Atrium Health opens new practice within newly-renovated Dowd YMCA

Newly-renovated Dowd YMCA branch aims to provide a new community model focused on health, with healthcare and healthy living services under one roof

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 11, 2018 – Building on a successful relationship that began decades ago with both organizations’ deep commitment to the Charlotte region and its communities, Atrium Health has opened its Charlotte Internal Medicine and Specialty Group Practice and Carolinas Rehabilitation services in the newly-renovated Dowd YMCA in Uptown Charlotte.

Atrium Health, the official community health partner of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, is cohabitating the new space to bring youth development, healthy living, social responsibility and prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses under one roof. Together, the two organizations will address the health disparities and social determinants which disproportionately affect many of Charlotte’s citizens and communities.

“The partnership between Atrium Health and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is designed to provide community-centered health, connecting patients to a primary care physician and care team where exercise and nutrition can be incorporated into their care program,” said Alisahah Cole, MD, vice president and system medical director of community health at Atrium Health. “Together, we are able to provide a combination of medical services and wellness services to improve healthcare and reach people no matter where they are in their health journey.”

With the new 5,700-square-foot Charlotte Internal Medicine and Specialty Group and Carolinas Rehabilitation practice, the Dowd YMCA will serve as the first YMCA of Greater Charlotte location to offer primary care and on-demand care, including Virtual Visit. This will be the third Y location to offer Carolinas Rehabilitation services, in addition to the Sara’s YMCA and Harris YMCA.

Services offered at the new practice, located on E. Morehead Street, will include: preventative care and wellness exams, treatment of acute illnesses, chronic disease management, women’s health, physical therapy, video gait analysis and sports performance, among others.

“The Dowd YMCA serves roughly 16,000 individuals, with one in four members earning an annual income of less than $20,000,” said Joe Angelon, executive director of the Dowd YMCA. “With this expansion, we’re excited to serve even more in our community and provide access to the tools and resources needed to get and stay healthy. Our partnership with Atrium Health and this new space in our facility is a key part of that.”