Achieving zero health disparities by promoting equity-centered, trauma-informed care across Missouri.

Health Justice: The Promise of Zero Health Disparities

We know that all communities experience harm from trauma, and those exposed to the trauma of racism are at higher risk of unjust health outcomes. The Community Health Commission of Missouri brings together the Regional Health Commission and Alive & Well Communities to implement a statewide strategy of bringing together cross-sector stakeholders and community members around a common goal of building healthy, healed communities. We believe it is possible to facilitate co-creation between impacted community members and our state’s institutions to change the conditions in our state that lead to early death and to facilitate healing from the trauma of injustice.

Medicaid Expansion

The CHCM and our partners are closely tracking developments around Missouri Medicaid expansion, reporting on current legislation’s potential impacts on health care access, and leading advocacy efforts to improve utilization of services.

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See What We're Working On

See What We’re Working On

Gateway to Better Health

Access to Care Data Book

Chronic Pain Initiative

Health Policy and Advocacy

Advisory Boards

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RHC and Alive and Well Communities Merged Entity Rebrand to be the Community Health Commission of Missouri

On March 16, 2023 the St. Louis Regional Health Commission (RHC) and Alive and Well Communities (AWC) announced an affiliation to advance health equity across the State of Missouri and beyond. On July 17, 2024, the merged entity of the RHC and AWC was renamed to the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM).

CHCM is a Missouri-based organization dedicated to eliminating health disparities by promoting equity-centered, trauma-informed health care. Our mission is to ensure that all community members have access to affordable, available, accommodating and acceptable healthcare and resources, particularly those historically marginalized or underserved.

Gateway to Better Health Impact

$ 0 Annual funding secured to provide primary and specialty care services across the region

0 Number of primary care and dental visits provided over the lifetime of the program

0 Uninsured St. Louis patients served through the Gateway to Better Health Program since 2012

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CHCM Blog

CHCM Updates

A Call to Heal: Advancing Racial Equity for a Healthier Missouri

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025

In celebration of National Racial Healing Day, CHCM CEO Riisa Rawlins reflected on the importance of the holiday and our mission to eliminate health disparities across the state. Please read her reflection below, or click the button to download a copy! From Surviving to Thriving Imagine a Missouri where every child celebrates their first birthday,…

CHCM Updates

Men’s Health Awareness

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

On Nov. 21, the Community Health Commission of Missouri, in partnership with the UMSL Political Science Academy hosted a town hall to discuss men’s health equity and ways to better engage our men in health advocacy for themselves and their community. In the United States, men’s life expectancy has increased over time to 76.4 years…