History & Mission
The Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) was established in 1997 with a clear mission: to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families through education, access to care, and strong community partnerships. Originally known as the Cabarrus County Health Department, the organization evolved to better meet the changing health needs of residents. Its mission focuses on achieving the highest level of health for both individuals and the community through collaboration, prevention, and innovation.
CHA operates under the guidance of a diverse board of leaders representing healthcare providers, schools, dental professionals, local government, and the community at large. This inclusive approach ensures that decision-making reflects the perspectives of the people it serves.
A Modern Facility
A significant milestone for CHA came in 2011 with the construction of its new headquarters near the North Carolina Research Campus. The 61,000-square-foot building was designed not only to deliver healthcare but also to promote research-based innovation. Built with eco-friendly features, flexible clinical spaces, electronic check-in systems, and multilingual signage, the facility set a new standard for how public health departments could operate.
The new headquarters also signaled CHA’s role as a model for modern public health organizations nationwide. By creating an environment that encourages efficiency, accessibility, and community trust, the building itself became part of CHA’s vision for healthier lives.
Locations & Accessibility
The main office is located in Kannapolis and serves as the central hub for programs and services. It operates Monday through Friday with extended hours for its dental clinic to accommodate families’ schedules. A secondary location in Concord provides additional dental and nutrition support services.
By offering multiple access points, CHA ensures that residents throughout Cabarrus County have convenient options for receiving care. This accessibility is essential for reaching underserved populations and breaking down barriers to healthcare.
Comprehensive Services
The Cabarrus Health Alliance provides a wide range of services designed to address nearly every aspect of community health.
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Cancer Screenings: Free or affordable screenings for breast and cervical cancer, including mammograms and Pap tests, are offered to eligible women.
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Child Care Coordination: Programs help families with children under five who may have developmental challenges, offering guidance, referrals, and support.
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Disease Prevention: Services include HIV testing, treatment for communicable diseases, tuberculosis support, and immunizations for all ages.
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Dental Health: CHA’s clinics in both Kannapolis and Concord provide affordable dental care for children and adults. Medicaid, private insurance, and sliding-scale payment options make care more accessible.
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Diabetes Support: Educational workshops, screenings, and management programs help patients prevent or control type 2 diabetes.
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Environmental Health: CHA monitors public pools, food establishments, and septic systems to protect residents from environmental risks.
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Family Planning: Services include birth control education, pregnancy testing, counseling, and maternity care. Programs like CenteringPregnancy® offer group prenatal support.
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Laboratory & Immunizations: Testing and screenings, including sickle cell and lead testing, are available alongside routine immunizations.
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Nutrition & WIC: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services provide nutritional guidance and support for families.
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Strengthening Families Program: This initiative provides free skill-building sessions for families, including transportation, childcare, meals, and incentives.
Innovation & Community Initiatives
CHA is not limited to its physical locations—it extends its reach through innovative projects and mobile services. The Mission Mobile Clinic travels to underserved neighborhoods, offering immunizations, wellness checks, health screenings, and educational materials. Mobile clinics also provide school-related services, ensuring that children are ready for the classroom both academically and physically.
In addition, CHA has long supported youth with special health care needs through programs that connect families with resources across multiple counties. These initiatives demonstrate CHA’s dedication to meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively.
Quality & Recognition
Over the years, CHA has earned recognition as a nationally accredited health department. Accreditation demonstrates a strong commitment to quality improvement, transparency, and accountability. Internally, CHA has built a culture of learning and progress through quality improvement councils and continuous staff training.
Its impact can be seen in measurable ways. In schools, health nurses documented thousands of student encounters annually, improving emergency preparedness and student wellness. Communicable disease teams expanded outreach for conditions such as opioid use disorder and infectious diseases, leading to more effective responses.
Environmental health initiatives digitized records, streamlined inspections, and improved responsiveness to community concerns. These improvements reflect CHA’s forward-thinking approach to public health.
Behavioral Health & Counseling
In recent years, CHA expanded into behavioral health services to meet growing community needs. It took on responsibility for providing mental health services in the county jail, ensuring that incarcerated individuals receive evaluations, therapy, and peer support.
School-based counseling programs also emerged, offering mental health services to uninsured students. By integrating behavioral health into its overall mission, CHA acknowledges the deep connection between mental health and overall wellness.
Community Partnerships
Collaboration is at the heart of CHA’s success. Its location near the North Carolina Research Campus allows partnerships with universities, hospitals, and research institutions. This collaboration bridges public service with cutting-edge science, ensuring that the community benefits from the latest knowledge and practices.
Additionally, CHA works closely with local governments, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to provide holistic support. Whether addressing nutrition, housing, or mental health, CHA understands that true health comes from addressing all aspects of life.
Fiscal Responsibility
CHA secures millions of dollars annually through grants, county funding, and partnerships. These funds support vital programs in dental care, family planning, behavioral health, environmental monitoring, and chronic disease prevention. By carefully managing resources, CHA ensures its services remain sustainable and effective.
Looking Ahead
The Cabarrus Health Alliance continues to evolve as community needs change. With new challenges such as emerging diseases, mental health crises, and disparities in access to care, CHA remains at the forefront of innovation. Its blend of clinical services, prevention programs, and community outreach makes it a true leader in public health.
Conclusion
The Cabarrus Health Alliance in Kannapolis stands as a shining example of how a local health department can go beyond traditional services to transform an entire community. From cancer screenings to dental care, from school health to behavioral support, CHA addresses the full spectrum of wellness.
By focusing on accessibility, innovation, and collaboration, CHA ensures that every resident has the opportunity to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Its continued growth and commitment to excellence guarantee that it will remain a trusted source of care and leadership for years to come.
