ABSTRACT
A typical Southern city challenged by the factors that make it difficult to improve population health would be Memphis, Tennessee. Located on the Mississippi River at the nexus of three states (Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas), Memphis is challenged by poverty, barriers to access, and chronic shortages of primary care. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH) represents the largest system in the metro area (based on licensed hospital beds) and geographic points. MLH has embraced its mission orientation and partnered closely with the faith community through its recently created Congregational Health Network (CHN). Through CHN, health navigators have been created in health communities, and to date, CHN has grown to include over 500 churches in the region.
