smith to our team!

Bella joins VHCF as our new Executive Assistant. With a strong background in wearing many hats, Bella brings experience across marketing, management, and executive support. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with leadership teams to keep operations organized and on track. At VHCF, Bella plays a key role in supporting the team and helping our initiatives succeed.

Outside of work, Bella enjoys spending time with her rescue dogs and going to the gym with friends.

Join us in welcoming Bella!

02/24/2026

Expanding access to healthcare for uninsured and underserved Virginians is central to VHCF’s mission, and our partnerships with Health Access Grantees from across the Commonwealth make that work possible.

Andrea Lancaster and Tessa Ashoff recently visited Free Clinic of Powhatan, a current Health Access Grantee, to explore their dental operatories and learn how VHCF funding enabled them to reduce wait times and provide preventative and restorative dental services to more patients. TThe visit not only demonstrated the clinic staff's dedication to serving their community, but also how appreciative patients are for the services.

To learn more about the clinic’s expanded dental operations, visit: https://www.freeclinicofpowhatan.org/post/more-smiles-more-days-expanding-access-to-dental-care-in-powhatan

Explore what VHCF funds: https://www.vhcf.org/for-those-who-help/what-we-fund/

02/23/2026

📣 Last call for Nominations 📣

Don't forget to submit your nominations for our Health Care Champions Awards by February 27!

Eligible nominees include:
✔️Licensed oral, behavioral health or medical professionals employed by or volunteering at the nominating organization
✔️Individuals employed by the nominating organization who support or lead oral, behavioral, or medical care programs
✔️ Nominees must work or volunteer in an organization that serves uninsured or medically underserved Virginians.

Winners receive $5,000 (shared between the nominee and their organization) and are honored at our in person event this spring in Richmond.

For more information and to submit your nomination: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSFVZXQ

02/19/2026

Virginia Rural Health Association is seeking presenters for it's November Rural Health Voice Conference. Check out the opportunity below ⬇️

02/12/2026

🏆Call for 2026 Cheers for Health Care Champions Award Nominations

VHCF is celebrating more than 30 years of expanding access to primary care for uninsured and medically underserved Virginians, and we are excited to celebrate those who make that work possible at our 2026 Cheers for Champions award event this spring!

We are looking for nominees who go above and beyond to increase access to health care or improve patient health and meet the following criteria:

✅ Licensed oral, behavioral health or medical professionals employed by or volunteering at the nominating organization
✅Individuals employed by the nominating organization who support or lead oral, behavioral, or medical care programs
✅Nominees must work/volunteer in an organization that serves uninsured or medically underserved Virginians

Each winner receives a $5,000 award shared between the nominee and their organization and is recognized at our special event in Richmond this spring.

Submit your nominations by February 27: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSFVZXQ

02/11/2026

The Virginia Health Care Foundation is honored to serve as an implementation partner for Virginia Rural Vitality, leading CareIQ investments for provider interoperability and provider productivity across rural Virginia.

We have released an Assessment and Technical Assistance RFP to identify statewide needs, engage stakeholders, and help prepare rural providers for upcoming CareIQ interoperability and provider productivity funding opportunities.

View the full RFP and learn how to apply here: https://www.vhcf.org/rural-health/

02/10/2026

VHCF was delighted to join Senator Mark Warner, key partners, and health leaders for an energizing conversation about access to care across the Commonwealth.

Many thanks to Virginia Health Catalyst for convening a fantastic panel, and to VHCF’s Director of Health Insurance Initiatives, Joanna Fowler, for sharing valuable insight and expertise.