St. Louis, MO. (August 7, 2024) – The St. Louis Regional Health Commission (RHC) is excited to announce its rebranding as the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM). Effective immediately, this new name reflects a broader commitment to promoting health equity throughout the state of Missouri and beyond after merging with Alive & Well Communities (AWC). While the Commission’s name and logo have changed, our commitment to community and systems partnership remains steadfast as we work to ensure health equity for all.
Although CHCM has a 20+ year legacy of advancing healthcare justice, the organization is effectively reinventing itself to address current and future health challenges. As an intermediary convener, CHCM is uniquely positioned to bring together diverse stakeholders—including community members, healthcare providers, and government representatives —to foster innovative healthcare solutions that meet the needs of Missouri’s most vulnerable populations.
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This rebranding marks a pivotal moment for our organization.
“Even with Medicaid expansion, significant health disparities persist across different zip codes in Missouri. CHCM is equipped with the agility and partnerships necessary to act as a catalyst for change, driving collaborative efforts that enhance access to quality healthcare and bridge community and systems priorities.”
Riisa Rawlins, CEO of the Community Health Commission of Missouri
Rawlins brings 25 years of healthcare experience to the CEO position, having most recently served as RHC’s Chief Operations and Strategy Officer.
Founded in 2001 in response to the closure of St. Louis Regional Medical Center, RHC has a rich history of creating systems-level change. Over the past two decades, the Commission has successfully supported numerous initiatives, such as the Prepare STL campaign, a partnership with several entities in St. Louis City and County which played a critical role in reducing COVID-19 rates in North St. Louis City and County by distributing over 50,000 PPE kits and demonstrated an innovative model of community partnership.
CHCM’s new strategic plan emphasizes a collaborative, community – systems approach to healthcare reform, ensuring that solutions are community-driven and inclusive of all stakeholders. This philosophy underscores the Commission’s ongoing commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system throughout Missouri.
“Progress in healthcare can only be realized when we, as an industry, ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. By emphasizing collaboration and creating a forum where all voices can be heard, CHCM has re-energized its commitment to advancing health equity in our region.”
Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the City of St. Louis
With its rebrand, CHCM is expanding its reach beyond St. Louis to include the Kansas City metropolitan area and southeast Missouri. The Commission is renewing its focus on face-to-face community engagement, understanding that solutions to health disparities must be shaped by those who experience them firsthand.
“The science tells us that trauma and toxic stress, including the trauma resulting from systemic racism, lead to poor health outcomes across our state. Our expanded role as an intermediary convener will allow us to address these challenges more effectively, bringing together the voices and expertise needed to improve healthcare equity statewide.”
Dr. Sheila Grigsby, CHCM’s Board Chairwoman
In 2025, as part of our effort to involve community members directly in research, evaluation, and decision-making, CHCM will collaborate with community partners to design and implement studies focused on health concerns affecting the communities we serve. Additionally, CHCM will work with community and systems partners to identify and pilot projects aimed at improving equity in health outcomes.
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About CHCM
The Community Health Commission of Missouri is a forward-thinking intermediary convener and a collaborative effort of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, the state of Missouri, healthcare providers, and community members. With a history of improving the health of uninsured and underinsured citizens, CHCM now focuses on innovative statewide initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of health disparities.