Rural Healthcare: A Legacy of Compassion in Rural North Carolina
In the rolling hills and quiet towns of rural North Carolina, access to healthcare has long been a challenge. For many residents, the nearest hospital is miles away, and the cost of care can be prohibitive. Yet, since 1978, Compassion Health Care, Inc. (CHC) has been steadfast, breaking down barriers and bringing essential health services to communities in need.
Founded as Caswell Family Medical Center in 1978, CHC emerged from a grassroots effort to address the lack of medical services in Caswell County. Over the years, it has expanded its reach, now serving Caswell and Rockingham counties and parts of southern Virginia. With locations like James Austin Health Center in Eden, NC, and a Mobile School-Based Health Center in Caswell County, CHC ensures that healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of location or income.
Comprehensive Care for All
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), CHC offers a wide range of services under one roof: primary care, behavioral health, urgent care, lab services including X-rays, and more. This integrated approach for rural healthcare means that patients can receive holistic care tailored to their needs. CHC provides a sliding fee scale, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to receiving quality healthcare for those who need financial help.
Just like other FQHCs, CHC is a nonprofit, patient-governed organization that provides excellent, patient-centered healthcare to all, regardless of income, regardless of what you look like, and regardless of where you’re from.
Innovative Programs Addressing Community Needs
CHC continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of its community. In 2023, it launched a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program to combat substance use disorders, providing both medication and counseling services. Additionally, the introduction of a Mobile School-Based Health Center brings healthcare directly to students, school staff, and families of students, reducing absenteeism and promoting early intervention.
Overcoming Financial Challenges
Operating in rural areas comes with financial hurdles. CHC has secured various grants over the years to enhance its services, including funding for facility expansions and technology upgrades. These investments have been crucial in maintaining and improving the quality of care provided to underserved populations.
The Broader Impact of FQHCs
CHC is part of a larger network of FQHCs across North Carolina, collectively serving nearly 32.5 million patients in 2024. These centers are vital in addressing healthcare disparities, especially in rural areas where residents are 40% more likely to be uninsured compared to their urban counterparts. By offering comprehensive, affordable care, FQHCs like CHC are critical in improving health outcomes and reducing the strain on emergency services.
1 in 10 people in the U.S. are health center patients. Of these patients, 18% are uninsured, 62% are publicly insured, 90% have low incomes, and 64% are people of color. Health centers care for the underserved communities, including 1.4 million people experiencing homelessness, 9.4 million children, 419,000 veterans, and 3.8 million patients over the age of 65.
A Call to Support
The story of Compassion Health Care, Inc. is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community health. As funding challenges loom, the support of policymakers, donors, and community members becomes ever more crucial. By standing with CHC and other FQHCs, we ensure that not only do the most vulnerable among us continue to receive the care they need and deserve, but everyone receives the care they need and deserve.
The sustainability of these centers is under threat. Recent funding cuts have jeopardized their operations, posing significant challenges. For CHC, this means navigating uncertainties while striving to maintain the quality and breadth of services that the community relies upon.
Despite these hurdles, CHC’s commitment remains steadfast. Our approach goes beyond treating illnesses; it’s about fostering a healthier community. By offering services like psychiatric care and addressing social determinants of health, CHC ensures that patients receive comprehensive support.