Kinston Community Health Center, Inc. began as a vision by a group of concerned citizens of Lenoir County in the early 1990’s. For a couple of years, this group worked diligently to research all available resources and then to work as a Board of Directors to apply for the Federal HRSA 330 grant funds available to open a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). In 1993, the first five staff members were hired and the first patient was seen. Soon after, KCHC began Phase 1 renovations on the permanent site in downtown Kinston. Soon afterward, KCHC moved to 324 N. Queen Street and more employees were added to the staff. Our patient population continued to grow.
With just a small one-room dental clinic with two operatories, the much needed dental care for the underserved individuals in the community was provided. A local dentist, Dr. Junius Rose, provided a great deal of support during the planning and renovation phase of the small clinic. It was at the beginning of the year 2000, KCHC completed yet another phase of previously planned renovations and built a new full-size dental clinic featuring eight operatories, a lab, and a panorex to further develop what was once a bleak area in downtown Kinston. Until 2020, Dr. Rose continued to volunteer one full day per week, as well as serveing as a member of the Board of Directors.
An unoccupied second floor of the building was renovated to house the administration and finance departments. A few changes were made to the medical clinic to enhance patient flow and create more space for clinical employees. From June 2000 to present, the Center continues to provide OB/GYN, Family Medical services, Community Outreach, and school based oral health. KCHC expanded its Behavioral Health department through acquiring an additional office space a few blocks away from the 324 N. Queen St. location. The Behavioral Health Center is located at 107 S. Queen St.
To meet the growing demand for integrated health practices, in July 2020, the centered acquired its own mobile medical unit. This unit is currently being used to deliver Covid-19 vaccination and testing in Lenoir and surrounding counties. It is our hope to begin delivering primary medical and dental care in the field sometime during the year of 2022.