Filling a Primary Need in our Community for Primary Care

Filling a Primary Need in our Community for Primary Care

Medical visits are often associated with being sick or hurt. While it’s true that medical providers can help treat illnesses and injuries when they occur, primary care providers also play another important role — helping you maintain good health and prevent disease.

That’s why Cempa Community Care offers those in the greater Chattanooga community access to primary care services. Through Cempa, community members can receive a full spectrum of preventive care, including routine checkups and help managing chronic conditions.

Why do you need a primary care provider? With football season right around the corner, consider this metaphor: A primary care provider, often called a PCP, is somewhat like a quarterback for your health. 

A QB surveys the scene, calls the plays, and hands off the ball to other players when needed. Your PCP does the same — your provider will keep track of your overall physical and mental health, determine what tests, vaccines, and treatments you need, and refer you to specialists if necessary.

Getting the healthcare services you need can sometimes be quite confusing and a little overwhelming, especially if you need to see multiple providers. That’s where a PCP can come into play, directing your healthcare and helping you stay on track.

“Our mission is to champion health communities,” said Amy Eldridge, BBA-HCM, Director of Clinical Operations at Cempa. “Providing community members with access to primary healthcare is a key part of that mission. We are committed to offering high-quality care to anyone in our community who needs it.”

Primary Care Services at Cempa
Accessing Cempa’s primary care services is simple. Our Primary Care Clinic is open by appointment Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. 

New patients can make an appointment by calling (423) 265-2273, option 2, and existing patients can call or sign up online. Cempa provides care for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients, using a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.   

When you think about a PCP, you probably think of a doctor. Your PCP may be a physician, but you can also receive primary care services from an advanced care provider, such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. 

At Cempa, we have a full team of providers offering primary care, led by Michael Davis, MD, Medical Director. These providers offer comprehensive healthcare services to both treat medical conditions and prevent them. 

Our primary care services include:

  • Diagnostic testing like bloodwork 
  • Health screenings 
  • Management of chronic health conditions
  • Preventive care
  • Routine checkups
  • Vaccinations
  • Women’s health services

In addition to these services, patients receiving primary care through Cempa also have access to on-site pharmacy services, family planning, and behavioral healthcare. When other services are needed, such as mammograms or other cancer screenings, we can connect you with other resources in the community to get the care you need.

“Primary care services play such an important role in helping each of us stay healthy and well,” Eldridge said. “Knowing that we’re providing our community with access to these vital services and preventive care is an immense source of pride for our Cempa team. We’re here for our community.”

Call (423) 265-2273, option 2, to learn more and schedule a new patient appointment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Take Control of Your Health Today!

Join the Cempa mailing list and stay up to date on important health information and the impact we are making in the community!

Robert Morris

Robert Morris serves as Chief of Staff to the CEO at Cempa Community Care, where he drives organizational alignment, strategic execution, and a mission-driven culture. Since joining Cempa as a Senior Strategic Advisor in June 2025, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future-ready structure, advancing leadership development, and guiding operational transformation. 

Robert brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across healthcare, aerospace and defense, utilities, and nonprofit sectors. His career includes senior roles at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he served as Senior Strategic Advisor, Director of Communications Operations, and Senior Manager of Nuclear Materials, as well as Vice President of Program Management & Supply Chain at AAR Corporation. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for translating strategy into execution, leading large-scale transformations, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures. 

Deeply committed to service, Robert has dedicated his leadership beyond the workplace. He served as Chair of Cempa’s Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025, and has held leadership positions with the American Red Cross, Thrive Alabama, and the City of Huntsville’s Human Relations Commission. He is also a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and currently serves as President-Elect of the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association. 

Morris earned an Executive Bachelor of Business degree from Faulkner University and has completed executive leadership programs with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. 

Guided by his personal whyto approach each day with empathy, curiosity, and purpose, cultivating a culture where genuine belonging fuels excellence and empowers everyone to thrive—Robert lives out the Cempa values as a compass for every decision, action, and interaction. Compassion means meeting people with empathy, seeing them fully as they are. Empowerment provides patients and staff with the tools to thrive and grow. Excellence pushes the organization to raise the bar every day. Integrity calls leaders to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. Unity reminds everyone that Cempa is strongest when it stands together. These values are not slogans—they are lived commitments to the community and to every person Robert encounters.