Cherokee Health Systems

The non-profit Cherokee Health Systems (CHS), with its headquarters in Newport, Tennessee, is committed to providing thorough behavioral and addiction treatment services across the state. CHS offers a comprehensive spectrum of treatments for children, adolescents, and adults at many sites, including the Hedrick Drive clinic. The organization places an emphasis on a comprehensive strategy that seamlessly combines general care with mental health. With the use of this cutting-edge approach, physicians may now treat chronic illnesses, life stresses that affect general well-being, and mental and drug use problems.

In 1960, a group of visionaries led by family physician Dr. Jack McConnell and psychiatrist Dr. Bob Spiegel created Cherokee Health Systems. They determined the urgent need for easily accessible and reasonably priced healthcare in Tennessee's underprivileged Morristown neighborhood in collaboration with local authorities. In an effort to close the gap in mental health treatment, the first CHS clinic was opened, initially providing people in need with case management, therapy, and psychiatric services. As it became clear that treating mental and physical health at the same time was necessary for comprehensive patient care, the organization gradually expanded the scope of services it offered to include primary care.

CHS went beyond Morristown as the need for their integrated healthcare services increased, adding other clinics in Knoxville and the neighboring East Tennessee counties. They implemented the then-groundbreaking "Integrated Health Care Home" approach, which included mental health, drug addiction treatment, and general care under one roof. By ensuring that patients get coordinated care that seamlessly addresses all of their health requirements, this creative approach enhances patient outcomes and care quality.

Cherokee Health Systems has a significant influence on community involvement and collaborations in addition to providing direct patient treatment. They work together with community centers, local schools, and other healthcare professionals to conduct outreach programs and preventative care. This emphasis on community-based treatment promotes early intervention and a wellness culture across East Tennessee by increasing public awareness of addiction and mental health issues.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center today, Cherokee Health Systems is pleased to serve almost 70,000 patients a year. They offer services to those with private insurance, those covered by the state via TennCare or CoverKids, and even those without insurance since they are committed to providing accessible healthcare. In addition to medical care, dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy care, the services are provided to children, adults, and seniors and include behavioral and addiction therapy.

The organization's efforts have earned it distinction on a national level, particularly for its work fusing general care with mental health. This approach has shown promise in lowering medical expenses while greatly enhancing patient outcomes. The interdisciplinary team at CHS works tirelessly to develop and improve its methods, raising the bar for all-encompassing, patient-centered care.

Cherokee Health Systems is still a reputable healthcare organization in Tennessee, and it strives to promote healthy communities by offering comprehensive medical treatment. No matter their background or financial situation, every patient will be able to get high-quality healthcare because to the dedication to providing compassionate, coordinated, and affordable care. Their history, which was established on a basis of commitment and community involvement, is still developing as they work to satisfy the clients' ever-evolving demands.