Centene's Carolina Complete Health Invests $2 Million in Community Housing and Health Improvement
- Centene's Carolina Complete Health invests $2 million in housing initiative, enhancing community health in Winston-Salem.
- The initiative aims to rebuild 244 housing units, focusing on social determinants of health and family well-being.
- Delaware First Health, supported by Centene, offers grants to combat food insecurity and housing instability in communities.
Investment in Community Health: Centene's Commitment to Housing and Well-Being
Carolina Complete Health, a member of the Centene Corporation family, makes headlines with a significant $2 million investment for the Northeast Winston-Salem Choice Neighborhood Initiative, marking a crucial step in enhancing community health. This initiative, which aims to rebuild 244 housing units, is designed to foster a more vibrant and healthy environment for local families. The event, held on March 27, 2026, signifies the commencement of Phases 2 and 3 of the initiative, focusing on the revitalization of the Cleveland Avenue Homes area. This financial commitment allows Carolina Complete Health, in partnership with the Centene Foundation and McCormack Baron Salazar, to provide below-market-rate loans crucial for supporting predevelopment, planning, and community engagement efforts.
Chris E. Paterson, Ph.D., president and CEO of Carolina Complete Health, articulates that this investment is not merely about building homes but also about addressing the critical social determinants of health. By ensuring that North Carolinians have access to quality housing, the initiative aims to significantly enhance the overall well-being of families within the community. This holistic approach reflects an understanding that housing stability, coupled with access to healthcare, lays the groundwork for long-term health, empowerment, and resilience. The partnership between Carolina Complete Health and its collaborators is set to transform the neighborhood, creating a model where health resources and supportive environments coalesce.
Richard Baron, co-founder and chairman of McCormack Baron Salazar, shares the vision for thriving communities, emphasizing the significance of partnerships in achieving these ambitious goals. This collaboration not only strengthens the local infrastructure but also underlines the role that safe and stable housing plays in improving health outcomes. As the initiative rolls forward, stakeholders are optimistic about launching a transformative wave that connects residents to essential health services, ultimately fostering a healthier, more empowered community in Winston-Salem.
In a related initiative, Delaware First Health (DFH), also supported by the Centene Foundation, opens its submission period for grants aimed at community-focused organizations. With a total of $500,000 available for allocation over three years, these grants aim to combat health determinants such as food insecurity and housing instability. Bill Wilson, President and CEO of DFH, highlights that addressing issues of housing insecurity is vital for improving health outcomes, like increasing routine medical appointments, thereby also promoting community well-being.
This concerted effort by Centene's divisions to invest in housing and community health clearly demonstrates a strategic approach to tackle social determinants of health, aiming for a broader positive impact on individuals and families in underserved communities across the nation.