On Friday Cempa Community Care broke ground on a new healthcare facility that will expand access to care, strengthen coordination among its providers, and position the organization to serve the Chattanooga community for decades to come.
The groundbreaking was a timely event as Cempa kicked off its 40th anniversary celebration, marking four decades of providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare throughout the greater Chattanooga area.
Founded in 1986 as Chattanooga CARES to address urgent community health needs during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Cempa has grown from a small nonprofit into an integrated healthcare organization offering comprehensive medical services.
The new facility represents the next chapter in Cempa’s evolution, bringing primary care, infectious disease care, dentistry, behavioral health, and pharmacy services together under one roof.
Designed to improve both access to care and the patient experience, the facility at 1000 East 3rd Street in Chattanooga will make it easier for patients to receive coordinated, whole-person care in a single location while supporting the organization's continued growth and long-term commitment to community health.
"For 40 years, Cempa has met our community where the need has been greatest. This new facility is a reflection of that enduring commitment,” said Dr. Shannon Burger, CEO of Cempa. “By bringing our services together in one location, we're creating a more seamless experience for our patients, expanding access to comprehensive, patient-centered care, and ensuring every individual who walks through our doors is met with the compassion, dignity, and excellence they deserve. Today, we break ground not only on a new building, but on the future of community health."
Since its founding, Cempa has remained committed to removing barriers to healthcare and ensuring patients receive the services they need with dignity, compassion, and respect. The upgraded facility will reflect that mission while creating the capacity to meet the region’s evolving healthcare needs.
"This groundbreaking represents an investment in the health of our community and in the future of the people we serve,” said Arch Trimble IV, Board Chair of Cempa. “As stewards of Cempa's mission, the Board is proud to support a project that strengthens our ability to provide integrated, patient-centered care while ensuring the organization continues to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Chattanooga.”
The groundbreaking represents Cempa's continued investment in the health and well-being of the Chattanooga community. As the organization celebrates 40 years of service, the new facility—slated for completion in Winter 2027 —positions Cempa to build on its legacy of expanding access to high-quality, integrated healthcare for generations to come.
For additional Cempa Community Care information, please visit www.cempa.org