Carolinas HealthCare System and Novant Come Together for the Community

Carolinas HealthCare System and Novant Health have embarked on a first-of-its-kind initiative to improve access to healthcare in Charlotte's underserved neighborhoods.

Gene Woods, President and CEO of CHS, and Carl Amato, President and CEO of Novant Health, note that while their two systems compete on one level, it is increasingly important to combine resources to tackle the challenges ahead.

Research has shown that African-American and Latino populations in Charlotte, like those across the country, are more likely to suffer from both chronic and acute disease, and in the face of these diseases, have less positive outcomes. As the two largest healthcare providers in this region, it is our responsibility to be a part of the solutions to these issues.

The two health systems have come together to change this trajectory by gathering a coalition that includes businesses, nonprofits, physicians and health teams, government agencies, community leaders and grassroots organizations. Working collectively, solutions will address not only medical care, but also the social determinants that can dramatically effect a community’s health and wellbeing.

“We have a shared responsibility,” says Woods, “to improve the lives of people in the community’s most vulnerable populations. Making the necessary changes will require a strong commitment from organizations throughout the public and private sectors, working together as true partners.”