Detailed Introduction
Gaston Family Health Services, officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1991, has a rich history rooted in a Gaston County community initiative formed in 1989. This task force, comprising concerned citizens, business leaders, and local officials, aimed to address the critical need for healthcare among the growing uninsured population and reduce reliance on emergency department care for primary needs. Their mission was to provide family healthcare to anyone in need, irrespective of their ability to pay.
Initially opening its doors in 1992, co-located within the Gaston County Health Department building in Gastonia, Gaston Family Health Services has since expanded significantly. In 2020, the organization underwent a comprehensive rebranding and is now known as Kintegra Health. This new brand identity, combining "kin" for family and roots of "integration" and "integrity," reflects their commitment to delivering comprehensive, integrated, whole-person care.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Kintegra Health provides a wide range of services including primary medical care (well and sick care, chronic disease management for children, adults, and seniors), behavioral health counseling, and dental care. They also offer pharmacy and medication assistance programs, interpretation assistance, 24-hour provider availability, and specialty referrals. Their approach emphasizes preventive care, health education, and community engagement.
Kintegra Health operates over 30 practices across 16 counties in North Carolina, demonstrating a wide reach in serving underserved communities. They are committed to providing care without regard to age, gender, race, culture, disability, or the ability to pay. The organization is actively involved in community initiatives, such as the Healthier Highland Collaborative, which works to improve community health through systemic changes, and various programs aimed at connecting residents to vital resources and promoting overall wellness. They are also a significant employer, with over 1,200 staff members dedicated to their mission.