Thank you for all your support over the past 35 years!
Let’s invest in the next 35!
We have come along way since our roots on Peabody Avenue, from our very first patient in 1987 to the thousands that have come through our doors since our move to Crosstown Concourse.
Your generosity has helped us provide hope and healing for so many of our neighbors in need. Join us in celebrating 35 years of caring for Memphis by investing in the next 35!
Your gift today will help fund thousands of medical visits a year, ensuring all Memphians have access to the quality health care every human being deserves. →
Caring starts here
Humble Beginnings
After medical school and ordination as a Methodist minister, Scott Morris, MD, Div moved to Memphis, knowing it was one of the poorest major cities in the country and founds Church Health as a solution to help solve a fundamental injustice: That hardworking Memphians were going without critical health care they needed and deserved.
Support from the Faith and Health Community of Memphis
Dr. Morris knew he couldn’t do it by himself and found the Memphis community to be some of the kindest and most generous people in all of America. Thanks to the support of the faith community and other generous partners, Church Health finds its first home in a dilapidated boarding house in Midtown Memphis.
Church Health opens
On September 1, 1987, Church Health opens on 1210 Peabody Ave. and cares for twelve people from the community.
Caring for the whole person
Knowing that health goes beyond the exam room, Church Health partners with volunteers to provide nutrition services, physical therapy, and dental services to care for the whole person. The demand has outgrown one physician, and Church Health hires our second full-time physician.
Roots firmly planted
By the end of 1991, Church Health has seen more than 10,000 patients and hired our first full time dentist. Thanks to a grant from Harry Phillips, Church Health founds the MEMPHIS Plan to help small business owners provide quality and affordable health care to their employees.
Expanded services for women’s health
Church Health sees its 15,00th patient and in May of 1994, Baptist Women's Health Center launches its first mobile mammogram screening at Church Health to help women take control of their health and wellness.
Caring through the lens of compassion
Church Health’s eye clinic takes shape with the hiring of our first full time optometrist to support the ongoing care provided by dedicated volunteers.
Expanding services
In January of 2000, Church Health opening the Hope & Healing Center at 1115 Union Ave to expand health and wellness education for the Memphis community.
Meeting the need
Church Health sees its 35,000th patient and to meet the growing demand, we move to an open access model with same day appointments and hire a second full time dentist to serve patients in need.
Healing the whole person
Understanding that hope, health and healing happen when we consider the whole person, Church Health introduced the Model for Healthy Living as the cornerstone of our care and outreach. Through this model we connect the dots across faith, medicine, movement, work, emotions, nutrition and friends and family.
Mending broken hearts
Many people see their doctor for physical pain, but the root of their problem is often a broken heart. That’s why Church Health opened a behavioral health division in 2013 so our patients could have access to professional counseling services.
Better Together
In 2017, after outgrowing thirteen buildings we consolidated operations and moved to Crosstown Concourse—a former Sears warehouse. As the anchor tenant of this mixed use vertical urban village, with shops, restaurants, vibrant public spaces we occupy 150,000 square feet and believe we really are better together.
Recognized for putting patients first
In 2018, Church Health is designated as a Patient-Centered Medical Home from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). We are proud to be recognized for providing care that puts patients at the forefront of our services.
Training the next generation of doctors
The first class of doctors graduate from our Family Medicine Residency program in partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care. These physician leaders understand the role that health systems and social disparities play in the lives of patients.
Church Health celebrates 35 years of caring for one another
On September 1, 2022 Church Health celebrates its 35th anniversary. Since 1987, more than 80,000 different individuals have come through our doors seeking help and finding compassionate care for their whole families.
Ensuring our Community Thrives Together
Together with our partners, we provide essential health services for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it and light the way for a brighter and healthier Memphis. The generous contributions of our community supported:
59,400+
patient visits delivering comprehensive care
30,600+
smile saving dental procedures
1,000+
volunteers providing essential health services
Stories of Hope and Healing
For 35 years, Church Health has had a front-row seat to incredible stories of hope and healing. These stories encourage us to continue making the highest quality health care accessible to more Memphians—so we can all live our lives with dignity, vitality and joy.
Watch our full video below on how patients, volunteers, supporters, and more are helping Church Health kick off our 35th-anniversary celebration.
