As Cempa Community Care approaches its 40th year serving Chattanooga and surrounding areas, our leadership team is reflecting on all that’s been accomplished since our founding in 1986, as well as planning for the future needs of the communities it serves.

When Cempa Community Care was founded as Chattanooga C.A.R.E.S. (Council on AIDS Resources, Education, and Support) in 1986, our organization was small but mighty, with a laser focus on supporting those impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Over time, advancements in research and medicine have made HIV treatable and even preventable. For the team here at Cempa, this meant that as HIV case numbers dropped, the organization was faced with the unique opportunity to continue identifying new areas of need. 

While HIV testing, medical care, and support services have always been — and continue to be — offered by the community health organization, Cempa services have expanded drastically over the years to meet our mission: “to champion healthy communities by providing affordable, compassionate, and high-quality care through advancing comprehensive support services and person-centered best practices.”

“To effectively meet our community’s needs and fulfill our mission, we must actively listen, adapt, and evolve,” said Cempa CMO Dr. Jay Sizemore. “I’m incredibly proud of Team Cempa for their unwavering commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring we are prepared to provide our community with high-quality, inclusive care for all.”

A few additional services that have been layered into Cempa’s holistic approach to care include: 

• Dental care: The Cempa Dental Clinic provides both pediatric and adult service offerings, including routine teeth cleanings and x-rays, fillings, minor oral surgery, and more. 
• Primary care and behavioral health: Cempa believes in providing high-quality care to all community members. Its primary care services — offered on a sliding fee scale —  include routine check-ups, management of chronic conditions, and more. Clients may also be connected to behavioral health services to support holistic wellness. 
• Community pharmacy: Having an on-site pharmacy ensures Cempa clients have quick access to medications, making it easier to adhere to prescribed treatment plans.
• Infectious disease efforts (in addition to HIV care and support): Anytime an infectious disease affects the area, our team is positioned to step in as a resource. As a tangible example of these efforts, the Cempa team played a significant role in Chattanooga and surrounding areas throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cempa leaders spent countless hours advocating for area residents through a wide range of outreach, education, testing, and vaccination efforts.
• Outreach in underserved communities: Cempa’s outreach efforts seek to break down barriers to care. Cempa team members share information in schools, community centers, churches, and other locations, all with the intention of empowering individuals by increasing their health literacy.
• Mobile clinic: Cempa’s mobile clinic makes many of the services listed above more accessible by bringing testing and care services to Chattanoogans in their own neighborhoods.
• Harm reduction: Cempa serves some of Chattanooga’s most vulnerable community members through its STEP TN (Syringe Trade and Education Program of TN) program. The program offers a clean needle exchange program, as well as access to education, medical and mental health services, and more.

“Reflecting on my time at Cempa, I am in awe of what our team has accomplished, in spite of adversity, hardships, and even a global pandemic,” said Cempa CEO Dr. Shannon Burger. “We can’t predict where the next 40 years will lead this amazing organization, but I’m confident that we are creating a lasting legacy of care that will benefit our community for many years to come.”