ABOUT ACU

OUR MISSION

ACU is a nonprofit, transdisciplinary organization of clinicians, advocates, and health care organizations united in a common mission to improve the health of America's underserved populations and to enhance the development and support of the health care clinicians serving these populations.

OUR PRIORITIES

ACU focuses on issues such as:

- health care access

- elimination of health disparities

- a transdisciplinary approach to health care

- workforce development and diversity

- cultural competency in the health care setting

- health care quality improvement

- access to pharmaceuticals

- integration of behavioral health into primary care practice


Established in 1996 by participants and alumni of the National Health Service Corps , ACU has a constituency of more than 8,000 clinicians and 900 organizations. ACU’s membership represents individuals in 18 professional disciplines, community clinics, health care organizations, and professional societies. ACU’s scope encompasses a unique group of health professionals, geographic regions, practice models, and patient populations. ACU defines access to comprehensive health care to include medical, oral, behavioral, and pharmaceutical. The ACU board of directors is proud to represent the many dedicated clinicians who work with medically underserved communities.

In the pursuit of its mission, ACU is committed to five objectives:

1. Enhancing support for clinicians
2. Providing access to information relevant to Clinical Practice
3. Providing opportunities for clinicians to interact with other professionals
4. Promoting research to increase understanding of underserved practice
5. Increasing opportunities for training relevant to providing health care to underserved populations.

Our headquarters is located in Tyson's Corner, Virginia, where ACU's Board of Directors meet biannually. Our Board of Directors consists of clinicians from various professions and backgrounds. Click here to meet our board members.

Join us! ACU membership is open to all individuals and groups who are committed to the health and welfare of medically underserved populations. ACU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations from those who support its mission.

ACU PRINCIPLES

· All members of society should have access to affordable quality health care
· ACU values and supports transdisciplinary care.
· Health Care should be delivered by culturally competent, community-responsive health care professionals
· Clinicians who care for underserved populations need to be nurtured and supported in their efforts, because of the unique   stresses and personal challenges involved in their work.
· Competent clinical practice requires a specialized body of knowledge and skills not traditionally addressed in professional schools.
· Population based research is essential for the improvement of the health status of underserved populations.