12 Essential Services: The Kinston Community Health Center's Mission To Revolutionize Lenoir County Healthcare Access

The Kinston Community Health Center (KCHC), a cornerstone of healthcare in Eastern North Carolina, continues to demonstrate its commitment to comprehensive, accessible care as of December 17, 2025. This Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is not merely a clinic; it operates under a robust Medical Home model, providing a wide array of primary, dental, and behavioral health services crucial for residents of Lenoir County and surrounding areas. Its recent initiatives, particularly the expansion of its mobile health efforts, underscore a dynamic strategy to overcome persistent healthcare access challenges in underserved rural communities.

Established in 1993 by a group of concerned citizens, KCHC was founded specifically to address a significant gap in Lenoir County’s healthcare system. The center’s operational focus today remains on delivering compassionate, high-quality care, regardless of a patient's ability to pay, making it a critical safety net provider in the region’s health ecosystem.

Leadership and Key Entities Driving Kinston Community Health Center's Mission

The strategic direction and operational excellence of the Kinston Community Health Center are guided by a dedicated team of executive leaders and a community-focused Board of Directors. This structure ensures that the center remains responsive to the specific Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) of its patient population.

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Executive Leadership Profile:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Lisa Wallace. Ms. Wallace transitioned into the CEO role after serving as a committed KCHC board member for five years, bringing both institutional knowledge and a fresh perspective to the top position.
• Chief Operations Officer (COO): Suzanne Freeman. A Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience, Ms. Freeman provides essential clinical and operational oversight.
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Deborah Gray.
• Board Chair: James Wilkins.

KCHC Board of Directors:

The board is composed of local citizens, ensuring that the center’s decisions are guided by the needs of the community it serves. Key members include:

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• Alexis Welch
• Juan Allen
• Vincent Rob Jones
• Melissa Bailey
• Rosalind McDonald
• Annie Kornegay
• Carlos Raul Valle Manzanares
• Luis F. Guzman

These individuals, alongside the entire KCHC staff, are central to maintaining the center’s topical authority in providing integrated healthcare to Kinston, NC, and the broader Lenoir County area.

The Mobile Health Revolution: Bringing Care to Underserved Communities

One of the most significant and recent developments at the Kinston Community Health Center is the expansion and impact of its Mobile Health Clinic program. Recognizing that transportation and mobility access are major challenges in rural healthcare, KCHC launched this innovative strategy to literally bring the doctor's office on wheels to patients.

The center recently acquired a new Mobile Medical Unit, which allows for the provision of essential healthcare services directly into rural and underserved communities. Since the summer of 2024, the mobile clinic has been a beacon of hope, providing vital care to over 500 patients. It operates on a regular schedule, typically the last Thursday of each month, extending the reach of KCHC far beyond its brick-and-mortar locations.

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This initiative directly addresses the health disparities in Lenoir County by reaching individuals who might otherwise delay or forgo necessary medical attention. The mobile clinic provides a range of services, including primary care check-ups, health screenings, and preventative education, solidifying KCHC’s role as a leader in community outreach.

Comprehensive Services Under the Medical Home Model

The Kinston Community Health Center operates on the principle of a patient-centered Medical Home, meaning it offers integrated care that coordinates a patient's entire health journey. This holistic approach is critical for managing chronic conditions and ensuring continuity of care, a key factor in improving long-term health outcomes in Eastern North Carolina.

The center’s comprehensive offerings cover the full spectrum of patient needs, from preventative medicine to specialized behavioral health and dental care. The integration of these services under one umbrella is particularly beneficial for patients with limited resources who often struggle to navigate a fragmented healthcare system.

Core Healthcare Services Provided:

• Family Medical Services: Providing primary care for all ages, emphasizing preventative health and chronic disease management.
• Pediatric Services: Dedicated care for infants, children, and adolescents.
• OB/GYN Services: Essential women’s health, prenatal, and gynecological care.
• Dental Services: Comprehensive dental care, including a portable School-Based Dental Program that serves PreK through eighth grades in Lenoir County Schools.
• Laboratory Services: On-site testing for quick and convenient diagnostics.
• Pharmacy Services: Access to affordable medications, often supported by Prescription Assistance Programs.

Integrated Behavioral and Mental Health Services

A critical component of the KCHC mission is its robust Behavioral Health program, which acknowledges the inseparable link between physical and mental well-being. This focus is particularly relevant given the ongoing Mental Health Awareness campaigns promoted by the center, including its KCHC Pulse Podcast episodes.

The Behavioral Health location, separate from the main medical office, offers a discreet and focused environment for mental health treatment. Services include:

• Comprehensive Clinical Assessments
• Individual and Family Therapy
• Substance Abuse Services, including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
• Access to specialized providers like Monica McGill MD, MBA.

Outreach and Supportive Programs

To further address social determinants of health—the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes—KCHC provides extensive outreach and social services. These programs are vital for patients facing economic hardship or language barriers.

• Case Management Services: Helping patients navigate complex medical and social systems.
• Translation Services: Ensuring clear communication for all patients.
• Social Services: Connecting patients with community resources and assistance.
• Health Education Services: Empowering patients through knowledge about their health.
• Coordination of Medical Appointments: Assisting with referrals and follow-up care, often in collaboration with partners like UNC Health Lenoir and the Lenoir Hospital Foundation.

The KCHC Footprint in Kinston, NC

The Kinston Community Health Center maintains two primary locations in downtown Kinston, ensuring accessible facilities for all residents.

• Main Office (Family Medical, Dental, Pharmacy): 324 N. Queen Street, Kinston, NC 28501.
• Behavioral Health Office: 107 S. Queen St., Kinston, NC 28501.

The center’s ongoing dedication to providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible care—evidenced by the success of its mobile clinic and its integrated Medical Home model—makes it an indispensable asset to the health and well-being of Lenoir County. The continuous engagement with political figures, such as the recent visit by Congressman Don Davis, further highlights the center’s importance on both a local and federal level, securing its future as a vital healthcare provider in Eastern North Carolina.