MONROE, N.C. — Community Health Services of Union County has been serving the community for more than 40 years, seeking solutions for those who are uninsured and need medical care.
The clinic is focused on helping patients who need medical help, but don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. It is a primary care provider that accepts uninsured patients who have low incomes and live in or around Union County. As long as the patient is between 18 and 64 years old, the clinic can assist.
Cindy Cole is the executive director of Community Health Services of Union County. Cole told WCNC Charlotte that hearing about the impact the clinic has made on patients is exactly why their staff works there.
“We want you to know that community health services not only changed my life, but it has saved my life. And that's why we're here," Cole said. “These doctors and nurses make everybody feel like they're really special and that they're really somebody and we want them. We want them well, we want them to go back to work to be more productive in society.”
Cole added that their need continues to grow.
It’s the clinic's mission to improve the lives of the patients they serve. The certified physicians are either retired or looking to continue serving the community.
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Dr. Howard Guthman volunteers his time as a physician at the clinic.
“What draws me back here to help a little bit is because these people have been so consistent in providing these resources for people that didn't have access to it in other places," Guthman said.
A common trait that every staff member has is the care they have for their patients.
“Everybody here has a caring heart and they're very motivated to help others," clinic nursing supervisor Amy Barnes said. "They're just very compassionate. Everybody loves their job here. Or we wouldn't stay here.”
With the help of grant donations and sponsors, Community Health Services of Union County can help patients who need medical help but can’t afford it.
“We feel like everybody's somebody, and that healthcare is a big need," Cole said. "And we want to provide those health care services.”
Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.