Memphis Community Health Clinic: Bridging Healthcare Gaps and Advancing Nursing Excellence

February 28, 2025

The University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing (LCON) is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Memphis Community Health Clinic, an initiative aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity in the Memphis area. Located within the Community Health Building (CHB) on the University of Memphis south campus, this innovative clinic will serve as a cornerstone for providing accessible, compassionate care to underserved populations.

The clinic’s mission is clear: to empower individuals and families by delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care that not only addresses immediate health concerns but also fosters long-term, meaningful improvements. The Memphis Community Health Clinic will offer a wide range of essential services, including primary care, chronic disease management, mental health support, and preventive screenings. Its opening marks a significant step toward reducing healthcare disparities and improving health outcomes for residents of Shelby County.

“This clinic is about more than just providing care—it’s about transforming lives and creating healthier futures for our neighbors,” said Dr. Linda Haddad, Dean of the Loewenberg College of Nursing.

With a focus on the surrounding two-mile radius, the clinic will serve approximately 53,000 residents, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. By offering essential services in a local, accessible setting, the clinic aims to reduce emergency room visits, improve chronic disease management, and increase access to preventive care. In its first year, the clinic aims to serve over 3,600 patients, which will be a significant milestone in improving health outcomes across the community.

Beyond its direct impact on healthcare, the Memphis Community Health Clinic will also serve as a dynamic learning environment for nursing students. Under the guidance of experienced faculty and nurse practitioners, students will gain hands-on experience that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world clinical practice. This experience will prepare the next generation of nurses to lead with both compassion and innovation.

“This is a collaborative mission,” said Dr. Bradley Harrell, Assistant Dean of Community Partnerships and Practice. “The Memphis Community Health Clinic is a testament to what we can accomplish when we unite with a shared vision for health and equity.”

The Memphis Community Health Clinic is being brought to life through a powerful combination of vision, partnerships, and philanthropic support. With an initial funding goal of $500,000 to cover facility setup and operational costs for the first two years, we are calling on generous donors, community leaders, and grantmakers to help make a lasting impact. 

Set to open within 18 months, the Memphis Community Health Clinic is launching at a crucial time for Shelby County, which currently ranks 79th out of 95 counties in Tennessee for health outcomes. The clinic will be a direct response to these challenges, offering hope for a healthier, more equitable future for the region.

“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Haddad. “Together, we’re creating a healthier, more equitable future for everyone.”

As the clinic’s opening draws near, its anticipated impact reaches far beyond the CHB’s walls. The Memphis Community Health Clinic represents an exciting new chapter in both healthcare and nursing education.

Breen, CEO of Honeycomb Management Group, a local organization that operates six primary care clinics in the Memphis area, expressed his support for the clinic. “The development of an academically focused primary care clinic is a truly exciting opportunity for the community. As a proponent of value-based primary care, I believe the Loewenberg College of Nursing is giving graduating students the opportunity to be better prepared for practice. The clinic rotation will equip them with a deeper understanding of prevention and chronic disease management. This is an incredible gift to students, patients, providers, and the community. We at Honeycomb Management Group are proud

 to be part of this impactful development.”

Breen also sees the clinic as vital to addressing healthcare challenges in the region. “As a healthcare entrepreneur, I believe the future of primary care will increasingly be led by Nurse Practitioners. With chronic provider shortages and an aging population driving the need for well-coordinated primary care, this clinic will be pivotal in producing a compassionate and efficient workforce to meet these needs. This is an exciting step forward for our healthcare system.”

The Memphis Community Health Clinic is set to open within 18 months, and its impact will be felt across the community and beyond. For more information or to contribute to the clinic’s mission, please contact Dr. Linda Haddad at lhaddad@memphis.edu or Dr. Brad Harrell at bharrell@memphis.edu.