U.S. Senator Tim Kaine Visits NNMFHC to Discuss Regional Healthcare Challenges and Dental Expansion

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KILMARNOCK, Va. — The Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Health Clinic (NNMFHC) welcomed U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine to its Kilmarnock facility for a tour and discussion centered on the growing healthcare challenges facing Virginia communities, the impact of Medicaid reductions, and the Clinic’s upcoming dental expansion project supported through congressional funding.

During the visit, Kaine met with clinic leadership, providers, board members and community partners to better understand the increasing strain on healthcare systems as more Virginians lose Medicaid coverage and turn to free and charitable clinics for care.

“We’re trying to visit as many healthcare facilities as we can to get a sense of what the needs are,” Kaine said.

NNMFHC leadership emphasized that the region is already experiencing a rise in uninsured patients seeking services. Delays and disruptions in Medicaid coverage are directly affecting patient access to care and are expected to increase the number of uninsured residents in Virginia.

“There are increasing number of people coming to us that have lost health insurance coverage,” said Dr. Vicki Kinsel, NNMFHC board chair.

Clinic leaders and community stakeholders discussed the importance of a regional, collaborative approach to healthcare — partnering with other free clinics, nonprofits, churches, educational institutions and providers to maximize access to care throughout the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

“We need to think outside the box,” said Jeannie Nelson, CEO of NNMFHC. “If we don’t create opportunities, we won’t be able to expand what we do. It’s about expanding capacity for patient care and staffing while maximizing care throughout the region with partnerships and innovation.”

NNMFHC has evolved significantly since its founding in 1993, adapting to increasingly complex healthcare challenges. Leadership shared that many patients face barriers, including lack of quality insurance, fear of losing healthcare access, and difficulty navigating complex healthcare systems.

“There is a perception of poor in this country, and that is not true,” said former Virginia Delegate Albert Pollard. “So many people are struggling.”

Rev. Dr. Tyron Williams of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Wicomico Church, VA emphasized the clinic’s patient-centered approach.

“What makes [NNMFHC] so important is that the people know that you really care,” Williams said. “They listen to the hurt, listen to the concerns, and do something about it to meet the need and genuinely care about their well-being.”

A major focus of the visit was NNMFHC’s planned dental expansion project, which was recently awarded $1 million in congressional funding. The capital project supports plans to improve access and safety for ambulatory and disabled patients who often face significant barriers to accessing dental care.

“We are incredibly grateful for this funding and for the opportunity to improve access to quality dental care for disabled patients in our region,” Nelson said. “This project allows us to better meet needs that have existed for years.”

Clinic leadership noted that the expansion project will also help support workforce development by creating additional staffing opportunities and strengthening educational partnerships with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), William & Mary, Rappahannock Community College (RCC), and local schools to build healthcare career pipelines.

Kaine also discussed ongoing efforts to gather information on Medicaid impacts and pursue reforms to the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, which supports healthcare providers serving vulnerable populations.

“We really love going to bat for you and organizations like yours,” Kaine said during the visit.

While celebrating the congressional investment, NNMFHC leaders emphasized that capital funding for the dental expansion does not address rising operational expenses. The Clinic’s fiscal year 2025-26 operating budget is nearly $2.6 million, with projections approaching $3 million for fiscal year 2026-27.

“Not a dime of the congressional funding will be going to operating costs,” said William B. “Broke” Graham Jr., NNMFHC treasurer. “With the Operating Budget rising next year, and the demand for services rising, donations from the community are crucial.”

As demand for services continues to grow, Clinic leadership stressed that community donations and ongoing fundraising remain critical to sustaining care for uninsured and underserved patients across the region.

NNMFHC currently serves patients throughout the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula through integrated medical, dental, pharmacy and behavioral health services while continuing to expand regional partnerships to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

‍ For more information about the Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Health Clinic or to support its mission, visit www.NNMFHC.org.