Delivering dignity and care through Community Health Ministries

This National Health Center Week, Ascension celebrates our Community Health Ministries (CHMs) for expanding access to care in the communities we serve. Nearly one in seven Americans relies on a community health center for care, and these organizations play an essential role in connecting patients with primary care, behavioral health services, and other resources that support their overall well-being.

CHMs are 501(c)(3) organizations that provide programs and services aimed at addressing specific community needs and local health challenges beyond traditional clinical care. These initiatives focus on improving access to pivotal services, advancing health and wellness, addressing social priorities, and collaborating with community based organizations (CBOs) to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the communities we serve.

"At its heart, this work is about delivering dignity," said Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, MPH, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer, Ascension. "When a person can access primary care, get help with groceries, and find behavioral health support all in one compassionate space, we remove the burden of navigating a fragmented system. Our Community Health Ministries allow us to show up for individuals in a way that respects their time, honors their humanity, and builds trust with providers."

How CHMs close care gaps

Ascension's CHMs provide clinical care alongside the support people need when life circumstances - like poverty, housing instability, or mental health struggles - make it harder to stay healthy. While each ministry tailors its programs around the local community it serves, the calling remains the same: to walk closely with neighbors through difficult seasons, providing needed access to healthcare and critical resources, with a focus on dignity and compassion.

Ascension's CHMs reach patients through Ascension-owned ministries as well as collaborative relationships with Federally Qualified Health Centers, each of which are independently governed and mission-driven, extending access to care for those facing the greatest barriers.

Care shaped by community needs

CHMs take a highly targeted approach to improving health. By assessing individual neighborhoods and ZIP codes, each ministry develops programs and services that address the specific challenges facing the people who live there. Some services are intentionally offered only within a defined geographic area, ensuring resources are directed to the communities with the greatest need.

Depending on the local CHM, patients may have access to primary care, dental care, pediatric services, vision care, behavioral health services, food assistance, wellness programs, transportation support, or other resources that improve health and well-being. This approach continues to resonate with patients. In fiscal year 2026, our CHM network improved its Net Promoter Scores by 5% year over year.

"Community Health Ministries are not built from a one-size-fits-all approach," said Lisa Stockdale, Interim Vice President of Community Health Ministries at Ascension. "The needs of a family living in one community may be very different from the needs of a family living just a few miles away. By looking closely at local health gaps, we can design programs, services, and partnerships that address the specific challenges patients are experiencing and create a stronger connection between care and community."

CHMs work to expand services including:

• Increased access to primary care. CHMs continue to widen the availability of preventive and primary care services, helping more patients receive timely care close to home.
• Growing behavioral health services. Many CHMs are expanding integrated behavioral health programs and specialized services that support individuals experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
• Addressing basic necessities alongside healthcare. CHMs connect patients and families with food assistance, clothing, diapers, transportation, emergency dental care, immunizations, wellness programs, and other essential resources that support overall health.
• Bringing care into the community. Through mobile health units, community outreach events, and neighborhood-based programs, CHMs deliver care and resources directly to patients, helping reduce barriers to accessing healthcare.

By joining healthcare and social services, CHMs help reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Through this work, Ascension continues to advance its Mission by expanding access to compassionate, personalized care where it is needed most.