Atrium Health’s Meaningful Medicine Program Transforms Access to Care, Expands Economic Mobility through Early Career Opportunities

Charlotte, N.C. — December 11, 2025 — Three years ago, Bank of America provided a landmark $10 million, five-year grant to support Atrium Health Foundation’s Giving Hope Campaign – one of the first significant corporate gifts to the comprehensive campaign, which launched in May 2021. The funding established an innovative private and public partnership, the Meaningful Medicine program, committed to transforming lives and strengthening the future of healthcare in Charlotte.

Designed to improve access to health and mental care and bridge workforce development needs in nursing and health-related fields, the Meaningful Medicine initiative has delivered on its promise to scale healthcare access in underserved communities and build economic opportunities for students interested in entering the health sector.

Since launching the program, there have been some big wins, including:

• School-Based Virtual Care at 115 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that reached 10,000+ patients (students and teachers) with 13,000+ visits on campus, during school hours – with a return to classroom rate of 61%.
• School-Based Virtual Therapy at 32 CMS schools, serving the behavioral health and mental wellness needs of 900 students, with more than 11,000+ visits
• Nearly 300 CMS High School students participated in career and workforce development programs.

A complete list of “wins” is located at AtriumHealthFoundation.org/MeaningfulMedicine.

The Atrium Health program is a partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Mecklenburg County Public Health, Central Piedmont Community College, Latin American Coalition, Inlivian Housing, and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte include six initiatives:

• School-Based Virtual Care
• School-Based Virtual Therapy
• Community Virtual Primary Care
• Workforce Development
• Social Health Screening
• Suicide Prevention Training

When the public and private sector work together, impact can be scaled and build greater results. These partnerships are key, according to Shannon Duval, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is a part. “Meaningful Medicine is truly driving Atrium Health’s mission home. It’s ensuring people in the communities we serve have access to care, and it offers opportunities and training to those who wish to pursue a health care career. The Meaningful Medicine program is driving future economic mobility and supporting Charlotte families.”

“The Meaningful Medicine program demonstrates how collaboration can transform access to health and wellness needs, especially in underserved communities and schools,” said Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte. “This initiative has improved educational impacts and community health outcomes. It has accelerated economic opportunities through workforce development programs where local students can achieve their career goals post-graduation.”

Transforming Education and Health Outcomes

The Meaningful Medicine program’s innovative approach helps keep students and staff healthy and in school, reduces absenteeism, and provides supportive behavioral health services as well as career pathways for High School students. “Meaningful Medicine is a gamechanger in our schools,” said Dr. Crystal Hill, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Superintendent commented: “It is a valued and unique virtual resource addressing the direct needs of our families and employees. The career pathway programs are providing the critical training needed for students to become the next generation of medical professionals.”

A Model for Public-Private Partnership

Meaningful Medicine’s success has inspired interest from communities beyond the Carolinas, with many seeking to replicate its innovative model. The program continues to expand, with plans to reach even more schools and community sites, and to deepen its impact on health equity and workforce development.

To learn more about the Meaningful Medicine program visit AtriumHealthFoundation.org/MeaningfulMedicine.

About Atrium Health

Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is the health system’s academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. It is ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation. With a commitment to redefine care for every community it serves, Atrium Health provides nearly $3 billion in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits.

Media contacts:

Kirstin Ashford, Atrium Health Foundation: Kirstin.Ashford@advocatehealth.org