James Austin Health Center

10/29/2026

Things are taking shape at our new Madison Community Health Center! 🔨

Inside, the layout is taking shape. There’s still work ahead, but we’re excited to share this look at the progress so far, with a few before photos and a few updated photos of the work being done.

Every step brings us closer to welcoming patients and bringing compassionate care closer to home for our Madison neighbors.

Follow along here for more photos and updates as the transformation continues! 💙

DON'T FORGET: We're still hiring for our Madison location. To see career opportunities, visit us at https://compassionhealthcare.org/chc-careers/

10/28/2026

Shopping for health insurance? HealthCare.gov has a tool that lets you preview Marketplace plans and estimated prices before you apply.

Here’s how it works:
✅ Enter your ZIP code.
✅ Answer a few questions about your household and estimated income.
✅ See available plans and estimated monthly costs, including potential savings.

You don’t need to create an account just to browse, and looking at plans does not enroll you in coverage. Your final prices and eligibility are determined when you complete an application.

When comparing options, look beyond the monthly payment; deductibles, copays, and coverage for your doctors and prescriptions matter, too.

Explore your options here:
https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans

Share this with someone who’s trying to understand their health insurance options.

Preview Marketplace health plans and price quotes for your area. Official government website.

10/20/2026

A reassuring smile. A listening ear. A helping hand when you need it most.

For Medical Assistant Week, we’re celebrating the Medical Assistants at Compassion Health Care who bring skill, kindness, and compassion to their work every day.

From helping patients feel comfortable to keeping our care teams prepared, your work makes a difference in so many ways.

Thank you for all you do for our patients, our team, and our communities! Help us show our MAs some love in the comments.

09/28/2026

NC Medicaid rules are changing. Some changes affect people who are not U.S. citizens. Some affect adults ages 19 through 64. You may need to act now to keep your Medicaid. Find out what applies to you and what to do next: medicaid.nc.gov/changes

09/23/2026

We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate Mandy Brannock, a 2026-2028 Bernstein Fellow and valued member of the team at Compassion Health Care.

Mandy Brannock is a health care leader with more than 20 years of experience in community health, behavioral health, and social services. As Director of Population Health & Quality Programs at Compassion Health Care, she focuses on improving care quality, patient outcomes, and operations. Her work centers on quality improvement, compliance, access to care, and strengthening systems that support underserved communities. She is passionate about using data and requirements to create practical, lasting improvements that benefit both patients and health care teams. Mandy holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Gardner-Webb University.

Join us in celebrating Mandy and the entire 2026-2028 Bernstein Fellows cohort at the Foundation for Health & Leadership Innovation’s annual event on October 14 from 6-8 pm at the UNC Friday Center. We’ll gather with health leaders from across North Carolina working to build a healthier future for our state. Purchase your tickets at foundationhli.org/bernstein2026

09/08/2026

We're Coming To Madison!

CHC is excited to announce the upcoming opening of Madison Community Health Center at 723 S Ayersville Road in Madison, NC.

We anticipate opening in late November 2026, and we look forward to becoming part of the Madison community and expanding access to healthcare for individuals and families throughout the area.

This new location is made possible by $650,000 in federal funding to expand healthcare access in the Madison community.

There's a lot happening between now and opening day, and we want to bring you along with us! Over the next few months, we'll be sharing updates as MCHC takes shape, introducing our Madison team, providing information about our services, and eventually sharing details about our grand opening.

09/04/2026

This Labor Day, we’re grateful for the people who make our communities such special places to live, work, and care for one another.

In observance of Labor Day, all Compassion Health Care locations will be closed Monday, September 7. We’ll reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

From all of us at Compassion Health Care, we hope you and your family have a safe, restful, and happy Labor Day!

08/24/2026

Congratulations to Mandy Brannock, Director of Population Health and Quality Programs at Compassion Health Care, Inc., on being selected for the 2026 - 2028 Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program!

The Bernstein Fellows Program brings together emerging and established leaders who are working to strengthen the health and well-being of communities across North Carolina.

Mandy's work at Compassion Health Care focuses on improving quality, strengthening population health efforts, and helping us better serve the communities that depend on us. We're proud to see her selected for this opportunity and look forward to seeing what she brings back to CHC through her experience.

Please join us in congratulating Mandy on this well-deserved recognition!

We are thrilled to introduce the 2026–2028 Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows! This exceptional group brings dedication, passion, and commitment to strengthening the communities they serve.

- Alysia Hooper-Thompson, PsyD, LP/HSP-P – Chief of Behavioral Health at High Country Community Health
- Diana Castillo – Director of Programs & Operations at Urban Ministries of Wake County
- Elizabeth Flemming, MA, LCMHC – Director of Population Health and Office of Sponsored Programs at Mountain Area Health Education Center
- Fransine “Frankie” Sanchez, MPH, BCHHP, CHES® – Chronic Disease Prevention Director & NC MDPP Regional Coordinator at Granville Vance Public Health
- Kody Krebs, JD, MSW – Assistant DSS Director at Carteret County Department of Social Services
- Mandy Brannock – Director of Population Health and Quality Programs at Compassion Health Care

Please join us in giving them a warm welcome and stay tuned as we share more about their leadership journeys throughout the Fellowship!

Don’t miss your chance to meet the new Fellows at FHLI’s annual Bernstein Event! Tickets are available here: https://foundationforhealthleadershipinnovation.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F55031

08/15/2026

Worried about the cost of a doctor's visit? You may have options.

Our Sliding Fee Discount Program may help make healthcare more affordable based on your household income and family size, and you may still qualify even if you have health insurance.

We've put together a simple guide explaining how the program works and what you need to know.

Learn more:

08/13/2026

What does it mean to transform rural healthcare?

It starts with listening.

Access to care involves more than having a medical office nearby. Transportation, work schedules, childcare, medication costs, internet access, and the distance to specialists can all affect whether someone can actually receive the care they need.

Our latest story explores why meaningful rural health transformation must be built WITH communities, not simply FOR them.

Meaningful rural health transformation begins by listening to communities, understanding barriers, and building solutions together.