CommWell Health, a large private nonprofit Community Health Center, was recently awarded a competitive grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand essential healthcare access in Coats, North Carolina. The new site is tentatively planned for 238 East Stewart St. in Coats and will offer integrated primary family medical, dental and remote behavioral services for patients of all ages.

The Coats site was thoughtfully selected to align with the local health needs assessment conducted in collaboration with partner health organizations. CommWell Health of Coats will be located on the eastern edge of Harnett County, where it will serve an estimated 8,569 local Coats and Harnett County residents annually. 

The site will offer convenient access from U.S. 401 and I-40, helping reduce travel barriers and making care more accessible for patients across the region. The site will be a newly built fulltime permanent facility and will help create more than 40 new professional and support positions in Coats and Harnett County. 

“For generations, Coats has been known as a town rooted in community spirit, where neighbors look after one another and partnerships create progress. Welcoming CommWell Health to our community marks an important next step in that story – one that brings expanded access to healthcare while strengthening the local economy,” stated Coats Town Manager Barbara Hollerand in a press release. 

As part of its commitment to community partnerships, CommWell Health will work with the local Coats Chamber of Commerce, Coats Town Manager and other local agencies, to convene a Coats community in-person listening group to ensure residents’ voices are heard and help guide future strategic planning of CommWell Health in Coats. 

Chief Executive Officer of CommWell Health, Pamela Tripp, stated in a press release, “We’re not coming into Harnett County as strangers, we are coming home. As a resident of Harnett County for over 50 years, I have seen the extraordinary growth and the opportunities available in my small rural hometown. I am committed to the success of the county and the communities that make Coats and Harnett County a thriving community.”

CommWell Health will begin offering services soon in a temporary location in Coats, ensuring a seamless integration of services into the community while the new site is under construction.

“We value the strong relationships we have with our patients, healthcare “We value the strong relationships we have with our patients, healthcare organizations, individuals, higher education, faith-based groups, and other community stakeholders,” added Tripp. “We are honored to receive this award and to begin serving the residents of Coats and Harnett County.” 

Additionally, shortly after the announcement of the new location, CommWell Health shared that Pamela M. Tripp, MEd, MSOM, will retire from her role as Chief Executive Officer in July 2026. The CommWell Health board of directors will work to appoint a new CEO before Tripp retires. Following her retirement as CEO, Tripp will continue to support CommWell Health as senior executive advisor, extending her commitment to mission-driven, community-focused healthcare.

Follow CommWell Health on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit www. commwellhealth.org for further updates.