Care Ring
Providing Healthcare to Those in Need
Uninsured, under-insured, and under-served people in the Charlotte area can receive the healthcare they need thanks to Care Ring. A community health nurse who saw the disparities in the community and wanted to help people achieve a better quality of life founded Community Health Services in 1955.
“As the organization grew, the name changed to Care Ring, but our mission has remained the same throughout the years – to provide health services to the under-served, the uninsured, and the under-insured in our community,” says Tchernavia Montgomery, executive director. “Care Ring gives people access to affordable, quality-driven services that they might otherwise go without.”
Care Ring provides care to nearly 8,000 individuals each year through these programs:
- Low-Cost Clinic: The clinic provides primary care for people most in need, including high-quality preventive care, treatment of chronic illnesses, health screenings, vaccinations, and health education.
- Physicians Reach Out – PRO – A network of 1,600 volunteer health professionals donate care, including primary care, specialty care, labs, and diagnostic tests. These donated services total $70 million each year.
- Maternal-Child Health – Moms are partnered with a registered nurse or community health worker from pregnancy through the child’s second birthday.
- Community-based care ensures that services are available to those who are unable to get to clinics. A mobile unit from Novant Health provides health services to three different Charlotte communities.
Tchernavia first connected to Care Ring as a patient about two decades ago. “I had lost my job and was a single parent at the time. I needed healthcare before I was able to secure my next job, so I became a patient of Care Ring. That gave me an up-close look at the wonderful work the organization does.” After she became a licensed clinical social worker, Tchernavia began referring people in need to Care Ring, and became executive director three years ago.
“I enjoy the people I work alongside. We have a wealth of talent, innovation, and passion here, and the team works incredibly hard to meet the needs of our community,” Tchernavia says. “The impact that we’ve had in recent years with community health has been amazing. It’s a testament to the strength of an organization of our size and ability to positively benefit the community and especially some high needs populations.”
The Care Ring clinic offers preventative healthcare and health screenings.
The nurse family partnership program partners moms with healthcare workers from pregnancy through the child's second birthday.
The Care Ring provides healthcare to nearly 8,000 individuals in the Charlotte area each year at its low-cost clinic.
Care Ring works with Stephen Heeseman, Myers Park market executive. “We are really grateful to TowneBank where we are always treated with dignity and respect,” Tchernavia says. “We appreciate how invested Towne has become in the work that we do. They help us navigate the financial waters.” Stephen provided guidance to Care Ring when they first considered a move to a new building.
“Stephen was in on our exploration early on and was instrumental in helping to ensure that we were financially sound and ready to take the next step.”
Construction is underway, and Care Ring will move to their new location on N. Graham Street in the fall. “We are so grateful for the support and the generosity our community has shown. Our new larger space will allow us to deepen our impact in the region for years to come,” Tchernavia says.
Care Ring can always use volunteer help and support. For more information, visit CareRingNC.org.