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PRESS RELEASE: Macon Volunteer Clinic Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Patient Care
MACON, GA — The Macon Volunteer Clinic (MVC) has been awarded the 2026 Gold Rating by the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program, earning national recognition for its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to uninsured patients throughout Middle Georgia.
The Gold Rating reflects an organization’s adherence to nationally recognized standards of clinical quality, patient care, organizational excellence, and accountability. The rating is based on an organization’s demonstrated commitment to quality care through policies, procedures, and systems that support clinical excellence, patient safety, effective organizational management, and responsible stewardship of resources.
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, whose mission is “building healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare,” established its Quality Standards Program to help member organizations demonstrate their commitment to providing exceptional care to medically underserved populations. Participating organizations voluntarily attest to standards related to patient care, risk management, organizational oversight, clinical operations, and credentialing systems.
“We are honored to receive this national recognition,” said the Rev. Dr. John F. McCard, Executive Director of the Macon Volunteer Clinic. “This award reflects the extraordinary dedication of our staff, volunteer healthcare professionals, board members, and community partners who work every day to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to those who need it most. The Gold Rating confirms that the care our patients receive here in Middle Georgia meets rigorous national standards for quality, accountability, and excellence.”
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics represents a nationwide network of organizations committed to serving uninsured and medically underserved individuals. By earning the Gold Rating, the Macon Volunteer Clinic joins clinics across the country that have demonstrated adherence to nationally recognized standards of patient care and organizational excellence.
The recognition comes as the Macon Volunteer Clinic continues to expand its impact throughout the region. Operating from its new downtown facility on Walnut Street, MVC provides medical, dental, vision, mental health, and specialty care services to uninsured adults who would otherwise have limited access to healthcare. During the past year, the clinic provided more than 8,000 patient encounters, helping hundreds of hardworking uninsured adults throughout Middle Georgia access essential healthcare services.
By providing access to preventive care, chronic disease management, dental services, specialty care, and mental health support, the clinic helps patients remain healthy, continue working, care for their families, and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The clinic’s work not only improves individual health outcomes but also strengthens the overall well-being of the communities it serves.
Justin Hollingsworth, Chair of the Macon Volunteer Clinic Board of Directors, said the recognition reflects the commitment of the entire community to ensuring healthcare access for hardworking uninsured adults throughout the region.
“This award affirms what we see every day at the Macon Volunteer Clinic,” Hollingsworth said. “Through the dedication of our volunteers, staff, community partners, and supporters, MVC continues to be a place of hope, healing, and dignity for hundreds of hardworking uninsured adults and their families throughout Middle Georgia. This recognition belongs to everyone who believes that quality healthcare should be accessible to hardworking individuals and families who might otherwise go without care.”
Hollingsworth added, “The accomplishments of the clinic are not simply measured in statistics, but in lives changed and a community strengthened. We are grateful for the generous support that makes this mission possible and proud to see that commitment recognized on a national level.”
Founded in 2003, the Macon Volunteer Clinic is one of Georgia’s leading free and charitable healthcare organizations. Supported entirely through philanthropy, volunteer healthcare professionals, and community partnerships, MVC serves hardworking uninsured adults throughout Middle Georgia and remains committed to ensuring that access to healthcare is not determined by a person’s ability to pay.
As the clinic looks toward the future, it remains focused on expanding access to care, improving health outcomes, and serving as a place of hope and healing for those who need it most. The NAFC Gold Rating serves as both a recognition of past accomplishments and an affirmation of MVC’s ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care.
About the Macon Volunteer Clinic
Founded in 2003, the Macon Volunteer Clinic provides free, high-quality medical, dental, vision, mental health, and specialty healthcare services to hardworking uninsured adults throughout Middle Georgia. Through the generosity of volunteers, donors, foundations, and community partners, MVC provides compassionate and comprehensive care through more than 8,000 patient encounters each year, serving hundreds of hardworking uninsured adults throughout Middle Georgia while working to build ahealthier community for all.
About the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only national organization solely focused on the needs of uninsured and underinsured Americans and the free and charitable clinics and pharmacies that serve them. Through advocacy, education, and quality improvement initiatives, the NAFC supports a nationwide network of organizations committed to ensuring access to quality healthcare for medically underserved populations.
