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Cempa Community Care Recognized Among Top 10% of Health Centers Nationwide for Quality, Equity, and Innovation

Cempa joins an elite group of health centers recognized for outstanding clinical outcomes and commitment to equity.

Cempa Community Care has been nationally recognized by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) with multiple Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) awards, placing the organization among the top 10% of health centers across the country for excellence in quality, access, equity, and innovation in providing primary care.

The annual CHQR awards highlight health centers that deliver outstanding clinical outcomes and patient-centered care while advancing equitable access to healthcare services. Cempa’s recognition underscores its leadership in improving the health and wellbeing of the Chattanooga community and beyond.

Cempa was honored with several prestigious distinctions:

Health Center Quality Leader – GOLD Badge

  • One of only four health centers in Tennessee to receive the Gold-level distinction
  • One of just seven Look-Alike* health centers nationwide (out of 198 total) to achieve Gold status
  • Among only 143 health centers in the U.S. (out of 1,463) to receive this recognition
  • Gold status represents the top 10% of health centers nationally for overall quality performance.

National Quality Leader – Behavioral Health and Heart Health

  • Recognized for excellence in depression screening and follow-up, as well as depression remission at 12 months
  • Achieved recognition for meeting or exceeding national Million Hearts® program goals in:
  • Tobacco screening and cessation counseling
  • Statin therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment
  • Antiplatelet therapy for vascular disease
  • Blood pressure control

Community Health Quality Recognitions

  • Improving Access to Care – Acknowledges Cempa’s success in expanding services and reducing barriers so more of its patients can receive timely, high-quality healthcare
  • Advancing Health IT – Honors Cempa’s leadership in leveraging technology to enhance patient care, improve data systems, and strengthen coordination across providers
  • High-Value Care – Recognizes Cempa’s delivery of cost-effective, patient-centered care that improves outcomes while responsibly stewarding healthcare resources

“These awards reflect the dedication of our entire team to providing high-quality, evidence-based, and compassionate care for every patient we serve,” said Dr. Shannon Burger, CEO of Cempa Community Care. “These distinctions are more than just accolades; they are a reflection of Cempa’s unwavering commitment to our mission. We are proud to be recognized as a national model for quality healthcare.”

*As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, Cempa continues to demonstrate that locally rooted organizations can lead the way in advancing both clinical excellence and community health. The CHQR awards build on Cempa’s reputation as a trusted provider, offering integrated services that address medical, behavioral, and social determinants of health.

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Natalie Martin

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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 why—to 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.