Access Partnership is a community collaboration of medical providers, charities, universities, churches, civic groups, free clinics, community health centers, departments of health, city community service boards and social services departments, and a broad representation of volunteers and medically indigent consumers.

The Partnership is focused on strengthening the depth and breadth of existing programs, implementing new services for identified gaps in primary care and chronic illness prevention; and coordinating care for medically indigent families.Access Partnership is dedicated to bringing health care to all residents of Greater Hampton Roads so that anyone in need of care will not have to go without.

History

The Pharmacy Access Partnership was formed as a direct result of the Norfolk Turning Point planning initiative, part of a national effort to change and strengthen the ways in which states and local communities protect and improve public health. The city of Norfolk was one of 41 communities, nationwide to receive a Turning Point grant from the Kellogg Foundation in 1999. With leadership from the Sentara Health Foundation, Access Partnership was established and expanded its network to bring together stakeholders interested in acquiring resources and mobilizing efforts to eliminate major gaps in health care for Hampton Roads' uninsured and underinsured residents.

Membership

United Way of South Hampton Roads was a founding member of Access Partnership in 1999 and continues its involvement as a contributing member of the organization.

Angela Kellam, Vice President of Resource Development of the United Way of South Hampton Roads, and former director of the Beach Health Clinic, serves on the Access Partnership Board of Directors.

More information

Visit Access Partnership at www.accesspartners.org.