In 1981, Charlotte, NC had a need.  Dr. Charles Warren Williams had a vision.  That vision was to create an environment where the medically underserved and economically disadvantaged population in Mecklenburg County could find quality and affordable healthcare.  That passion led to the founding of the C.W Williams Community Health Center, Inc.

 

Dr. C.W. Williams, who passed away in 1982, became the principal investigator for a group of

individuals who decided to petition the Department of Health and Human Services to establish the

center under the Public Health Service Act Section 330.  That group was comprised of Peggy Beckwith, who at the time was Founder of the local Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, along with Dr. John Murphy, a local dentist; and Rowe Jack Motley, the first African American County Commissioner.  Because of their

hard work and dedication, this group was awarded a grant and later became the C.W. Williams Community Health Center in response to the community’s need for accessible

and affordable medical care.

 

“The only African American funded program at the time was for Sickle Cell Anemia,” says Peggy Beckwith, “and that program was started in 1978.  The four of us decided that this was the foundation that we would launch the process with.  Several of the board members for the (Sickle Cell Anemia) Foundation did not agree but we got it passed.” As the request for proposal (RFP) was issued for the grant, the group only had three days to submit it.  With Rowe Motley’s connections and his decision to drive it to Washington, they made the deadline.

 

Today the center operates in two locations, one at the original westside site and the other in midtown Charlotte.  It has 13 board certified medical providers on staff and a total of 65 employees.  In the last five years the center has seen a 35% growth in clients. Some of the services offered are diabetes

management, HIV/AIDS primary care, homeless healthcare initiative and mammography screening.  In 2004 it opened an OB/GYN practice at its midtown location.

 

After 25 years, C.W. Williams CHC is still an anchor and a force in the Charlotte community as it continues to provide primary and preventive care and health education. While collaborating with local businesses and religious institutions to provide consulting for improving the economic development of the Charlotte area, the C.W. Williams CHC also serves as a community resource for local high schools, colleges, universities, and other healthcare organizations.

 

Just as C.W. William’s vision for compassionate care came into existence in 1981, today, over two decades later, there is still a growing need for comprehensive care for the underserved population of Mecklenburg County.  The center looks to increase its capacity by expanding its building and

initiating a capital building campaign during its 25 year anniversary in 2006.  As Vivian Williams, the wife of C.W. Williams, says, “We are still building on the legacy and the vision of C.W.  His passion continues in what we do.”