InterFaith Health Ctr expands capacity, resources at new facility

Health care provider for Knoxville’s uninsured working residents to hold ‘Renovation Celebration’

KNOXVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) — InterFaith Health Center is expanding its capabilities with a new state-of-the-art facility scheduled to open in Fall 2025. This expansion will allow the center to add additional services on site and increase patient capacity. The nonprofit provider of comprehensive, affordable care for Knoxville’s working uninsured and underserved will host a “Renovation Celebration” at the future site of its new center on Monday, Sept. 23 at 7005 Middlebrook Pike. The celebration will include a tour of the future facility.

“This is a wonderful opportunity that will enable InterFaith to serve more patients and expand the number of services we currently offer,” said Melissa Knight, executive director of InterFaith Health Center. “With the support of the community, we truly are building a healthier future together.”

What: Renovation Celebration

With remarks from Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Sen. Becky Massey, Sen. Richard Briggs, Rep. Elaine Davis, Tennessee Commissioner of Health Ralph Alvarado and City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon

When: Monday, September 23 at 4 p.m.

Where: 7005 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909

InterFaith currently operates out of four separate buildings. The new 25,000 square-foot facility on Middlebrook will allow all services to exist under one roof. InterFaith expects to double the number of patients served from 2,000 to 4,000 over the next 18-36 months and triple the number of patients to 6,000 within five years.

The new location will allow the center to enhance its mental health services with group therapy, while adding additional therapists and creating a dedicated space for a psychiatrist. Medical exam rooms will nearly double from eight to 15 with dedicated rooms for dermatology, ophthalmology, ultrasound, X-ray and gynecology.

The expansion of dental services from seven to 15 exam rooms plus an onsite dental lab will help accommodate patient demand which has doubled every year since 2021. InterFaith’s new Wellness and Education area will include a food pantry and extended Healthy Lifestyles Kitchen with more space for workforce-development programming and other social services.

The capital campaign in support of the expansion began in November 2023 with a goal of $10 million and has raised more than $7.1 million to date. Funds from the campaign support the purchase, renovation, and equipping of the building as well as expanded services.

About Interfaith Health Center
InterFaith Health Center is a nonprofit organization providing medical, dental, mental health care, prescription assistance and access to specialists for Knoxville’s working uninsured or underserved population. Since its founding in 1991, InterFaith Health Center has served over 29,000 patients in the Greater Knoxville area. For more information visit visit here. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/23/2024-6AM)