Nearly fifteen years ago, AFC introduced a staff family nurse practitioner (NP) role to ensure patients had timely access to care for acute needs. Over time, this position has become the cornerstone of our primary care model, allowing us to build continuity of care and pioneer new practices such as oral health histories and behavioral health screenings during routine visits.
In 2023, we received a transformative gift to our Nurse Practitioner Program from longtime supporters Mary & John Kudless. Mary is a volunteer mental health provider who works closely with our NP team and whose background gives her a deep appreciation of AFC’s comprehensive health services focused on patients’ physical and mental health. John, inspired by Mary’s dedication to AFC and drawing on his own professional expertise in fundraising and institutional advancement, recognized the significance of stable support for key programs and wanted to ensure AFC remain agile and responsive to our patients’ needs. With a pledge of $75,000 over three years, they are generously sustaining this key dimension of care provided by our NPs and offsetting the cost on our general operations.
Last fiscal year alone, our staff nurse practitioners accounted for nearly half of all primary care appointments. They also made 726 referrals to other staff and volunteer providers, most of which were to specialty medical services but also included behavioral health, dental, and resources addressing social determinants of health. By supporting this critical staff role, Mary and John’s investment ensures that hundreds of patients receive timely, coordinated, and comprehensive care. Reflecting on why they chose to give, they shared:
“Looking at a person holistically allows for a higher level of care, and we are proud to help AFC deliver exceptional services to those who would otherwise lack access. We hope that this gift will inspire others to invest in healthcare for all Arlingtonians by funding the strategic priorities of AFC.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to John and Mary for their unwavering support and generosity. It is through partnerships like these that we can further our mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.
