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Case Statement

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Photo credit for groundbreaking: Charlie Whitescarver. From Left: Christiansburg Mayor D. Michael Barber. Angela Hill – Montgomery County Administrator. Amy Forsyth-Stephens – Former Executive Director – Free Clinic of the New River Valley, Justin Ward – Board of Directors, Michelle Brauns – CEO, CHCNRV, Tracy Douglas – CEO Virginia Community Healthcare Association, and Hallie Pence – Executive Director, Right Help, Right Now.

Press release text:

For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Michelle Brauns, MS, APR
Chief Executive Officer
215 Roanoke Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
540-381-0820

Community Health Center of the New River Valley Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Facility in Christiansburg

Christiansburg, VA – May 23, 2025 – The Community Health Center of the New River Valley (CHCNRV) officially broke ground on a transformative new medical facility at 135 Akers Farm Road in Christiansburg. The event marked the launch of a long-awaited chapter for the nonprofit health center, which has served the region’s most vulnerable residents for more than 40 years.

More than 150 guests—including staff, supporters, and local, state, and regional leaders—gathered to celebrate a once-in-a-generation investment in community health in the New River Valley. The groundbreaking ceremony opened with remarks from CHCNRV Chief Executive Officer Michelle Brauns, MS, APR, who reflected on the organization’s growth from a volunteer-run clinic in borrowed space to one of the most recognized community health centers in the nation. While CHCNRV has maintained its non-profit roots, it now employs more than 100 staff members and is ranked among the Top 10% of all community health centers.

“Today is a time to reflect with pride at what we have accomplished and to look to the future with excitement and confidence,” said Brauns. “This new facility is an investment in the future of our community.”

Hallie Pence, Director of Right Care, Right Now, attended on behalf of Governor Glenn Youngkin, conveying the administration’s support for expanding access to primary care in underserved communities. Additional remarks were shared by Board Chair Anthony Grafsky, CHCNRV staff, and patient advocates who have directly benefited from the center’s services.

“With this project, we are building for the next generation,” said Grafsky. “This is about continuity of care, expanded capacity, and reaffirming our commitment to those who count on us.”

CHCNRV has experienced extraordinary growth over the past decade, with patient visits increasing by 437% and now totaling more than 27,000 annually. This growth, while a testament to community need and trust, has stretched the limits of the current facility. Staff are scattered across multiple suites in the old motel complex, resulting in inefficiencies and limitations to further programmatic growth.

The new center, designed by Hughes Associate A&E of Roanoke, will unify services, expand access, and create a modern, welcoming environment for both patients and staff. The new 30,000-square-foot facility will replace CHCNRV’s current headquarters on Roanoke Street, a repurposed mid-century motel that has served as the organization’s home since 2002. 

The new center will allow for the hiring of additional physicians, dentists, hygienists, and behavioral health specialists, with projections indicating the ability to serve at least 1,200 additional patients annually. It will also continue CHCNRV’s role as a clinical training site for students from Radford University, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The $13.9 million project is being funded through a combination of sources, including a $1.25 million congressional allocation, federal and state grants, private foundation support and private contributions. The new Center is projected to open in early 2027.

The Community Health Center of the New River Valley is a nonprofit organization providing affordable and high-quality medical, dental, behavioral, and preventive health care services to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay. With locations in Christiansburg, Dublin, Pearisburg, and Pulaski County High School, CHCNRV serves as a critical health access point for thousands of Southwest Virginia residents. For more information, visit www.chcnrv.org or call (540) 381-0820.