Central Virginia VA Health Care System (Richmond)

In November 1970, Central Virginia Health Services opened in rural Buckingham County, becoming the first community health center in Virginia. The site, Central Virginia Community Health Center (CVCHC) was created to serve the health care needs of residents of the rural counties of Buckingham, Cumberland, and Fluvanna. Initially operating out of three trailers in each of the three counties, practice operations were consolidated into the Gold Hill community of Buckingham County. CVHS has grown and today is Virginia’s largest community health center both in terms of numbers of sites as well as number of patients. Each site added to CVHS was developed as a result of identified needs in each respective community. Over time, it became apparent that urban as well as rural communities struggled to meet residents’ health care needs. Each of CVHS’ communities shares common problems in terms of disease, access, poverty or lack of insurance as well as unique characteristics and needs that each site addresses. Mission: "We are committed to providing safe, accessible, affordable, comprehensive, high quality, and culturally sensitive care to the people we serve" Vision: "Transforming lives through exceptional healthcare" Values: Patient centered, integrity, professionalism, continuous improvement, and compassion