From an Idea to a Community of Care: Celebrating the History of HCCH

Every health center has a story. Ours began with an idea, a need, and a commitment to the people of the High Country.

As we celebrate National Health Center Week, we’re looking back at where High Country Community Health began, how we’ve grown, and the communities that have made that growth possible.

It Started with an Idea

In 2010, the idea for what would become High Country Community Health began to take shape. Local healthcare leaders saw a need for greater access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare throughout the region and began pursuing the opportunity to establish a Federally Qualified Health Center. The path forward wasn’t easy. Changes in federal funding initially put the opportunity on hold—but the vision remained. Then, in 2012, everything changed.

120 Days to Make It Happen

An unexpected email arrived with incredible news: HCCH had received a grant award.

There was just one catch. The organization had only 120 days to go from an idea on paper to an operational community health center.

A team was built. A community-based Board of Directors was established. Partnerships with local health departments helped provide space to begin seeing patients.

And on January 2, 2013, High Country Community Health welcomed its first patient.

HCCH had officially begun.

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Growing with Our Communities

Since its inception, HCCH has expanded to meet the needs of the communities it serves. By 2015, HCCH was providing care to around 5,500 patients through over 22,000 visits. By its fifth anniversary, the organization had grown to operate in three counties with more than 50 employees.

By the end of 2025, High Country Community Health was in 5 counties, seen 17,319 unique individuals, 72,440 patient visits, 270 employees, 9 primary care sites, 3 dental clinics and 3 mobile units. Because of our growth, we were able to merge with a rural health center, Surry Medical Ministries, in Mt. Airy. By uniting, HCCH will carry forward SMM’s legacy of service in Surry County while bringing in the expanded patient resources, integrated care model, and additional funding of a federally qualified health center. This merger reflects HCCH’s ongoing commitment to meeting patients where they are and ensuring care that not only heals but strengthens the community it serves.

The Story Continues

HCCH has grown far beyond those first 120 days—but the heart of our work remains the same. Our mission is to provide quality, patient-centered, culturally appropriate, affordable, and compassionate care that serves the whole person.

As we celebrate National Health Center Week, we’re grateful for the employees, patients, board members, community partners, and neighbors who have been part of our journey.

What began as an idea has grown into a community of care—and we’re excited for the chapters still to come.