Stories of Hope and Healing
Join us in honoring the patients, volunteers, supporters, and countless individuals who have played a pivotal role in our journey towards making high-quality healthcare accessible to more Memphians. Discover the heartwarming stories and enduring impact that define Church Health’s legacy.
Our Journey Towards Affordable Health Care
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
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 Avenue 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 support, 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 doctor.
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.
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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.
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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 introduces 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 a behavioral health division opens in 2013 for our patients to receive professional counseling services.
The Move to Crosstown Concourse
In 2017, after outgrowing thirteen buildings we consolidate operations and move to Crosstown Concourse—a former Sears warehouse. As the anchor tenant of this mixed use vertical urban village 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.
